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5 INNOVATIONS THAT ARE RESHAPING THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
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5 INNOVATIONS THAT ARE RESHAPING THE HOSPITALITY
INDUSTRY

The business world, as well as every industry in the world, is undergoing a

massive change in the wake of the technological revolution.

With innovative technologies weaving themselves into all areas of

contemporary human existence, the hospitality industry is not exempt from this
steady change towards higher efficiency and elevated long-term productivity.

From increasing guest satisfaction across

the board, to boosting brand-to-guest
communication, expediting menial as well as
crucial processes within the company, all the
way to optimizing payroll expenses, modern
technological advancements are set to reshape
the hospitality industry as a whole. Here are the
five things you need to keep track of in order to
grow with the change and build a business for
the future.

 The Integration of AI Assistance and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of every industry in the world,

including healthcare, construction and manufacturing, automotive, hospitality, and
many more. In the hospitality realm, the role of artificial intelligence is twofold:
customer-to-staff interaction, and internal staff efficiency. On one hand, guests will
be able to enjoy a higher level of service by utilizing the built-in hands-free
technology in their rooms. They can use this technology, such as a smart speaker,
to control their surroundings, obtain information from the internet, and even place
orders with your staff.
 On the other hand, AI and machine learning software can be used to simplify,
automate, and expedite a myriad of menial and repetitive processes in the
company. From taking orders to managing shipments and creating comprehensive
reports, you can use the technology to drive efficiency and productivity while
alleviating the pressure off of your employees.

 Augmented Reality as the Way of the Future

Augmented reality is still in its infancy, and the years to come will reveal its
true potential, but that doesn’t mean that the hospitality industry is not slowly
incorporating the technology into its daily processes. In fact, incorporating AR
technology early can help your business improve efficiency and cut needless
resource expenditure.

For example, you can use augmented reality to create augmented hotel
environments and give your staff members the interactive tools they need to
manage guests and their requests efficiently. The technology is even applicable in
rooms where you can place maps that show additional information when the guests
points a smartphone at them. AR integration can even aid security and allow guests
to unlock their rooms with their smartphones and other smart devices.

 Outsourcing is Increasing Rapidly

In a technologically-advanced world where geographical borders and

distances present no obstacle to instantaneous and seamless communication, there
is no reason not to outsource certain processes. A hospitality business, although in
need to keep the majority of its staff on deck, can significantly increase productivity,
cut operational expenses, and optimize payroll by doing the same.

For example, outsourcing crucial tasks such as hospitality accounting to

industry professionals will allow you to free up room for other staff members and
departments, reduce clutter, and focus on the daily tasks of running a well-
functioning business. Following this mindset, you can achieve greater efficiency and
productivity by finding tasks and processes you can outsource from your main
location. Outsourcing will also allow you to reduce the expenses associated with
keeping more professional staff on fulltime.
 Biometric Technology for Increased Security and Efficiency

Biometric technology has made a significant leap in recent years towards

improved security and efficiency, and nowadays it is slowly becoming an integral
part of the hospitality industry on all fronts. Internally, biometrics can help hotel and
restaurant managers improve security processes through fingerprint ID and face
recognition, as well as implement complex payment processing systems that
require elevated levels of protection against fraud.

On the consumer end of the spectrum, innovation in biometric technology will

allow guests to purchase products and services via biometric authentication the
likes of face recognition or fingerprint. This kind of seamless efficiency has
numerous uses in the industry, such as the ability to leave a restaurant or check out
of a room without having to wait for the bill or having to conduct transactions with
your employees.

 Using Hotel Technology Instead of Personal Gadgets

In a tech-driven world, hotels and restaurants are increasingly becoming tech-

free, at least where the consumer is concerned. By incentivizing the guests to part
with their personal tech and smart gadgets during their stay, you will be promoting a
tech-free culture and a more intimate holiday experience, but more importantly, you
will inspire your guests to rely on the technology provided by your hotel.

This will help you immerse your guests into the experience, allow them to truly
enjoy their stay, but still retain a healthy connection to modern technology and
efficiently utilize every service your staff and business have to offer. It’s an
innovative trend that aims to alleviate the stress and pressure of the modern
lifestyle off of your guests’ shoulders, and it works.

The hospitality industry is not immune to change, and business leaders that
want to future-proof their businesses need to implement innovative practices in
order to stay ahead of the game. With these five innovations in mind, you can pave
the road to long-term success and build a business for the future.
 (Emma Miller is a digital marketer and blogger from Sydney. After getting a
marketing degree she started working with Australian startups on business and
marketing development. Emma writes for many relevant, industry related online
publications and does a job of an Executive Editor at Bizzmark blog and a guest
lecturer at Melbourne University. Interested in marketing, startups and latest
business trends.)

- innovationmanagement