Hospitality businesses are getting used to the new normal, adopting new ways to deliver services and keeping human interactions at minimum. The keywords for hoteliers right now are, “health safety.”
US hoteliers are quickly noticing the massive benefits of automation and digitization to assist guests during the hospitality experience. Mobility tools, robots, tablets, smart rooms, and self service features are now becoming common amenities in even medium sized boutique hotels.
A recent survey of 700 travelers by leading tech-giant Criton reveals that 80% of surveyed travelers will consider using a mobile app to check-in & out, and get all information about their hotel. The survey also revealed a 10% increase in hotel smartphone app users compared to March 2020. A resounding 92% of travelers will consider using contactless technology to check in & out.
Instead of delivering ‘seamless experiences’, US hoteliers must deliver seamless contactless experiences. The threat of COVID19 transmission requires a “no human contact” experience to protect both the travelers and the hotel. Hotel managers are redesigning the guest journey to eliminate all human interactions from their service design.
Hoteliers are now responsible with multiple liabilities that include guest health safety, staff health safety, enhanced hotel hygiene maintenance and many more. Managing the experience of multiple guests in addition to these liabilities is in fact a complex process. This is where technology & automation can play a detrimental role in delivering fantastic hospitality experiences amid COVID19.
Mobile technology has already demonstrated in real life examples how effective it can be to keep both guests and staff safe. Mobile apps have already led the way for AI integration into hospitality to ensure better back end operations, and outstanding guest experiences.
The Marriott BonVoy app has been a notable success story in aligning the entire guest experience into a smartphone app. From managing bookings to opening room doors, the BonVoy app is agent, concierge, and tour guide for the Marriott guest.
Robots have already been predicted to be a gamechanger in hospitality, well before the coronavirus pandemic began. Dr Tracy Xu’s remarkable research study “Could hotel service robots help the hospitality industry after COVID-19?” explores the efficiencies this technology brings for hotels post-COVID19.
In addition to their efficiencies hotel franchises like aLoft, Marriott, Sheraton, Xotels and many others are deploying robots to assist guests with check-in, luggage, room service, and information. Consider the aLoft room service robot “botlr” assuring social distancing & health safety in selected hotels:
Mobile room key technology is a highly demanded innovation in United states hospitality these days. Due to its simplicity and cost-efficiency, hoteliers including small and medium sized hotels are particularly interested in this renovation. The Criton research also identified that a larger percentage of travelers will now choose to open room doors through mobile apps.
Conclusion
Technology is now a necessity for US hoteliers given the severity of infection levels, and recovery still to come. Contactless hospitality will make room for safer guest stays while keeping staff safely connected to the process too.
Get in touch with an AHT Inc. technology consultant now to discuss technology integration at your hotel. Our end to end technology management solutions bring together almost 3 decades of hospitality excellence from the likes of Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Choice Hotels, Tetherow Resorts, aLoft hotels, and many others.
Advanced Hospitality Technologies is a leader in Hospitality Technologies. We have an award winning benchmark for providing affordable, reliable and most advanced hospitality Technology Solutions.
