Exciting New Technologies that are Reshaping the Hotel Industry and Guest Experiences

For most of human history, technology remained fairly constant. The future during those ancient and near-modern times was shaped more by intangible ideas and human actions than by machines and gadgets. With industrialization, that all started to change. Now, in the dawn of the information age, technology drives the future in ways our ancient ancestors would struggle to comprehend. Throughout the global marketplace, industries of all kinds are being reshaped by technological innovations unthinkable just a few generations ago. The hospitality industry is also riding the wave of this technological change, and both hoteliers and guests are reaping the benefits.

That might sound strange to those who assume that the needs of businesses and their customers are often defined by conflicting agendas, but old paradigms like that are giving way to new realities. As we’ve seen in many other industries, technology is enabling business owners to customize customer experiences without adding to the company’s existing workload or expense sheet. In the hotel industry, that means guests receive an even more unique and flexible experience even as technology provides greater efficiency and cost management capabilities for hotel operators. Just consider how these technologies are changing hotel dynamics:

Tablet Technology and the Cloud

Tablet technology is rapidly redefining how hotel operators meet customer needs. The days when hotel staff had to run to the front desk to fulfill most customer requests are all but gone, as new mobile solutions enable guests to be serviced with the touch of a tablet button from anywhere on site. At the same time, hotels are provided with a tool that integrates seamlessly with existing customer relationship management systems, simplifying everything from scheduling and inventory management to complex loyalty programs.

Remote Management and Smart Tech

Hotel operators have greater control than ever before over every minute detail of energy consumption, and other utilities management. Despite that new level of integrative control for the venue, guests are also being afforded ever-expanding control over their own room environments. New technologies are facilitating guest access to climate, lighting, and bling control, as well as a host of new in-room entertainment options.

Online Booking

Online booking is becoming a mainstay in the hospitality industry, and hotels are busy creating or maintaining state of the art websites and mobile apps to better accommodate this new consumer preference. Obviously, this new technological booking process is a boon to both hotels and guests alike, and it is a trend that it is here to stay.

Automation and Social Media

Customer relationships have been enhanced by technology as well. From new automated customer management tools that can effectively handle every aspect of the hotel-customer relationship to social media marketing that encourages ongoing interaction with guests even when they’re back at home, these new technological tools are changing customer management in remarkable ways.

As the future continues to be shaped by today and tomorrow’s technologies, Ebenezer America will continue to be at the forefront of positive change for the hospitality industry. And as new innovations continue to emerge, we will be there to ensure that our customers realize the full benefits these changes bring. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you provide these benefits to your customers and guests.