The digital future of Hostels
Things we don’t see coming often impact our lives in big ways. Being online in 2020 is not a big deal. We began computerizing processes almost 30 years ago when a space rocket didn’t have the computing capability that you currently hold in the palm of your hands. The mind-blowing bit is that this computerization has become cheaper with every version and is now accessible to billions around the world.
It’s hard to find a business now that has zero digital presence even if its as basic as a website, a blog or a Facebook page. Google dramatically changed business models and how we live today. It is the perfect example of how swiftly the world can evolve and how products we didn’t realize we needed can suddenly dominate and disrupt our lives.
COVID-19 too, has transformed the world drastically. If someone had told you in January, that this world would soon be at a standstill, humans would stay indoors, and most systems around us would grind to a halt, you wouldn’t have believed them. However, look around you. In the course of a few months, schools have shifted online, businesses have implemented remote working models, and people who’ve never used technology have migrated online.
History doesn’t crawl; it leaps
— Nassim Nicholas Taleb
As we approach a new era of hospitality 2.0, we need to start questioning how our businesses will operate in the world and the future — What’s coming for us and what’s next? Here are some predicted trends for the future, which show early signs of transforming hospitality as we know it.
Guest Experience and AI
AI-powered in-person customer service trends have already started appearing in the hospitality industry. A few years ago, Hilton introduced the world’s first AI-powered hotel concierge robot named Connie. It reduces waiting time, provides additional efficiency in hotel operations while informing guests about local experiences and dining options. It is designed to perceive its environment, similar to humans “through senses, learning, and experience”. What’s interesting about Connie is that it continually adapts to respond to customer queries, learning in real-time from the environment around it.
Alibaba’s FlyZoo is a futuristic experience for more travellers, with AI-powered robots as staff as well as facial recognition in most corners. And if this is a 2020 hotel, I wonder what 2030 would look like.
Apart from a focus on guest experiences, AI-powered task-management systems are here to play a significant role in automating communication, streamlining processes and increasing efficiency.
But how does AI really affect your hostel? Well, 5 years from now, our hostels would probably be a mix of human connections and AI capabilities. AI opens up new possibilities by reducing manual tasks, human error and increasing efficiency. With all this time, you can focus on guest experiences. AI is closely linked to personalization which is the next emerging trend we are going to talk about.
Personalization and Big Data
Predictive analytics forecast future outcomes and trends. They work through a series of combined algorithms which analyze a wealth of data and create digital blueprints of user behaviours.
Predictive analytics can be extended and applied to smarter revenue management. At present, we see several travel websites offering insights on whether an airfare will increase or decrease, and guidance on when to book. In the past, revenue management systems relied heavily on historical data to create accurate predictions. Today, technology is merging together at a pace, unlike anything we have witnessed before. From historical data insights, the world is moving towards real-time analytics in revenue management.
A smart campaign by Red Roof Inn used real-time data of public weather and flight data to predict which customers would face flight cancellations. They then ran targetted ads to mobile-devices affected by harsh weather, resulting in a significant increase in business.
Boutique hotel chain Denihan Hospitality combined guest feedback with real-time data to enhance guest experiences. This data was then used by staff members to anticipate what kind of restaurant meals, concierge services or excursions a guest might want. This advisory role allowed for a more personalised guest experience!
Read more : https://hospitalitytech.com/data-and-analytics-equal-big-bookings-denihan-hospitality-group
Contactless Travel
One trend that has accelerated in the past few months is the concept of contactless systems. Maybe this was the stimulus we all needed to do away with those annoying paper forms permanently. Data from the consulting firm McKinsey indicates that in the future, users will adopt contactless tech and will actively seek brands that make efforts at sanitisation. The most significant push for contactless tech will be to reduce in-person interactions. Travel companies had been seeking ways of managing payments before the crisis hit, but now the push for contactless processes will speed up.
One pioneer in contactless solutions is Goki, an award-winning start-up on a mission to make hostels smarter and guests happier. They create smart solutions in guest management systems, lock auditing, extended stays and guest communication.
Check out more products here: https://goki.travel/
Mobile Remains Front & Center
Eventually, our devices may just become wearable (or injected microchips), but till then mobile will continue to remain the backbone of technology for hospitality business owners! Many businesses are already investing in all-in-one apps to help automate tasks and simplify processes. The growth of mobile is all part of the near future with enhanced guest experience at its core. The advantages of mobile are easy communication, accessible information, convenience and brand loyalty. Some of the user-facing features in hospitality apps would include frictionless booking options(Controlled by real-time data), self-check-in / check-out, dining advisory, staff and guest communication portals, experiences,
And as for traveller’s needs in the future…
Travellers will continue to seek freedom and flexibility in personalizing their own experiences. Mobile check-ins, room selection, in-room smart-home technology, and chat concierge services all centre around the concept of autonomy — giving travellers the freedom to experience life and safe travel like they want to.
So while we can’t be sure about which technology is going to become a market standard, we should brace ourselves for a new era of digital hospitality. Now is a great time to start thinking about investing in smarter technology. This investment will help save time by streamlining your processes. Investing in technology eventually pays for itself, because it reduces labour and training costs. Further and most importantly, it will help keep travel safe and memorable for our guests.
