5 Hotel Trends Modernizing the Hospitality Industry
The hotel industry has been rapidly evolving to keep up with the changing demands of modern travelers. With the emergence of the gig economy and a new generation of workers, hotels are adopting innovative strategies to meet the needs of both guests and employees. In this blog, we will explore the top 5 hotel trends that are modernizing the industry.
Sustainability
The hospitality industry is becoming more environmentally conscious, with hotels adopting sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes everything from energy-efficient lighting and water conservation measures to eco-friendly cleaning products and locally sourced, organic food. Some hotels even offer incentives for guests that participate in more sustainable practices, such as offering free breakfast or hotel points for reusing towels during their stay. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also appeal to guests who are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly options. Practices like using local food suppliers are marketable to tourists and benefit the local community as well.
Flexible Workforce
The gig economy is having a significant impact on the hotel industry, with hotels utilizing on-demand staffing platforms like Gigpro to meet their staffing needs. Gigpro allows hotels to quickly and efficiently fill staffing gaps, without having to rely on expensive and unreliable staffing agencies. Events and peak tourism seasons may call for additional staff that is not needed year-round. Gigpro allows hotels to plan more efficiently for hiring needs and ensure that full-time employees have a backup when they need to take time off. The flexibility of gig work appeals to a new generation of workers who value autonomy and work-life balance. Gig work also provides an opportunity for workers to gain diverse experiences, which can lead to career growth and advancement.
Smart Technology
Technology has transformed the way hotels operate, providing guests with a more efficient and convenient experience. One of the primary ways that hotels are utilizing smart technology is through mobile check-in and keyless entry systems, which enables guests to bypass the front desk entirely and enter their rooms with just their smartphones. Additionally, hotels are using smart room controls, such as lighting and temperature, to enhance guest comfort and reduce energy consumption. Some hotels even use voice-activated assistants like Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Google Home to allow guests to control various aspects of their rooms through voice commands. The use of smart technology in hotels not only enhances the guest experience but also provides operational efficiencies and cost savings for hotel operators.
Personalization
A personalized experience can be the driver behind why a guest returns to the same hotel. Hotels can utilize technology to gather data and offer a more customized guest experience. By analyzing data, hotels can gain insight into guest preferences and tailor their services accordingly. This can include everything from a customized welcome message and in-room amenities to curated local experiences and restaurant recommendations based on a guest’s interests and experiences. By knowing a guest’s special dates, like a birthday and anniversary, it is possible to curate deals and content to send out before these occasions when they may be more likely to plan a trip. Even a gesture as small as a handwritten note will help a hotel stand out with guests.
Photo Opportunities
The youngest generation of hotel guests wants a visual experience that they can share on social media. Some hotels already have a leg up with beautiful views and a carefully curated design in every room. When guests post photos and tag the hotel in their posts, you are gaining free visibility from their social media following. Even for hotels that are not a destination, there are opportunities for photography. While there might not be a glamorous lobby, there are still ways to enhance the aesthetic of your hotel. Lighting, themed spaces, and beautifully served food can encourage guests to take photos. Creating a space specifically for these photos is a great way to ensure your hotel’s name and branding are included.
Embracing Change
Hotels everywhere are embracing significant technological changes to adapt to the evolving needs of modern travelers. While some of these changes may need to be implemented gradually, there are others that you can enact right away. Using a staffing app like Gigpro can provide an immediate positive benefit to understaffed hotels. It can also help to attract the youngest generation of hospitality workers who look for jobs in more untraditional ways. Personalization is another practice that can be utilized without much extra cost. The magic of a handwritten note can make a guest feel seen and welcomed.
By embracing these trends, hotels can continue to provide guests with exceptional experiences while remaining operationally efficient and cost-effective.
