The Future of Tourism Technology
Travel in a post-COVID-19 world
Travelers these days have had to cancel or reschedule their trips under both the CDC’s recommendation that travelers avoid all nonessential travel and the stay-at-home orders enacted in the majority of states, cities and counties. With travel at an all-time low, it begs the question: what does the future hold for the hotel industry? While there are thousands of hotels joining the initiative of helping those on the front lines in this fight against the coronavirus pandemic, many hotels look to the future of travel in a post-coronavirus world, starting with ways to implement smart technology. Smart technology provides the opportunity of collecting data before, during and after a guests’ stay, making it easier for a hotel to provide better service with the possibility of less person-to-person contact. Below are a few ways hotels might use smart technology to help prevent future virus outbreaks.
Eccleston Square Pimlico London, England provides high-tech conveniences like having a personalized iPad and smartphone available for use inside and outside the hotel. | Source
Remote Check-In/Check-Out
The ability for guests to check-in remotely through their mobile device allows the hotel to better predict and manage their staffing needs, as well as prevent any unnecessary person-to-person contact. At the end of the trip, guests can enjoy an easy self-check-out experience, again limiting human interaction.
Mobile Room Keys
There are many incentives to offering guests mobile room keys using their smartphone besides limiting human contact: it’s eco-friendly, cost-saving, and hassle-free by eliminating the key card inventory (plus, no lost card or damage fees for guests!).
Smart Guest Experiences
Smart technology is increasing in the average home, which means we can expect to see technology further shape guest experiences and expectations during future travel, including virtual assistance, digital streaming (Netflix, Disney+, etc.), and one-touch temperature, lighting and window treatment adjustments through a smartphone app. Data collected can be used to help improve guest needs, automate guest interactions, and improve labor costs.
Smart Room Service
Smart room service allows the hotel to drive menu notifications to smartphones at peak times. Similar to Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates, these notifications can make suggestions based on previous guests’ orders, further personalizing the guests’ overall experience.
An example of what elements of a hotel room could be controlled via smartphone app in the future. | Source
A Hotel Business survey shows 90% of people will continue to travel when stay-at-home orders are lifted and it is safe to do so again. Travel will remain an important part of our lives in the future because it is a necessity and a privilege. This difficult situation has shown us that we are very fortunate in our ability to travel just about anywhere, but demonstrates that we need to take precautionary measures to prevent future outbreaks. For that reason, smart technology can make it possible for hotels to better personalize guest experiences and provide better safety measures for each individual guest.