Hoteltechreport.com has identified 100 hotel trends to watch this year and beyond, stressing that trends are evolving at lightning speed. Trends that were predicted to take 10 years to come into play, took 10 months to evolve - the pandemic accelerated the hospitality industry into the future.
Apart from forward-thinking hotel tech, there is rapid change in the global workforce and in work culture. Guest preferences have changed, and there is more focus on eco-friendliness.
Compiled by industry experts, some themes include:
Smart rooms
Hotel guestroom amenities are becoming increasingly digital, with guests expecting concierge services or temperature controls at their fingertips. In-room tablets provide information about services, play music, control lights and temperature and make special requests. Voice-activated controls can handle hotel-specific requests, while acoustic technology minimises background noise, meaning that noise complaints could be a thing of the past.
Going green
Modern travellers want to stay at hotels that have integrated green practices in all aspects of their business, from solar panels andeco-certification to F&B menus with more vegetarian and vegan choices. Efforts to minimise water usage include slower-flow showerheads and more energy-efficient laundry machines. Hotel chains are phasing out disposable plastic toiletries, introducing recycle bins in guestrooms and compost bins in F&B outlets.
Changing workforce
There is growing focus on safety, unionisation, gig work and HR technology that makes a global workforce possible.
Alternative accommodation
Besides traditional hotels, travellers look at vacation rentals, hostels, treehouses and even underwater hotels. As people travel more frequently and for longer periods, alternative accommodation is becoming part of the mainstream. Co-living allows for people to share living or workspaces and co-working allows them to use shared community and networking opportunities. Mobile hotels – self-driving hotel rooms on wheels – are being conceptualised for business travellers. Next-gen hotel brands such as Life House focus on the local area’s character being reflected in the décor and personality of each hotel.
Technology
Previously expensive technologies like AI and digital room keys are now more affordable, and advances in payment systems and apps have given guests new booking options. New systems allow hotels to add upsell options for room upgrades, transportation, F&B, tours and add-ons during the booking process. Revenue management systems use pricing algorithms supported by AI. Contactless check-in allows guests to bypass the front desk and go straight to their rooms. Hilton’s digital check-in allows guest to choose rooms before arrival, while futuristic robots are providing room service and mobile concierge apps inform guests.
‘Blazing fast Internet’ is a must. Self-service markets allow guests to quickly buy F&B at a self-check-out, saving on staffing costs and competing with supermarkets. Customer relationship management tools allow hotels to pull data into the guest room for more personalised experiences.
Thanks to advances in voice-controlled apps and services, travellers will soon be able to book their entire trip without lifting a finger, while augmented reality allows them to ‘experience’ a hotel by strapping on a headset.
Traveller preferences
Travellers are seeking new experiences through wellness, outdoor activities, gastronomy or specific interests. They are buying less and opting for longer or pricier trips. Coffee connoisseurs or foodie fans will literally travel for coffee or Michelin-starred meals. Motels are getting luxe upgrades, while yoga retreats, surf camps, cannabis tourism and unique animal encounters are growing in popularity. As remote teams become common, companies rely on in-person off site meetings. Today’s traveller is spontaneous, often not knowing where they’re staying when they arrive at the airport. Family travel is becoming part of nomadic sabbaticals and sports-themed hotels are coming up with amenities for fans.
Hotel business
There’s a new focus on uniqueness, such as incorporating cocktail kits as a guestroom amenity or physically combining hotels with malls or gyms. Brands are exploding and there’s a new emphasis on luxury for discerning travellers. Chains like citizenM are offering micro rooms with efficient use of space and no unnecessary amenities, while mixed-use space is becoming popular.
Hotel design
The hotel of the future will be out of the box, focusing on art, community and specialisation. Indoor will meet outdoor. Hotels are becoming more creative with their public spaces, from shared workspaces to kitchens and game rooms. Unique lighting, funky furniture and eye-catching artwork are all part of the hotel experience.
Globalisation
The rise of middle-class travellers from all over the world means hotels should welcome them with appropriate language and cultural resources, while the widening upper- and middle-class gap translates into luxury travellers demanding ever more over-the-top experiences.
