5 Innovations that are Reshaping the Hospitality Industry

By: Emma Miller

The business world, as well as every industry in the world, is undergoing a massive change in the wake of the technological revolution.

With innovative technologies weaving themselves into all areas of contemporary human existence, the hospitality industry is not exempt from this steady change towards higher efficiency and elevated long-term productivity.

From increasing guest satisfaction across the board, to boosting brand-to-guest communication, expediting menial as well as crucial processes within the company, all the way to optimizing payroll expenses, modern technological advancements are set to reshape the hospitality industry as a whole. Here are the five things you need to keep track of in order to grow with the change and build a business for the future.

The Integration of AI Assistance and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of every industry in the world, including healthcare, construction and manufacturing, automotive, hospitality, and many more. In the hospitality realm, the role of artificial intelligence is twofold: customer-to-staff interaction, and internal staff efficiency. On one hand, guests will be able to enjoy a higher level of service by utilizing the built-in hands-free technology in their rooms. They can use this technology, such as a smart speaker, to control their surroundings, obtain information from the internet, and even place orders with your staff.

On the other hand, AI and machine learning software can be used to simplify, automate, and expedite a myriad of menial and repetitive processes in the company. From taking orders to managing shipments and creating comprehensive reports, you can use the technology to drive efficiency and productivity while alleviating the pressure off of your employees.

Augmented Reality as the Way of the Future

Augmented reality is still in its infancy, and the years to come will reveal its true potential, but that doesn’t mean that the hospitality industry is not slowly incorporating the technology into its daily processes. In fact, incorporating AR technology early can help your business improve efficiency and cut needless resource expenditure.

For example, you can use augmented reality to create augmented hotel environments and give your staff members the interactive tools they need to manage guests and their requests efficiently. The technology is even applicable in rooms where you can place maps that show additional information when the guests points a smartphone at them. AR integration can even aid security and allow guests to unlock their rooms with their smartphones and other smart devices.

Outsourcing is Increasing Rapidly

In a technologically-advanced world where geographical borders and distances present no obstacle to instantaneous and seamless communication, there is no reason not to outsource certain processes. A hospitality business, although in need to keep the majority of its staff on deck, can significantly increase productivity, cut operational expenses, and optimize payroll by doing the same.

For example, outsourcing crucial tasks such as hospitality accounting to industry professionals will allow you to free up room for other staff members and departments, reduce clutter, and focus on the daily tasks of running a well-functioning business. Following this mindset, you can achieve greater efficiency and productivity by finding tasks and processes you can outsource from your main location. Outsourcing will also allow you to reduce the expenses associated with keeping more professional staff on fulltime.

Biometric Technology for Increased Security and Efficiency

Biometric technology has made a significant leap in recent years towards improved security and efficiency, and nowadays it is slowly becoming an integral part of the hospitality industry on all fronts. Internally, biometrics can help hotel and restaurant managers improve security processes through fingerprint ID and face recognition, as well as implement complex payment processing systems that require elevated levels of protection against fraud.

On the consumer end of the spectrum, innovation in biometric technology will allow guests to purchase products and services via biometric authentication the likes of face recognition or fingerprint. This kind of seamless efficiency has numerous uses in the industry, such as the ability to leave a restaurant or check out of a room without having to wait for the bill or having to conduct transactions with your employees.

Using Hotel Technology Instead of Personal Gadgets

In a tech-driven world, hotels and restaurants are increasingly becoming tech-free, at least where the consumer is concerned. By incentivizing the guests to part with their personal tech and smart gadgets during their stay, you will be promoting a tech-free culture and a more intimate holiday experience, but more importantly, you will inspire your guests to rely on the technology provided by your hotel.

This will help you immerse your guests into the experience, allow them to truly enjoy their stay, but still retain a healthy connection to modern technology and efficiently utilize every service your staff and business have to offer. It’s an innovative trend that aims to alleviate the stress and pressure of the modern lifestyle off of your guests’ shoulders, and it works.

The hospitality industry is not immune to change, and business leaders that want to future-proof their businesses need to implement innovative practices in order to stay ahead of the game. With these five innovations in mind, you can pave the road to long-term success and build a business for the future.

By Emma Miller