Hospitality businesses are getting used to the new normal, adopting new ways to deliver services and keeping human interactions at minimum. The keywords for hoteliers right now are, \u201chealth safety.\u201d
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US hoteliers are quickly noticing the massive benefits of automation and digitization to assist guests during the hospitality experience. Mobility tools, robots, tablets, smart rooms, and self service features are now becoming common amenities in even medium sized boutique hotels.
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A recent survey of 700 travelers by leading tech-giant Criton reveals that 80% of surveyed travelers will consider using a mobile app to check-in & out, and get all information about their hotel. The survey also revealed a 10% increase in hotel smartphone app users compared to March 2020. A resounding 92% of travelers will consider using contactless technology to check in & out.
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Instead of delivering \u2018seamless experiences\u2019, US hoteliers must deliver seamless contactless experiences. The threat of COVID19 transmission requires a \u201cno human contact\u201d experience to protect both the travelers and the hotel. Hotel managers are redesigning the guest journey to eliminate all human interactions from their service design.
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Hoteliers are now responsible with multiple liabilities that include guest health safety, staff health safety, enhanced hotel hygiene maintenance and many more. Managing the experience of multiple guests in addition to these liabilities is in fact a complex process. This is where technology & automation can play a detrimental role in delivering fantastic hospitality experiences amid COVID19.
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Mobile technology has already demonstrated in real life examples how effective it can be to keep both guests and staff safe. Mobile apps have already led the way for AI integration into hospitality to ensure better back end operations, and outstanding guest experiences.
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The Marriott BonVoy app has been a notable success story in aligning the entire guest experience into a smartphone app. From managing bookings to opening room doors, the BonVoy app is agent, concierge, and tour guide for the Marriott guest.
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Robots have already been predicted to be a gamechanger in hospitality, well before the coronavirus pandemic began. Dr Tracy Xu\u2019s remarkable research study \u201cCould hotel service robots help the hospitality industry after COVID-19?<\/a>\u201d explores the efficiencies this technology brings for hotels post-COVID19. In addition to their efficiencies hotel franchises like aLoft, Marriott, Sheraton, Xotels and many others are deploying robots to assist guests with check-in, luggage, room service, and information. Consider the aLoft room service robot \u201cbotlr\u201d assuring social distancing & health safety in selected hotels:
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