Services play a very crucial role in boosting the economy of any developing nation. The use of evolving Innovative technologies in running the hospitality businesses has transformed the Hospitality industry. As innovation always introduces something new into the organization in terms of the way it works, being time effective, ease of doing things, etc. The number of tourists travelling nationally as well as internationally is increasing each year. Research conducted on the demands and psychology of guests has brought in several new trends e.g. of innovation in Hospitality Sector, Guests filter hotels by location, price, and proximity to the airport & other factors. The objective behind this research is to explore the merits and few de-merits of innovation in the Hospitality Sector & how to make the best use of this in upgrading the Hospitality Sector.
Hospitality Industry in synchronisation with modern technology for the best user experience and hassle-free operations.
The travel and hospitality industry is no longer run using traditional methods anymore. travel and hospitality business owners have long been automating their processes to improve productivity and customer satisfaction. The outcome has been a massive improvement in efficiency in service delivery across the world and a more standardized way of dealing with clients. Technology has helped tourism and hospitality industries replace expensive human labour with technological labour. This helps reduce labour costs but also helps avoid customer service issues.
A “new type” of traveller is emerging.
The traveller is interested in the global and regional products to satisfy their different needs such as personal socialization, thrilling emotional experiences, entertainment, hobbies and interests. To achieve his/her goal, the hospitality industry must use more and more advanced technical tools. These technology advanced tools like mobile applications, websites etc help him to travel and spend his vacations more efficiently.
Technologies play an important part not only for the customers but for the owners of hotels also. They tend to use them for 2 main reasons. First, through technologies the managers are obtaining detailed data concerning their consumer behaviour and second, they provide better and more personalized accommodation and services for their clients. Identifying patterns of current and potential customers and servicing their needs is one way that organizations are attempting to use information as a leverage tool against competitors the volume of data available to companies and its accessibility will grow rapidly with advances in smart technology on smartphones, wearables and the Internet of Things. Combined with artificial intelligence, travel brands will be able to deliver greater personalization to consumers, at greater speed. Hotel managers these days obtain customer data through the main internet reservation platforms, social media sites, and personal sites. They can also use technologies such as tablets, smartphones and other devices to obtain information from the tourists by asking them to fill in questionnaires on the spot.
Hotels are focusing on improving their online availability and marketing strategies to respond to changing traveller demands. An increasing number of hotels are implementing technological innovations and mobile applications, which have the potential to enhance the guest experience when staying in the hotel. These tools can be introduced in various forms and places in the hotel. They can be seen and used by the guest in every state of their stay. Technologies in the hospitality industry can include a large variety of personalized services.
Leads to automation
More businesses have turned to automation to improve production and service delivery with little to no human participation. Everything from organization, coordination and communication can be and is automated across businesses in the travel and hospitality industry. Customers can reach out to hotels or travel agencies anytime, night or day and there will always be someone to attend to their needs. Systems that facilitate self-service are available and easy to use. Reservations can easily be made without human interaction. This has reduced cost and labour for the businesses while improving customer service delivery. The implementation of innovations and technologies began with keyless entry in 2015 and has progressed to 7 wearables Applications that have easy, faster & smart options for entering rooms, controlling lights, controlling Smart TV in the room, ordering food, securing & accessing the safety locker in a better way. Many hoteliers rely on the internet and mobile technologies. The newest trend is room alterations through different means like Custom coffee machines which can make coffee at any time, Digital mirrors, trendy mini-bars, Smart floor tiles which can change colours, remote control for services such as blinds, smart alarm clocks, etc.
Guest experience
Innovation will enable hotel operators to stand out from the
Competition, fulfil every guest’s expectation and attract new custom. A positive experience will not only impact a guest’s stay but will also attract other customers.
To fulfil this Managers should try to make an improvement in the areas of sales, guest satisfaction, service quality, and productivity by implementing new & advanced technology using innovative ideas like Technology to improve efficiencies, Online bookings and reservations, the robotics trend in hotels etc.
Having identified that the experience is what will set hotel companies apart, innovators are more likely to feel pressure to keep pace with the digital technologies. Staff can use automated systems to execute certain tasks like laundry, cleaning, and even cooking. Automatically saved customer information helps them cater to the needs of specific customers ensuring they get the best and most satisfactory services. Also, people like the idea of being able to check-in by themselves without having to encounter so many people to do so. Digital platforms are now available in airports, restaurants, and even hotels, that enable people to have an easy and contactless experience as they use their services. The convenience of these systems makes it so much easier to enjoy themselves.
Conclusion
The role that technologies play in hospitality services is constantly changing & evolving. Customers are getting more and more used to planning & spending their vacations with the help of new technologies. Hotel managers are also implementing them in various creative ways to attract more tourists, gather data and improve their services. Technologies, if used right, can make travel & Tourism even more comfortable, unique & interesting.
