As 2017 heads to a close, Jumia Travel takes a keen look at emerging and growing hotel technologies that will shape the new year.
Voice Adaptation, anyone home?
Voice is no doubt an ongoing craze across various industries; think of Siri, Alexa, Cortana and the rest. The little complications of accents, privacy and communication barriers notwithstanding, incorporation of voice-focused devices in hotels will ease operations as guests can get hands-free answers to their queries without reaching for the phone.
Virtual Reality; seeing is believing!
Think innovation and inspiration, VR can have an endless list of possibilities. On top of providing “real time” entertainment and insight, VR can be incorporated in marketing concepts to woo potential guests with real recordings of the hotel and destination. Hotels are also adapting VR as part of in-room entertainment through creating experiences that respond to guest needs, for instance, Best Western North America has created 3360-degree photos for it’s properties using Google’s Street View technology. On the other hand, Marriott Hotels & Resorts offers their guests Vroom Service on request for, thereby upscaling their in-room experience.
Artificial Intelligence, think “Connie” of The Hilton
The Chatbot and the robots are in to stay, perhaps a god-send to customer service crisis that stakeholders in the hospitality industry are all so familiar with. On top of easing operations, AI comes with the advantage of data gathering, compilation and analysis, thereby providing almost error-free customer insight. Bearing in mind that human interaction is an integral part of the service industry, the big question developers will probably be grappling with is where to draw the line.
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Upscale Conferencing Facilities
The MICE industry is a big deal right now, generating over $30 billion globally per annum. For hosting, catering and accommodation purposes, the hotel sector plays a vital role in the growth and sustenance of meetings, incentives and conferencing activities. Basics include power backup system, high density WI-FI, AV, up to date display technology and furniture. A keen look on location’s proximity to attractions, interaction with nature on issues such as energy conservation will take lead in this frontier.
Mobile Apps in the Hospitality Sector
The hotel sector is fluid and mobile, in a period where everything is possibly at a hand’s reach. To create a seamless process between different faculties that include reservation, check-in, concierge, room service and much more. This can be developed as a one-off download for loyal customers or customized for guests as they check in. On top of the functional front, apps can also play a significant role in driving reviews and bolstering ancillary revenues through making the products readily accessible.
