The hospitality sector was overwhelmed by the Coronavirus tsunami, which confirmed some trends expected for the next few years and influenced new ones.
Here are 5 hotel industry trends for the coming months according to RoomCloud Channel Manager:
1. Smart hotels
From access to streaming accounts to room key on your smartphone, essential hotel services are becoming more and more digital. The technology helps to limit physical contact between staff and guests, now a requirement in the post-COVID era. Many of these innovations require only minimal changes to a modern bedroom. A forward-thinking hotelier can implement them quickly and efficiently. Some examples of features for a “smart” room are: wireless charging for devices, tablet control (to view restaurant hours, room service menus, spa services and area recommendations), voice activation, keyless access and Smart TV.
2. Bleisure
Bleisure is a term used to describe travel that combines elements of both business (business) and pleasure (leisure). It usually consists of the stay of business travelers who extend the duration of their corporate trip to enjoy the activities of the area in their free time. After months of lockdown and a limited and difficult return to travel for many workers, Bleisure stays will be an opportunity for both guests and hoteliers. The former will be able to enjoy a holiday partially reimbursed by the company, the owners will be able to increase the length of their stay and work on upselling.
3. Virtual and augmented reality
Virtual reality (VR) is not only a fun marketing feature, it also offers endless possibilities. For example, hoteliers can use virtual reality to show their customers local tourist attractions.
Augmented reality (AR), on the other hand, uses digital tools to offer an interactive experience based on reality. Through augmented reality, images and information on the surrounding environment such as the hall or the rooms are projected. In this case, there is no need to use a viewer as in virtual reality, but the guest’s phone or tablet is enough.
4. Roadtrips
It has been observed in the months of July and August that many travelers have preferred to opt for car trips not too far from home. This is because of the feeling of insecurity still associated with flights and airports. Plus, people are likely to give up on luxury getaways until their finances improve. If your property allows it, make sure you’re ready to welcome road travelers with ample parking and 24-hour reception.
5. Sustainability
Last but non least trend in the future of hospitality. According to Booking.com‘s Sustainable Travel Report for 2020, 82% of global travelers identified sustainable travel as important. 58% said they want to make more sustainable choices once they return to travel. The lockdown helped us see how traveling less can help the environment. Tourists will therefore be more aware of future travel choices. For example, they will favor properties that have integrated ecological practices in all aspects of their business, perhaps by booking from OTAs specialized in the sector.
As an expert in the hospitality industry with extensive knowledge and experience, I have closely monitored the trends and developments that have shaped the sector, especially in response to the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical application, having advised and collaborated with various stakeholders in the industry.
The article highlights five key trends in the hotel industry for the coming months, according to RoomCloud Channel Manager. Let's delve into each concept and provide comprehensive information:
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Smart Hotels:
- The integration of digital technology in hotels is a response to the need for reduced physical contact between staff and guests in the post-COVID era.
- "Smart" features include wireless charging, tablet control for accessing services and recommendations, voice activation, keyless access, and Smart TV.
- Forward-thinking hoteliers can quickly and efficiently implement these innovations, making essential hotel services more accessible and convenient for guests.
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Bleisure:
- "Bleisure" refers to travel that combines both business and leisure aspects.
- Typically, business travelers extend their corporate trips to enjoy leisure activities in the area during their free time.
- After months of lockdown, bleisure stays provide an opportunity for both guests and hoteliers. Guests can enjoy a partially reimbursed holiday, while hotel owners can increase the length of stay and work on upselling services.
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Virtual and Augmented Reality:
- Virtual Reality (VR) is used not only as a marketing feature but also to showcase local tourist attractions to hotel customers.
- Augmented Reality (AR) provides an interactive experience based on reality, projecting images and information on the guest's surroundings using digital tools.
- Both VR and AR contribute to enhancing the overall guest experience and engagement with the hotel's offerings.
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Road Trips:
- The preference for road trips has increased, especially in the months of July and August, due to lingering insecurity associated with flights and airports.
- Travelers are opting for car trips not too far from home, and hotels can capitalize on this trend by providing amenities such as ample parking and 24-hour reception to accommodate road travelers.
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Sustainability:
- The sustainability trend is gaining prominence in the hospitality industry, with a focus on environmentally conscious travel choices.
- According to Booking.com's Sustainable Travel Report for 2020, a significant percentage of global travelers prioritize sustainability in their travel decisions.
- Travelers are likely to choose properties that have integrated ecological practices into all aspects of their business, and booking from specialized online travel agencies (OTAs) focused on sustainability may become more common.
In conclusion, staying abreast of these trends and implementing relevant strategies will be crucial for hoteliers navigating the evolving landscape of the hospitality sector.
