Helping the Global Hotel Industry Revive in 202: Role of Technology

Aditya has been associated with Hotelogix for over 11 years now, prior to which he has handled key responsibilities across Informatica, ABO Software and vCustomer.

Just like the sun rises at the start of a fresh day, the global tourism and hospitality sector has now opened doors for the new normal of travel in 2022. In the hotel industry, this resumption is being enabled by cutting-edge technology integrations. Digitizing the routine hotel operations, reducing touch points, automation of property management functions, marketing, and even housekeeping automation are some of the steps that hotels are taking to ensure they are ready for 2022. The solution providers are also supporting the cause by using the best available tech such as AI, IoT, Data analytics and machine learning. The vision of the hospitality tech sector is to create futuristic, automated and cost-effective solutions that benefit the entire ecosystem. With most countries resuming travel, airlines are running full, and whether it is domestic or international tourism, the footfall is steadily on the rise. Anticipating a heavy footfall, here are some of the ways in which hotels are aiming to redefine the customer experience through tech in the coming times.

Contactless Operations:Instilling customer confidence is of utmost essence to draw guests. Adherence to social distancing and hygiene measures is enabling hotels to assure guests of a safe and healthy environment to relax in. Even regulations in most countries demand adherence to protocols. This is where tech such as sensor based doors, taps & soap dispensers, voice activated lifts, facial recognition based attendance system for the staff, and digital assistants to manage air conditioning, lighting & entertainment are being deployed to eliminate touch. In leading hotel chains, robotic vacuum cleaners and automated AI helpdesks are also becoming a norm.

Smartphone Apps: Smartphone apps are now being used for almost every need. Leading travel operators and hotels have introduced app based services such as booking to making payments, check-ins, transportation,

concierge services, F& B menus, and room access.

Data Access:With everything going digital, it is natural that guests need access to high speed internet to enable them to work and communicate remotely and also use various hotel services smoothly. Routine tasks such as check-ins, checkouts and payments need internet access. In fact, a hotel that doesn't have highspeed connectivity for the guests often fails to get good reviews.

Delivering seamless and prompt guest experience right from the initial query to checkout depends upon integration of various services with the pms

Cloud-based Property Management:Efficiency and optimization of all available resources has become imperative for hotels now. Delivering seamless and prompt guest experience right from the initial query to checkout depends upon integration of various services with the PMS. This is where deploying a cloud PMS enables hotels to reduce human touchbut increases human trust.

Omni Channel Presence: The path to excellence in 2022 would be paved by greater revenue generation. Hotel chains are now using best-in-class cloud PMS to automate their inventory management and pricing activities dynamically. Optimized booking processes, multiplatform inventory visibility and sales insights are all being enabled by tech.

Online Administration:Using cloud based hotel administration enables service providers to automate reservation system, inventory management, staff training and other such functions with integrated analytics to generate insights for well informed decision making.

The hotel industry has undergone an incredible tech transition as a part of preparedness for the upcoming tourist rush in 2002. This is where the global integration of digital PMS based in cloud has enhanced capabilities and operational adaptability for the brands. The leading PMS solution providers ensure that there are dedicated 24x7 engineering support teams available to help their client hotels in preventing downtime due to technical issues. With technology making it possible for a guest to enjoy a touchless experience throughout the stay, the hospitality sector is now setting new benchmarks of efficiency and digitization. With the crowds returning to the arena, the stage is set for a grand experience in 2022 and beyond!