Anna Maria Richards
COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t left any industry untouched. However, the hospitality industry is the most affected industry. No aspect of the industry has been left untouched by this pandemic. In fact, it has changed the business model of the hospitality industry completely.
As 2022 unfolds, you can expect to see some new trends emerging as adjustments and reactions to the continuous spread of the virus. Let’s go through some of these trends.
1. Payment Processing
When it comes to payments, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, especially when it comes to different types of external booking platforms. That said, with the right payment management platform you can easily control your hotel’s payments from any external bookings. It is important to have a tool that can make the process of collecting payments from external booking platforms easier. The best way to control payments from external hotel booking platforms is to help you gain control over your payments by providing an easy-to-use interface and 24/7 support.
2.Online Communities
In the hospital industry, online communities have altered the way businesses communicate with their customers. Social networks, official sites of the hotel, and travel websites contribute to the sector’s take on transparency. This can help in enhancing the service they offer.
Online marketing largely depends on the interactivity of multi-users. Thus, the reviews you come across on the internet might have an effect on the booking decision of the customers. One of the most powerful marketing tools is word-of-mouth and when it is combined with the present-day digital platform; customers will easily be able to share their experience.
No doubt, positive reviews will transform economic value for the business. Prospective guests are more likely to depend on reviews posted by recent hotel customers. Furthermore, you will get to draw more information from the reviews, such as lifestyle, age, gender, and hobbies. Hence, it is going to provide you with valuable insights.
3. Voice Search
Another recent trend is voice search and it is going to affect all industries alike. Technology tends to have limitless capabilities. Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, or Apple’s Siri are the technologies that are on the rise. Even though AI technology is still in its early stages, the model uses conversational language. The goal of the technology is to learn about intent and context depending on previous queries. Moreover, it wants to secure perfection by contemplating different queries and steps with a focus on tasks, transactions, and actions.
Voice search in the hospitality industry is changing how customers book hotels. Customers are researching and booking their holidays through tablets and smartphones. If you equip a site with voice search abilities, you will be able to get more qualified leads.
4. Virtual Reality
VR has changed and enriched the hospital industry. At present, it is one of the top emerging technology trends. Many businesses are incorporating VR for the different opportunities it creates. But in the travel industry, it is being applied to hotel tours, booking processes, and travel experiences.
In recent times, virtual technology has improved customer experience when they have to explore the areas close by. It can provide exact details while booking a hotel. It is much better than just reading through the instructions. VR can provide customers with a close real-time experience. With this, people will be able to benefit from the try-before-buy marketing concept.
5. Mobile Technology
Resorts and hotels are using mobile platforms for company branding, cross-selling, guest loyalty, and marketing programs. For businesses, including hotels, mobile apps are a must. In fact, there is much hotel management software on the market.
In the hospitality industry, mobile applications have been tested to deliver an improved customer experience. Apps and websites that are mobile-friendly with updated information help in growing the business. Furthermore, mobile technology can bridge the gap between the hotel and its customers.
Studies have shown a stable growth in the guest preference for mobile apps. Mobile marketing software and other technologies have revolutionized guest service presentations through quality video and images.
6. Global Tourism
In the last few years, the rise in global tourism has increased the hospitality space’s growth. However, things have changed a little due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At present, the industry is going through the risk of direct job losses.
With countries now lifting the travel ban and rolling out vaccines, you can expect the hospital and the tourism industry to benefit from the concept of revenge spending which many consumers undertake. As customers have started spending on things, which had been restricted during the lockdown, the industry is going to see a revival. These things include travel, dining in restaurants, and in-person entertainment.
Bottom Line
The hospitality industry isn’t a stranger to disruptions. However, it has to pull together its resources and work collectively to overcome the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. No, it doesn’t imply that you will have to adapt to all changes at once to stay competitive. But it is necessary to remember that a few of these trends are slowly becoming a norm. Hence, it is better to catch up early on.
