Tech and travel continue to evolve.A new report from travel and technology firm Sabre Labs explores the tech poised to have the most profound effect on travel over the course of the next decade.Amongst those that most directly impact the hospitality industry, noted megatrends include;
- Automation
- Authenticity
- Blockchain usage
Here’s a breakdown of the hospitality-relevant technologies to watch.
Automation
Automation has helped industry become more efficient for years Artificial Intelligence and other emerging automated tech is taking efficiency to the next level, with new applications across the hospitality industry discovered daily.Like many emerging technologies, this is one to watch, rather than shoehorn into the next budget cycle. Travelers are ready for the "smart room" that includes voice assistance and special electronic connectivity. Read our recent piece introducing Alexa for Hospitality here.Business travelers, in particular, have indicated they'd welcome more automation, according to the report, and properties with business clientele are encouraged to leverage that most powerful of research tools – guest feedback – to pinpoint which automation advancements are most sought after.Again, hoteliers are advised to thoroughly evaluate the total cost of any new automation tools, along with exactly where and how they can be applied to enhance the guest experience and grown revenue for ownership.
Authenticity
Authenticity, in travel, translates to a desire for trusted, reliable accommodations balanced with a more personal connection with people and places.Amid a sea of fake content and reviews, trusted brands and safe spaces offer the luxury of mental rest and time off from constant skepticism.Novelty can't be overvalued. Both business and leisure travelers are actively seeking unique experiences in the guest experience, from design, to art, to cuisine, to excursions. One of the primary reasons the Airbnbs of the world are competitive is because they service travelers in a more informal manner. Many resorts showcase aspects of regional art and local culture in their architecture and décor. Boutique hotels, in particular, have excelled in this, and have an opportunity to continue to do so without massive investments in new hardware or technology.Sure, robots can deliver room service orders, but AI will not replace the team member who engages travelers, asks them about their day, aids them with insight and suggestions. Automation will help the concierge team efficiently execute a guest's request for event tickets, but it takes humanity to understand the outing is part of a special occasion, suggest an adjacent space for post-event drinks, and send flowers to the room on the special night.
Blockchain
More than just a buzzword, this new data storage technology will likely be a game changer across multiple industries, including hospitality.Blockchain is a shared data storage concept that helps separate businesses record and share information with each other. As it pertains to hospitality, think about a universal traveler profile, outlining stay preferences and financial dataAs the technology becomes increasingly adopted, however, hotel teams are cautioned to be selective with whom they choose to partner and share information. The report recommends that hotel teams designate a staff member involved with technology to follow the development of the blockchain process as the technology evolves.Click here for the full Emerging Technology in Travel Report from Sabre Labs.
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Tech and travel continue to evolve.A new report from travel and technology firm Sabre Labs explores the tech poised to have the most profound effect on travel over the course of the next decade.Amongst those that most directly impact the hospitality industry, noted megatrends include;
- Automation
- Authenticity
- Blockchain usage
Here’s a breakdown of the hospitality-relevant technologies to watch.
Automation
Automation has helped industry become more efficient for years Artificial Intelligence and other emerging automated tech is taking efficiency to the next level, with new applications across the hospitality industry discovered daily.Like many emerging technologies, this is one to watch, rather than shoehorn into the next budget cycle. Travelers are ready for the "smart room" that includes voice assistance and special electronic connectivity. Read our recent piece introducing Alexa for Hospitality here.Business travelers, in particular, have indicated they'd welcome more automation, according to the report, and properties with business clientele are encouraged to leverage that most powerful of research tools – guest feedback – to pinpoint which automation advancements are most sought after.Again, hoteliers are advised to thoroughly evaluate the total cost of any new automation tools, along with exactly where and how they can be applied to enhance the guest experience and grown revenue for ownership.
Authenticity
Authenticity, in travel, translates to a desire for trusted, reliable accommodations balanced with a more personal connection with people and places.Amid a sea of fake content and reviews, trusted brands and safe spaces offer the luxury of mental rest and time off from constant skepticism.Novelty can't be overvalued. Both business and leisure travelers are actively seeking unique experiences in the guest experience, from design, to art, to cuisine, to excursions. One of the primary reasons the Airbnbs of the world are competitive is because they service travelers in a more informal manner. Many resorts showcase aspects of regional art and local culture in their architecture and décor. Boutique hotels, in particular, have excelled in this, and have an opportunity to continue to do so without massive investments in new hardware or technology.Sure, robots can deliver room service orders, but AI will not replace the team member who engages travelers, asks them about their day, aids them with insight and suggestions. Automation will help the concierge team efficiently execute a guest's request for event tickets, but it takes humanity to understand the outing is part of a special occasion, suggest an adjacent space for post-event drinks, and send flowers to the room on the special night.
Blockchain
More than just a buzzword, this new data storage technology will likely be a game changer across multiple industries, including hospitality.Blockchain is a shared data storage concept that helps separate businesses record and share information with each other. As it pertains to hospitality, think about a universal traveler profile, outlining stay preferences and financial dataAs the technology becomes increasingly adopted, however, hotel teams are cautioned to be selective with whom they choose to partner and share information. The report recommends that hotel teams designate a staff member involved with technology to follow the development of the blockchain process as the technology evolves.Click here for the full Emerging Technology in Travel Report from Sabre Labs.
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