From Pen and Paper to Hotel Software: The Future of Hospitality Digitalisation

Have you ever been stuck at a hotel check-in desk, waiting for what feels like an eternity, as the front desk clerk struggles to locate your reservation? Or have you ever tried to book a hotel room online, only to be met with a confusing and frustrating website? If you answered "yes" to either of those questions, you're not alone. The hospitality industry has long been plagued by a technology gap, but digitalisation with technologies such as cloud hotel management software are finally starting to bridge that gap.

What is the technology gap, you ask?

Well, in the world of hospitality, it's the divide between the old-school way of doing things (think pen and paper) and the modern digital era (think using advanced hotel software to manage operations). In simpler terms, it's like using a typewriter in a world where voice-activated assistants exist. Digitalisation for hospitality is necessary to keep up with the expectations of modern guests, who are accustomed to having seamless, tech-enabled experiences in every aspect of their lives. By bridging the technology gap, hotels and other hospitality businesses can provide faster, more efficient and personalised services to their guests, ultimately leading to higher guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Why Should Hoteliers Bridge the Technology Gap?

The answer is simple – to stay competitive. In today's digital age, where travellers have a plethora of options to choose from, hotels that don't keep up with technology risk being left behind. In fact, a study by Oracle found that 73% of guests would choose a hotel that offers mobile check-in and keyless room entry over one that doesn't.

Furthermore, technology such as Cloud Hotel Management Software can streamline operations and reduce costs for hotels. It can automate tasks like inventory management, staff scheduling, and room bookings, freeing up staff to focus on delivering a better guest experience. It's a win-win for both hotels and guests.

Benefits of adopting digitalisation for hotels

Digitalisation can help bridge this gap by providing hotels with the necessary tools to offer a contactless guest experience while also improving their operations. Here are some of the benefits of adopting digitalisation for hotels:

1) Contactless guest experience

Digitalisation can help hotels provide a contactless guest experience by allowing guests to check in, check out, and order room service through their mobile devices. This not only provides a safer environment for guests but also reduces wait times and improves efficiency. According to recent surveys, offering contactless check-in and a touchless experience can increase guests' comfort level when staying in a hotel. As per the surveys, 26% of consumers prefer digital room keys, while 35% of them are requesting contactless payment options.

2) Improved operations

Digitalisation for hospitality can help hotels improve their operations by providing them with tools to manage their inventory, track employee productivity, and generate reports. This will help them make data-driven decisions, reduce costs, and improve customer service. According to a report by McKinsey, the use of digital tools can reduce labour costs by up to 20%.

3) Personalisation

Digitalisation can also help hotels offer a more personalised experience for their guests. With the use of customer data, hotels can offer tailored promotions, room preferences, and other amenities that guests are more likely to enjoy. This will not only improve the guest experience but also lead to increased customer loyalty. A 2022 Coresight Research study revealed the following:

• 80% of consumers are willing to share personal data to earn loyalty program benefits.
• 70% of consumers are willing to share their data to receive special discounts and offers.
• 71% of consumers will shop more often with brands or retailers that personalize their communications.

4) Sustainability

Digitalisation can help hotels reduce their carbon footprint by allowing them to track their energy consumption, reduce paper waste, and implement more sustainable practices. This will not only benefit the environment but also help hotels save costs in the long run. According to a study by the International Tourism Partnership, the use of digital tools can reduce a hotel's energy consumption by up to 30%.

Digital tools that hotels should adopt to bridge the technology gap

Hotels need to adopt digital tools to bridge the technology gap and improve their operations. Here are some of the digital tools that hotels should adopt:

Cloud Hotel Management Software

Cloud Hotel Management Software is a cloud-based software that allows hotels to manage their operations, including inventory management, customer data management, and employee management, all in one place. This software can help hotels automate their processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. The use of Cloud Hotel Management Software can also provide real-time updates, making it easier for hotels to make data-driven decisions. Additionally, with the software being cloud-based, hotel staff can access it from anywhere, which is especially beneficial during remote working times.

Contactless Technology

A contactless guest experience is becoming increasingly important in the hospitality industry, and hotels must embrace this technology to remain competitive. Digital tools such as mobile check-in, hotel apps, and digital keys can allow guests to manage their stay without physical contact. This includes checking in and out using their mobile devices, accessing hotel services such as spa bookings or restaurant reservations, and even unlocking their room door. By implementing these contactless technologies, hotels can reduce wait times, improve efficiency, and provide a safer and more seamless experience for their guests.

In-room technology

In-room technology such as digital menus, virtual concierge services, and streaming services are becoming increasingly popular among hotel guests. These technologies can improve the guest experience and provide added convenience. For example, digital menus can allow guests to place orders directly from their in-room tablets, while virtual concierge services can help guests with recommendations for nearby attractions or restaurants.

Metasearch bookings

Metasearch bookings are a type of digital marketing tool that helps hotels increase their online visibility and reach a wider audience. Metasearch engines like TripAdvisor, Kayak, and Trivago allow guests to compare hotel rates and book rooms directly from the hotel's website. This can help hotels reduce their dependency on online travel agencies (OTAs) and improve their direct bookings, leading to better profit margins.

Central reservation system

A central reservation system (CRS) is a digital tool that helps hotels manage their room inventory and reservations. It provides a single platform where hotels can manage their online bookings, group bookings, and other reservations. This can help hotels streamline their operations and reduce overbooking or double bookings.

The Future of Hospitality is Digital

Digitalisation for hospitality is a game-changer for the industry. It can help hotels bridge the technology gap, improve their operations, and provide a better guest experience. The pandemic has accelerated the need for digitalisation, and hotels need to embrace it to stay competitive. From contactless guest experience to in-room technology, hotels need to adopt digital tools to provide a seamless experience for their guests while also improving their operations. With the right digital tools in place, hotels can provide a truly futuristic experience. So let's embrace the technology and take the hospitality industry to new heights!