It is undeniable that Covid-19 age marks a before and after in society. Industries such as the touristic one, felt pushed to reinvent their business model and to speed up its digitisation process. A solution that makes possible to optimise all kinds of resources and to create sustainable supply chains to favour the accomplishment of the sustainable development targets fixed by Agenda 2030.
Digitisation is beside the new technologies implementation, are two keys sides to ensure the industry surviving, as they contribute to reinforce the safety in travels, to improve the guest experience and to promote sustainability and efficiency. Two values more in vogue than ever, so it is not strange that more and more hotels were looking towards a future that is respectful with the environment.
Trends in digitalization and sustainability for future tourism
Thus, the survival of the tourism sector depends on digitalization and sustainability. To do this, hotels must get on the train of the future and ’embrace’ the new trends that are going strong this 2022. Below we list some of the most important and the benefits they represent for the hotel sector:
- Tourism intelligence
Hotels have digital tools at their disposal to incorporate the analysis of global and up-to-date data that help in decision-making. In this way, they save time compiling information from a variety of sources and have real-time data at their disposal. A solution that also brings the establishment closer to the foundations of an ‘eco friendly’ business by reducing spending on paper”
- Big data technology
An increasingly present aspect that helps hotels to offer services adapted to the preferences of their guests. An action that is possible thanks to the collection of data and that results in better revenue management, by being able to use this data to make comparisons and anticipate future demands or trends.
- Contactless solutions
Another strategic trend for the sector recovery is contactless technology, which is increasingly present in hotels. An example of this is our Goguest platform for hotels. With it, through the Web App, guests can make cashless payments, book any service, request room service or even access their room with their mobile. All this makes easier the control by the hotel, eliminating waiting times and increasing speed and security, by avoiding contact.
- Business intelligence
Hotel’s digitisation makes it easier to obtain detailed information about its guests with the aim of identifying other competitors and creating differences with high added value. The actions carried out by the user are recorded, so that the establishment are able to know and analyse the consumption habits of its customers to improve their experience and offer a tailored ‘service menu’.
- Smart Tourist Destinations (DTI)
The DTI arises from the need to offer tourists differential and highly competitive services. These are innovative tourist destinations, consolidated on cutting-edge technological infrastructure, which guarantee the sustainable development of the tourist territory. In this way, they guarantee accessibility for all and the interaction and integration of the visitor with the environment. It also then increases the quality of their experience in the destination, improving the resident overall stay.
- Eco applications
In order to provide an experience based on sustainability, some hotels have seen the opportunity to create their own applications that offer the most complete walking tours to the guest. And all this without missing a thing and making the most of the getaway, promoting a kinder tourism with the environment and the surroundings.
- Smart technology
With tools such as ‘live streaming eCommerce’ or live broadcasts through social networks, hotels can take advantage of to promote their services. Thus promoting electronic commerce. Likewise, a two-way and interactive communication with the future guest is achieved.
Taking advantage then of the technological impulse to face the sector’s challenges and opportunities seems vital to ensure the survival of the industry, which is looking towards a new model of sustainable tourism based on digital transformation. A great challenge, but also a great opportunity for the hotel sector, as it offers solutions to improve its processes and the experience of its customers.
All in all, digitalization and new technologies (such as virtual reality, robotization, ‘contactless’ technology or virtual assistants) stand out as two powerful allies to accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector in ‘pro’ sustainability and proccess efficiency, as they contribute to the fight against climate change and are decisive allies in protecting the environment. Because without sustainability, there is no future tourism.
