- August 27, 2021
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By 16 August 2021
With full recovery not expected till 2024, it’s important that the hospitality industry looks to build on the trends developed over the course of 2020
Last year, as the pandemic took hold, the world experienced a shift like never before. Restrictions on movement both locally and internationally had a devastating impact on the travel and tourism sector, with a 67 percent drop in hotel occupancy in the UK. As restrictions start to be lifted it is apparent that consumer behavior has and will continue to be altered as a result of recent events, and what’s more there are still many unpredictable months ahead for this sector. It follows that the hospitality and tourism industry need to take stock and revaluate their business structure in line with current needs and the desires of the “new” market. Digital technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the travel, transportation and hospitality industry, are similarly empowering customers. As a result, consumers expect innovation at an affordable price through a personalized, engaging and seamless experience that continuously evolves over time.
As lockdowns lift and borders begin to reopen, albeit with a traffic light system, the hospitality industry is entering a new era. While the industry is expected to see better results compared to 2020, projections for the few years remain significantly below pre-pandemic, with full recovery expected in 2024. Unavoidable is the shadow the pandemic continues to cast over both traveler’s behavior and their decision-making.
Thus moving forward, it’s important to build upon the two significant trends developed over the course of 2020. First, the broad use of data, and second, accelerated digitalization. Last year, providers were forced to pull back on spend, but equally, re-evaluate processes and investment with the view of streamlining administration, and ultimately, futureproofing business. So, what exactly should we expect to see in operational change by the summer and moving forwards?
One thing is for sure: post-pandemic hospitality will bear the scars and take time to recover. That’s not to say it won’t bounce back. It will, but there will be cuts and consolidation and those prepared to embrace change and evolve their business models are the most likely to survive and face a bright future. On a purely practical level It is important to consider obstacles faced by hoteliers and hospitality globally. For instance, even those customers that do manage to get abroad or book events will probably have to remain socially distanced and new regulations might have to be incorporated into the customer experience at short notice. Thus, operators will be required to work with tech specialists to ensure that a flexible, personalized and warm approach to customer demands exists.
Along a similar vein, the industry also needs to consider IT operational services and systems, and how advanced digitalization can help create a seamless booking service, whilst also managing internal issues such as cancellations and trip changes at speed. The new digital landscape has the potential to massively aid revival of the hospitality industry, but only if carefully implemented. Partnerships with IT service companies will provide the advice and expertise to help clients in the global hospitality industry ensure the latest technology can be utilized to keep clients engaged and improve their overall stay experience. Year in, year out, the standards expected are ever-increasing. These partnerships and technologies will ensure those in this sector consistently deliver on their promises.
Hospitality is arguably one of the most competitive industries out there and in these challenging times even more so. Gone are the days where a simple “please” or “thank you” or service with a smile would suffice. Whether someone’s traveling for business or pleasure, the level of customer service they receive will ultimately be the deciding factor in repeat business – it’s the very basis of brand loyalty. Here’s where technology comes in. With the use of technology, hoteliers and other hospitality operators can work to improve their standards, offering a stress-free and better overall customer experience. For instance:
Furthermore, a technological advancement we can definitely expect to see more of, is the use of robots. As AI continues to evolve, so does the use of robots, which will be on hand to carry out “everyday” repetitive tasks, such as delivering water, towels, food or scheduling appointments. Operators that incorporate robotic devices will find that this allows the human workforce to focus on providing that vital personalized, warm experience so critical to a positive customer experience.
As organizations in the hospitality sector look to implement these major transformational changes, it’s likely they will look to cloud offerings to streamline and expedite these new processes. The use of cloud will enable them to develop a single platform allowing collaboration between stakeholders, as well as providing a system for all inventory and profiles to be located, thereby ensuring a single image of inventory and a single view of the guest across the enterprise. This will also allow for the incorporation of automation features such as front desk, housekeeping, catering, restaurant operations, spa, etc. This translates into optimal cost efficiency and also, guest experience – arguably, the two biggest priorities for anyone operating in the hospitality sector.
For digital transformation to really take effect, it must span the entire business process – from customer services to a range of shared services, such as finance and accounting, human resources, supply chain and order management, etc. By using AI, analytics and robotics the hospitality sector can ensure it bounces back from the cataclysmic events of the last year, evolving the service it offers to meet customer demand whilst managing the unpredictable, saving costs, increasing revenues and enjoying increased customer loyalty.
Deviprasad Rambhatla, Retail, Services, Distribution and Transportation, Wipro
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