Mclean Xavier, VP of Technology, InnVest Hotels
The hospitality industry has always recognized the importance of technology in serving hotel associates and guests. However, prioritizing capital expenditure and available financing to keep up with the evolving products and services has been a challenge. As a result, technology has not been a second thought but the first thing that gets looked at from a hotel and operations perspective.
On the other hand, the online travel agency (OTA) industry has significantly invested in technology to improve the guest experience. Different entities own several technologies that fuel these spaces, leading to a better guest experience in the online world.
Recently, there has been a shift in perspective, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Technology is now seen more as an asset for improving the guest experience, and hotel owners, operators, and management firms have realized the need to incorporate technology into the hospitality sector. This includes hotels, entertainment, and food services.To stay ahead of the curve, the hospitality industry must prioritize their capital expenditure and available financing towards technology. By doing so, they can keep up with the evolving products and services that cater to the changing needs of guests. Ultimately, incorporating technology will enhance the overall guest experience and ensure the hospitality industry's sustainability.
Boosting Guest Experiences with Technology Innovation
Improving the guest experience has become a key pillar in the hospitality industry, and technology has played a crucial role in achieving this goal. In the aftermath of the pandemic, hotels and their operators faced various challenges, including high demand and a shortage of human resources. To tackle these issues, it became clear that improving the technical infrastructure was the way forward.
Today, legacy systems that hotel brands have been using for decades are being replaced with new platforms that can support the latest advancements in technology. Instead of just patching up old systems to cater to guest needs, the hospitality industry is transforming its technology to stay current with the latest trends. Online travel agencies have invested heavily in technology, and hotels are leveraging these tools to interface with newer technologies to enhance the guest experience.
The use of technology in process automation has streamlined human-centric operations, enabling hotels and operators to do more with less. Robotics has also been implemented to supplement the limited staff resources. These developments clearly showcase how upgrading the technological baseline of the infrastructure has become a necessity.
By embracing technology, the hospitality industry is modernizing and adapting to the evolving needs of guests. With upgraded infrastructure, automation, and robotics, hotels and their operators can deliver top-notch service even with limited resources. As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of technology in enhancing the guest experience will only continue to grow.
Ushering an Era of Modernized Travel and Hospitality
To ensure that the hospitality industry continues to progress technologically and prevent it from lagging behind, it is important to establish strategic policies and structures that foster a culture of digital literacy. This can be achieved by creating an educational environment that provides hoteliers with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage technology effectively. By training all levels of staff, from managers to entry-level employees, the entire organization can have a baseline understanding of prior technology.
To attract tech-savvy individuals to the hospitality industry, it is necessary to have a technology baseline in the educational system. This will enable greater use of technology within the industry and create a workforce that is proficient in technology. By partnering with organizations that support and promote the technology industry within hospitality, we can ensure that the momentum we have already begun is sustained and expanded.
Another way to ensure progress is by partnering with technology players who support their respective industries. Investing in the right type of technology that meets the needs of the hospitality sector is crucial for future-proofing the industry. By identifying important technological trends and partnering with the right players, the hospitality industry can stay ahead of the curve.
Overall, maintaining momentum and keeping up with technological advancements is critical for the hospitality industry. By establishing a culture of digital literacy, partnering with technology players, and investing in the right type of technology, the industry can continue to evolve and provide guests with exceptional experiences.
A Collaborative Mindset to Achieving Long-Term Success
I believe that to be effective in the hospitality industry, one must have a thorough understanding of the sector in addition to a background in technology. It is crucial to immerse oneself in the hospitality operation and interact with others in similar disciplines to gain the necessary knowledge and experience.
By establishing a culture of digital literacy, partnering with technology players, and investing in the right type of technology, the industry can continue to evolve and provide guests with exceptional experiences.
There are numerous forums, chat rooms, and gatherings dedicated to hospitality that one can take advantage of to acquire the equilibrium, experience, and information needed to further their career and use their abilities to improve the industry. By engaging in these opportunities, leaders can learn from each other and expand their knowledge beyond their own expertise.
Having a well-rounded understanding of the hospitality industry is essential to deliver the finest possible real business results. While being technologically disciplined is crucial, being immersed in the space and understanding the nuances of the industry is equally important. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals in the industry not only focus on their technological background but also seek to understand the intricacies of the hospitality operation.
In conclusion, to be successful in the hospitality industry, individuals must have a deep understanding of the sector and be immersed in the operation. This can be achieved by participating in hospitality-focused forums, chat rooms, and gatherings, where one can learn from others in similar disciplines. While technology is a critical component, it is not the only factor in delivering exceptional results in the hospitality industry.
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