From family vacations to romantic staycations, from short business trips to elaborate destination weddings – the demand for hotels is varied and fierce and so is the competition. Hotels are constantly upgrading their amenities and service to keep up with the fast-changing trends of the hospitality industry. An increasing number of accommodation providers are choosing to incorporate smart technology in their business practices in the hopes of it becoming an added attraction. Yet, traditionalists fear that modern technology will be the end of meaningful interactions with guests. But is that really so? Let’s explore.
Smart Technology: Enables or Disabled?
A common misconception is that smart technology replaces the human workforce. However, the fact is that smart tech isn’t a supplement or replacement for the human workforce but rather it’s designed to be complementary to the human staff. The incorporation of smart tech has proven to increase the efficiency of the businesses across industries but that doesn’t necessarily imply that it ends up compromising on the human values.
When it comes to the hospitality industry in particular, concerns about decreased guest interaction should be laid to rest as smart tech, in fact, enables it. In fact, did you know that 90% of Positive Reviews stem from a good check-in?.
The one thing that matters the most to any guest is their time! The application of efficiency-increasing smart tech in check-in process directly results in time savings for the guest which in turn raises their happiness quotient. A happier guest is not only easier to interact with, but more likely to respond positively during and after guest interaction (that means more positive reviews!)
Smart tech also allows you to get the necessary information exchange and verification process out of the way – creating time and space for real, meaningful human exchange with your guests.
Here are some technologies that are improving the world of hospitality both for guests and staff and not “replacing” staff.
- Better Operations: For example, Property Managers Systems or Channel Manager systems.
- Better Guest Experience: For example, an online check-in software to offer more flexibility.
Impact of Technology on Guest Experience
Fueled by the constantly evolving technology and social media trends, the expectations of customers are also growing exponentially. Hotel amenities that were traditionally regarded as luxurious ad-on are now considered basic necessities. Accommodation providers must have a unique selling point that’s well defined and well marketed. Young travellers nowadays are seeking stays that aren’t just a ‘service’ but a whole experience in itself – and modern, smart technology is a key ingredient in elevating that experience.
Smart technology promises to deliver comfort to your customers and cost-savings to you and convenience all around! An investment in upgrading your hotel’s technology is an investment in upgrading your guest’s experience.
Making the Switch
Are you thinking of making the switch? You’re on the right track!
There are plenty of ways to incorporate smart technology into your hospitality business. Online bookings, virtual tours, automated check-ins and check-outs, keyless entries, tech-controlled rooms, and on-arrival services. Apart from time and cost-saving tech, accommodation providers should also consider implementing energy-saving tech (which in turn becomes a cost-saving tech!). It is also worth noting that technology is applicable to not just the front end of your business but extremely useful in the back end as well – from hotel & employee management to reporting & analysis – you can use technology to change the face of your business.
The Guest Experience, it’s a delicate balance between Employees, Time and Opportunity. Tech can help create a good balance.
With a myriad of tech applications available for your business, you can design a truly personalized experience for your guest – one that sets apart your accommodation from the fierce competition out there and lets you interact with your customers in a manner that’s more personal than ever before!
Watch this demo session made by a hospitality check-in automation expert: Link here
