Technology Trends in the Hospitality Industry

Hospitality technology trends refer to the latest technological innovations reshaping the hospitality industry. These trends include advancements in artificial intelligence, mobile technology, personalized guest experiences, and sustainable practices. They are crucial for improving operational efficiency, enhancing guest satisfaction, personalizing services, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Embracing these trends helps hospitality businesses meet changing consumer expectations and foster growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Cross-Selling Opportunities: Emphasize selling additional services like dining, spa, and activities to guests.
  • Advanced Analytics: Use data analytics for pricing and demand forecasting across all revenue streams.
  • Customer-Focused Strategies: Focus on customer satisfaction and loyalty to drive repeat business and referrals.
  • Mobile Integration: Increasing use of mobile apps for services like check-in/out.
  • Personalization: AI and data analytics for tailored guest experiences.
  • Sustainable Technology: Eco-friendly tech to reduce environmental impact.
  • Contactless Technology: Increased use for safer, more efficient guest interactions.
  • Virtual Reality: Enhancing customer experience through immersive previews.
  • Chatbots: For efficient, 24/7 customer service and information.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

It is critical to not only keep track of the latest technology trends in the hospitality industry, but to move with the times because the industry is highly competitive, and those who do not adapt are left behind. Customer expectations and requirements are continually shifting. In this article, you can learn more about the latest tech trends for 2024, which hospitality companies need to be aware of.

What Is Hospitality Technology?

Hospitality technology describes a wide range of IT, e-commerce, and similar technology solutions within the hospitality industry. The use of this technology is typically intended to either make life easier for a business’s employees or to improve the overall experience for hospitality customers.

This can be achieved in several different ways. For example, hospitality tech may help to increase automation and ease the workload for staff. Likewise, it could make processes faster, potentially saving money and time. Alternatively, it could help customers at numerous points along the customer journey.

Why Is Hospitality Technology Essential for Companies Operating in the Hospitality Industry?

The hospitality sector is extremely competitive, making it essential to keep up with the latest hospitality technology trends. Technology can help businesses streamline their processes, reduce costs, lower staff workloads, increase revenue generation potential, and improve customer experience delivery.

Using the latest technology may improve the accuracy of work to a level that would be difficult for human staff to achieve on their own. Technology solutions can also make work more manageable and may make it easier to live up to the increasingly high expectations that today’s customers have.

Reasons to Stay Up to Date With the Latest Hospitality Technology Trends?

Perhaps the single biggest reason why it is crucial to keep up with the latest hospitality technology trends is that many other businesses will. Failing to keep up could provide rival companies with a significant competitive advantage, especially if they adopt technology that appeals to customers while you continue as normal.

As new trends emerge and technology becomes widely used, the customers within that industry will start to expect to see certain things. This makes hospitality tech essential for living up to customer expectations. Meanwhile, you can also gain a competitive edge over rivals who have not adopted the new tech.

Adopting the latest trends also makes this progress a continuous feature. If you fall behind current trends, upgrading technology later on may become more difficult because training requirements may be more extensive.

Table: Reasons for Staying Up-to-Date with Hospitality Technology

Reason Industry Impact Benefits for Hospitality Businesses
Competitive Advantage Businesses adopting new technologies set industry benchmarks and gain market leadership. Keeps businesses competitive; prevents being outpaced by rivals with advanced technology.
Meeting Evolving Customer Expectations Customer expectations shift towards more technologically integrated experiences. Ensures customer satisfaction and loyalty by meeting or exceeding their expectations.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation Encourages a culture of constant advancement and adaptation to new trends. Positions the business as a forward-thinking leader; attracts tech-savvy customers.
Efficiency and Cost Management Streamlining operations and improving management practices through technology. Reduces operational costs; increases overall efficiency and service quality.
Enhanced Data Utilization Better data collection and analysis leads to more informed decision-making. Allows for more targeted marketing, improved customer service, and personalized experiences.
Adapting to Market Dynamics Keeps businesses aligned with the rapidly changing and evolving hospitality industry. Ensures relevance in a fast-evolving market; helps anticipate future trends and demands.

What Developments Are Responsible for the Latest Travel Tech Trends?

A trend can be described as a generalized change, development, shift in behavior, or prevailing tendency that can be observed within a particular field. Many developments have been responsible for changes in consumer behavior, subsequently leading to the emergence of new hospitality tech trends.

Technological advances have played a significant role, especially in the widespread adoption of voice search, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. Contactless payments have become more popular in retail, while mobile check-ins have emerged in hotels, restaurants, and airports. Many of these technologies have grown because they help to reduce friction and cut waiting times.

It is also important to note that the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated some behaviors, especially concerning hygiene. This has had a particularly strong impact on contactless payment technology, mobile check-ins, and cleaning technology, such as cleaning robots, as these all minimize direct human-to-human contact.

Discover The Latest Technology Trends in the Hospitality Industry in 2024

Below, you will find general technology trends in hospitality and tech trends that have emerged in the last few years and will be even more prominent in 2024.

Latest Hospitality Technology Trends of 2024

The technology trend examples listed below have seen a rise in 2023 and will likely continue to gain popularity throughout 2024.

1. Predictive Ordering

Predictive ordering uses artificial intelligence (AI) to forecast customer demand and generate automated orders for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses. This can help businesses to reduce food waste and other waste perishables, improve inventory management, and boost profitability.

It can also help deliver a better customer experience by ensuring necessary supplies are always on hand. Predictive Ordering is among the newest technology trends in the hospitality industry, as it can help business owners keep up with the industry pace. A good way to start adapting predictive ordering is by using Order Management Systems.

Video: Predictive Planning and Supply Chain

2. Automated Waste Management

Each day, businesses in the hospitality industry discard tons of edible food. Not only is this a loss to the company in terms of money wasted on supplies, but it’s also a social and environmental issue. To address the problem of food waste, many businesses are turning to automated waste management strategies.

These technologies encompass a range of solutions, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, chemical recycling, and more, making businesses more environmentally friendly. These technologies aid in revealing buying and usage patterns to business owners, which can cause long-term change.

Feature Function Benefit
Bin Sensing Technology Monitors fill levels in waste bins in real-time.
Notifies staff when bins need attention.		 Optimized waste collection schedules for cost reduction.
Efficient resource allocation and reduced labor costs.
Sorting Automation Automates the sorting of recyclables from waste.
Integrates sorting bins for different waste categories.		 Reduces contamination and enhances recycling efforts.
Environmental sustainability through improved recycling.
Predictive Analytics Analyzes historical data to predict future waste generation.
Facilitates data-driven decision-making.		 Proactive planning for waste management and resource allocation.
Minimizes operational disruptions and improves efficiency.
Cloud-Based Monitoring Enables remote monitoring via cloud platforms.
Facilitates efficient oversight and management.		 Access to real-time data and analytics from anywhere.
Improved responsiveness and decision-making.
RFID Technology Provides intuitive interfaces for system management.
Includes training programs for effective use.		 Easy monitoring and troubleshooting for staff.
Reduced training time and increased staff proficiency.

3. Voice Search & Voice Control

Voice search is a growing technology trend within hospitality because many guests or customers are turning to voice search to find hotels, restaurants, and cafes. According to the Global Voice Search Market Report by Market.Us, the global voice search market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.2% until 2033. It is worth taking the time to capitalize on this properly. To do so, you must ensure your website and booking engine are structured so the voice search can be used properly.

In some settings, the demand for voice control is also growing. This could include everything from using smart speakers in hotel rooms, allowing for control of the various in-room devices, to automated order-taking in restaurants and cafes, meaning customers will no longer need to wait for waiting staff to take their orders.

Video: Voice Search Within Hospitality

 

Video: Examples of Voice Control Within Hospitality

 

Take a look at the “How Can Voice Control Benefit the Hospitality Industry?” post for further insights into this area of hospitality tech, including information on how voice control works and why it is so beneficial.

4. Contactless Payments

Contactless payments offer several advantages for hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and cafes, which is why this has been among the main technology trends in the hospitality industry. Aside from speeding up payments and improving customer satisfaction, contactless tech is also easily compatible with loyalty programs.

Mobile contactless payments are possible even if customers do not have their wallets or their credit card has been misplaced. Additionally, with COVID still in the minds of hotel guests and other hospitality customers, contactless payments can also offer an excellent way to reduce human-to-human contact.

Video: How Do Contactless Payments Work?

 

Read the “Contactless Payments Are Becoming More Important Within Hospitality” post for further details about the value of contactless payments and the benefits for businesses and customers alike.

5. Robots in Hotels & Restaurants

One of the most exciting technology trends the hospitality industry is getting to grips with is the rise of robotics and the use of robots to carry out tasks traditionally performed by humans. According to the Hospitality Robots Market Analysis by TechNavio, the global hospitality robots market size is projected to increase at a CAGR 12.13% until 2027. For instance, robots can occupy a concierge role within hotels, welcoming guests and providing them with important customer information.

Similarly, some hotels have started using robots for cleaning, such as vacuum cleaning floors and even germ-killing. This practice can be replicated across the rest of the hospitality industry, including in restaurants.

Video: Alibaba’s Robot Hotel Is Straight from the Future

6. Robot Chefs

Many of the biggest technology trends in the hospitality industry right now involve robots. Robot concierges, robot servers, robot assistants, and housekeeping robots have all emerged onto the scene in recent years, and now robot chefs are set to make their presence felt in kitchens.

These are systems that can prepare dishes for a particular recipe with pinpoint accuracy. All measurements and cooking times are accurate, ensuring perfect results every time. A robot chef can improve efficiency and free your staff from engaging in work that needs a human touch.

Video: Robot Chef

 

Check out the article “Hotel Robots: An Overview of Different Robots Used in Hotels” and “Examples of Robots Being Used in the Hospitality Industry” for much more on the robots used in the hotel industry and for information on the advantages, disadvantages, and precisely how they can be deployed.

7. Chatbots

Chatbots have been an emerging hospitality technology trend for several years. Still, the importance of this option is only growing, especially as customers now demand swift answers to questions at all times of the day. Hotels and restaurants will often attract queries from people in different time zones, so having staff available is difficult.

A good chatbot will answer the most common questions without requiring human involvement. In more advanced cases, the chatbot can obtain information from the customer and then pass the query on to a human staff member at the earliest opportunity while providing them access to what the customer has said.

Video: Example Chatbot for Restaurants

 

The “Reasons Why Every Hotel Needs a Hotel Chatbot” post covers the topic in more detail. Chatbots can be ideal for answering here, as these questions will often require standard answers about procedures and policies.

8. Using ChatGPT

ChatGPT is powering some of the most important technology trends in the hospitality industry today. can help the hospitality industry in a variety of ways. It can be used to power chatbots that deliver 24/7 customer support, answering questions and resolving issues with no waiting. It can help analyze consumer data to help create personalized experiences.

ChatGPT can automate a range of functions and services, streamlining operations for hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and other businesses. To find out more about how ChatGPT is being used in the hospitality industry, read “ChatGPT Hospitality Guide: How ChatGPT Can Help the Hospitality Industry” today.

9. Mobile Check-In

Mobile check-in hospitality tech is another important area to consider because it can help to improve the customer experience at the point of their initial arrival. This is especially beneficial because first impressions can greatly affect how customers ultimately feel about their visit or stay.

Crucially, mobile check-ins swerve the need for face-to-face customer interactions, meaning customers can potentially have greater flexibility regarding when they check-in. This ties in with wider contactless technology trends within the hospitality industry and can be especially welcome for those nervous after COVID-19.

Take a look at “Mobile Check-In App for Hotels: What Are the Benefits?” for further details.

10. WiFi 6

Of all the technology trends hospitality industry businesses should be aware of, WiFi 6 is among the most important for improving the guest experience and the experience of hospitality staff. WiFi 6 is the next generation of WiFi technology and is more than 30 percent faster while also boasting significantly improved throughput.

Such improvements to WiFi technology are especially important in an age where businesses are using a greater number of smart or IoT devices while customers are also increasingly connecting phones, laptops, tablets, and other devices to WiFi. Faster and more reliable WiFi can help hospitality companies to stand out from rivals.

11. NFT Marketing in Hospitality Industry

NFT technology is still an emerging concept but shows great promise in marketing. It is most commonly used in hospitality to boost brand awareness through special offers or partnerships with local artists or business partners. NFTs are also increasingly being used for transactions taking place within the metaverse.

Some hospitality businesses have experimented with using NFT technology for membership cards or customer loyalty schemes. The uniqueness of each NFT makes the technology well-suited to these purposes and means this is one of the technology trends hospitality industry marketers need to keep track of in the years to come.

For more information about NFTs in the Hospitality industry, read “Why NFT Technology is the Next Marketing Trend in the Hospitality Industry”.

Significant Ongoing Hospitality Tech Trends

Below you can find ongoing hospitality technology trends that are still just as significant as when they arose. Many of them impact and influence the growth of further development of hospitality technology.

12. Artificial Intelligence

In the modern age, customers expect to be able to interact with hospitality companies across a variety of digital channels and receive rapid responses. Of course, having staff monitoring all of those channels and delivering swift responses can be difficult, if not impossible, which is where chatbots and artificial intelligence (AI) come in.

Chatbots can understand simple questions and provide answers almost instantaneously, taking the burden away from customer service staff and improving customer experience. Meanwhile, AI’s uses extend into other important hotel areas, including data analysis. In short: definitely, a tech trend to watch out for.

Chaya Kowal, Cluster Director Of Revenue Management, Potato Head Family

“The use of hospitality tech AI is constantly evolving, with automation tools now being widely used within data analytics and rate shopping, as well as for delivering a greater level of personalization for customers. This personalization is often achieved by analyzing customer preferences, habits, past activities, and purchases.

Another key area where AI is being deployed is within the field of revenue management. Artificial intelligence is ideal for identifying trends, extrapolating information quickly, performing complex calculations, and making intelligent recommendations for where improvements can be made. Ultimately, this can lead to more revenue coming in.”

Click here to read more revenue management tips from our Hospitality Expert Panel.

 

Example: Hilton and IBM pilot “Connie”

 

Find more detailed information and examples about artificial intelligence use cases in the hospitality industry in the article “How to use Artificial Intelligence in the Hospitality Industry”.

13. Recognition Technology

Recognition technology is one of the most important emerging tech trends, but its potential uses in the hospitality industry are especially interesting. In particular, biometrics is used to usher in a new age of seamless authentications, which could benefit hotel processes and customer purchases.

For example, imagine if a fingerprint or facial recognition technology could be used in your hotel to unlock rooms. Now consider the uses of the same technology for check-in and check-out purposes. In the future, this technology is also likely to allow for completely seamless purchases, with payments being authenticated by touch.

Example: Facial Recognition Check-in in Marriott China

 

In the article “4 Use Cases of Facial Recognition in The Hospitality Industry”, find more detailed information about how your business can benefit from facial recognition.

14. Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is another of the major technology trends in the hospitality industry that you need to be aware of. In particular, this can make the difference when customers are ready to make a booking because it will give potential customers a much clearer sense of what they can expect when they visit.

Those working in hospitality marketing have a particularly good opportunity to capitalize on virtual reality technology and gain an edge over rivals because it allows customers to experience elements of a hotel or to see the layout of a restaurant before booking. Most modern virtual reality tour videos can be viewed within a web browser, making them easily accessible. A greater level of immersion can also be achieved if users have access to a VR headset.

Example: Example of  Cape Dara in Pattaya Virtual Tour

 

You can find out more about current VR tech trends by reading the articles “6 Reasons Why Every Hotel Should Have a Virtual Reality Video” and “How Virtual Reality (VR) Can Enrich the Hospitality Industry”.

15. Augmented Reality

Finally, augmented reality has exploded as a tech trend similar to VR technology but is even more accessible, typically requiring little more than access to a smartphone and the internet. Unlike VR, which places users in a digital environment, augmented reality enhances the real-world environment through information overlays.

Again, this offers limitless potential. Imagine if your hotel provided AR-compatible wall maps, where customers can point their phones at the map and find out information about specific locations. Alternatively, how about an app which allows users to see customer reviews of local restaurants by looking at the building through their phone?

Example: Augmented reality within the hospitality industry

 

Find more detailed information and examples about how augmented reality can benefit your business in the article “How Augmented Reality is Transforming the Hospitality Industry”.

16. Internet of Things (IoT)

Another technological trend within hospitality management is the ‘Internet of Things’, or IoT, which involves extending internet connectivity to everyday objects, devices, and appliances. These devices can then collect data and communicate or interact over the internet, turning previously unintelligent devices into ‘smart’ devices, which are often semi- or fully autonomous.

An example of this already being used in the hospitality sector is internet-enabled thermostats, which automatically adjust room temperatures at check-in and check-out times in response to temperature swings caused by the sun or opened windows. The same concept is also being deployed for lighting, improving energy efficiency by, for instance, reducing light intensity during daylight hours.

Example: The Internet of Things comes from the hotel network

 

Find more detailed information about the ‘Internet of Things’ in the hospitality industry in the article “How the Internet of Things (IoT) Can Benefit the Hospitality Industry”.

17. Big Data

Data collection has proliferated across almost all industries but can be used greatly by hospitality businesses to provide more personalized experiences. As an example, it could be used by travel agents to make intelligent destination recommendations based on age, gender, budget, previous locations visited, and so on.

Within the hotel industry, big data allows businesses to identify trends, which can be used for revenue management purposes. This allows for more data-driven approaches to pricing strategies and enables business leaders to understand better current business performance and the outside influences that impact it.

Example: Big Data and predictive analysis

 

Find more detailed information about the hospitality industry in the article “5 Ways Big Data Can Help Those in the Hospitality Industry”.

18. Cybersecurity

Finally, the increased need for cybersecurity is among the most vital technology trends in the hospitality industry. Today, hotels and restaurants are more reliant on data than ever before and use IT systems more than ever before. However, this potentially leaves them in a much more vulnerable position.

Some of the biggest cybersecurity threats include ransomware attacks, phishing attacks, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and human error within the company. For this reason, hotels need to invest adequately in cybersecurity awareness training, protect their IT systems, keep customer data secure, and ensure data is backed up and recoverable.

The Latest Trends in Hospitality Marketing

In addition to understanding the latest hospitality technology trends, it is vital to keep up with the latest trends in hospitality marketing. Many of these trends are directly influenced by emerging technology, including the rise of AI chatbots, while others are more general, like the growth of influencer marketing.

You can explore the topic of hospitality marketing further and learn about some of the latest trends you need to familiarise yourself with by reading “Hospitality Marketing: 16 Must-Know Upcoming Trends”.

Discover The Latest Trends in Hospitality

Away from the topic of hospitality technology, there is a range of other hospitality trends you need to know about. These include the increased focus on hygiene and the increased popularity of healthy and ethical food options.

If you want to learn more about these trends and the other major developments within the hospitality industry, look at the “Hospitality Trends: The Latest Trends in The Hospitality Industry” article.

Learn More About Hospitality Tech During Courses

A good way to learn about hospitality technology, while also acquiring knowledge about other important aspects of the industry, is to study a hospitality course. Upon graduation, you should be equipped with the information and skills necessary to succeed in a career within the industry, or to advance your current career.

You can find out more about the importance of hospitality courses, while also having access to a list of websites for identifying these courses by reading “Hospitality Course: An Overview of Courses & Hospitality Educators”.

Find a Hospitality Tech Jobs With These Job Boards

Increased use of hospitality technology has moved many processes into the online sphere, and job searches are a good example. You can now find jobs in the industry through various channels, including industry job boards, recruitment agencies specializing in hospitality, social media platforms, or applying directly through company websites.

To explore hospitality jobs further, access useful advice, and view a list of some of the best channels to use during your job search, read the “Hospitality Jobs: Overview of All Channels to Find Your Next Job” article.

Technology Trends in Hospitality Industry FAQs

Technology improves guest experiences by offering convenient online bookings, personalized services through data analysis, efficient check-ins via mobile devices, and enhanced in-room amenities like smart TVs and voice-activated controls for a more comfortable stay.

Emerging trends in the hospitality industry include sustainable and eco-friendly practices, personalized guest experiences through AI, health and wellness-focused services, the rise of bleisure travel (business and leisure), and the integration of virtual and augmented reality.

Technological innovation in the hospitality industry encompasses the adoption of AI, IoT, VR/AR, blockchain, and robotics to enhance operational efficiency, improve guest experiences, streamline services, and provide personalized offerings.

Yes, technology is increasingly becoming the future of hospitality, as it offers solutions to enhance guest satisfaction, improve operational efficiency, and stay competitive by adapting to changing consumer behaviors and expectations.

Digitalization affects the hospitality industry by streamlining operations, enhancing guest experiences through personalized services, improving communication channels, and providing data-driven insights for better decision-making and revenue management strategies.

For those in the hospitality industry, keeping up with the latest technology trends is of the utmost importance, not only to improve the customer experience, but also to improve internal processes simultaneously. By exploring the seven technology trends detailed above, you can help to ensure that your business stays ahead of its rivals.

Want to Learn More About Technology in Related Industries?

It is essential to be aware of all the upcoming technological trends in the hospitality & tourism-related industries. While some trends can affect multiple industries, some are very specific to the industry. You can learn more about technology trends within related industries in the following articles.

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This article is written by:

Martijn Barten
Hi, I am Martijn Barten, founder of Revfine.com. I am specialized in optimizing revenue by combining revenue management with marketing strategies. I have over 15 years of experience developing, implementing, and managing revenue management and marketing strategies and processes for individual properties and multi-properties.