The next road of digital transformation in the hospitality industry

We live in an era of true digital transformation. Whether you are in marketing, finance or education, everything is digitized. Hospitality is no exception. In fact, it is one of the most rapidly changing and competitive industries where digital transformation plays a critical role. Customer expectations and requirements are constantly shifting, and any business that does not transform itself alongside will be left behind. 

Post-pandemic expectations

The world seems to have moved on from the pandemic, but one thing that people apparently don’t want to move on from is contactless services — contactless check-in and out, easy and quick payments, mobile guest services and the list goes on that travelers would like to see permanently adopted in hotel services. Technology surpasses traditional criteria and has become the critical factor that influences how travelers choose their accommodation. They want the Internet of Things (IoT), automated controls, artificial intelligence technology and virtual reality as part of their stay. Major hotels have already welcomed the digital transformation with open arms — Hilton with its robot concierge, Marriott with its facial recognition check-in and Accor with its all-around smart guest rooms.

Hospitality tech trends significant for success

• Timesaving, cost-saving

No traveler wants to spend their time waiting in line for check-in or be stuck on a call to the concierge desk. So, why not allow your guests to request these types of services at their fingertips? Let’s be honest, it would save both your guests and hotel staff the hassle — guests from picking up the phone to request late night drinks, hotel concierge from answering and connecting to room service and room service taking the order on the phone. One click will save minutes of everyone’s time if you let your guests be served with amenities and room service anytime without waiting for available staff.

• In-room entertainment

Among different types of in-room technology, personalized room experience has increased significantly over recent years. More than Hilton 1,000 hotels currently provide personalized in-room technology. Research shows that 80% of travelers in the United States are watching video content in their rooms, about five hours of streaming per stay. Who wouldn’t like to come back to their room after a long day of sightseeing and pick up where you left off with your favorite shows from your own on-demand entertainment account? You just need a hotel with the right products. 

For example, LG’s 4K UHD Hospitality TV features Airplay Casting, allowing guests to easily connect their own device and enjoy their shows on a variety of OTT platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+, Prime Video or YouTube. And there is so much variety of content – for example, guests can also enjoy their game night on UltraGear OLED Curved Gaming Monitor with tear-free, smooth gaming experience.

• The matchless venue

Most hotels have a venue to accommodate different types of events — weddings, conferences, exhibitions and more. In this chaotic industry where a trend today is an old story tomorrow, it is imperative to stand out with what you can offer. You might want to check out LG ProBeam, the versatile projector that can show you various ways to stay unique, while saving the cost and space.

• Interactive art gallery – The scope of art no longer exists. The audience has expanded to include everyone. Attract people to your hotel by hosting unique art shows — virtual gallery, NFT, game art or illusive digital art.
• Hip and chill sports bar – Move on from small TVs crowded right next to each other and offer a spacious zone for each sports fan. You don’t have to worry about space or lining and wiring work. The walls are all you need.
• The one-in-all auditorium – Build the auditorium that can accommodate conferences, trade shows, lectures, banquets and galas or product launches. 

Smart operation

According to the survey conducted in 2023 by American Hotel & Lodging Association, 79% of U.S. hotels were experiencing staffing shortages. This year, the same survey was conducted. It showed that the number went slightly up to 6 but still shows a significant shortage that is affecting the hotel’s ability to operate. Digital transformation does not only serve your guests but also helps your hotel management and increases productivity. Here is the quick peek of what smart technology can bring. For example, with LG Pro:Centric Direct hoteliers can:

• Create content and manage in-room displays remotely. Put up a hotel directory, announcement or service information in guest rooms to save the time and energy of both your guests and staff. 
• Make your guests feel special and welcome. Put a personalized welcome message digitally on the guestroom TV for your important guests.
• Provide your guests with a seamless, self-service experience. Displaying a QR Code on the hotel TV allows guests to seamlessly connect to a specific web page or Wi-Fi network and explore or purchase tour services without needing in-person assistance.

While digital technology is not an across-the-board solution for hotels, it certainly offers a way to achieve success earlier and easier.  As Eric Pearson from International Hotel Group said, “It’s no longer the big beating the small, but the fast beating the slow.”