HotelsMag November-December 2020 | Page 19

INVESTING IN NEXT-GENERATION TECHNOLOGY
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INVESTING IN NEXT-GENERATION TECHNOLOGY

In response to a recovering economy and relentless competitive pressures , hoteliers are evaluating opportunities that will increase operational efficiencies and generate significant revenue . At the core of these decisions are investments that embrace next-generation solutions to facilitate more robust on-premise and in-room experiences .

With advances in technology , there are opportunities to create compelling distinctions between those hoteliers that deliver expected amenities such as free Wi-Fi and those that provide enhanced entertainment options such as casting to in-room TV ’ s or personalized and responsive guest services . When weighing options , there are a few indispensable facts to consider .
• According to numerous sources , 85 % of guests use smartphones when they travel .
• According to Hospitality Technology , 84 % of guests expect free Wi-Fi , 72 % are more likely to return if the hotel has the technology they expect , and 66 % will pay more for technologies they deem important .
• Ampere Analysis reports the average home in the United States has 3.8 streaming services . In homes with kids , the number increases to 5 .
• Hoteliers around the world are creating guest experiences that are increasingly interactive .
ENABLING PERSONALIZED IN-ROOM EXPERIENCES In response to the pandemic , travelers have adjusted their behavior — spending less time exploring and dining out and taking greater advantage of inroom entertainment . As such , they are demanding increased control coupled with more personalized and contactless in-room experiences .

We have deployed contactless technologies that allow guests to personalize their experiences using their smartphones .”
Vanessa Ogle CEO & Founder of Enseo
According to Vanessa Ogle , CEO & Founder of Enseo , “ We have deployed contactless technologies that allow guests to personalize their experiences using their smartphones . With capabilities such as remote check-in , mobile key , and mobile remotes , they can safely register , enter their rooms , and control the TV , lights , thermostat and other in-room functions on their own .”
Another important factor is allowing guests to connect with the same live TV , streaming services , and options such as Netflix , Disney + and Amazon Prime that they enjoy at home . Using casting and other such technologies , leading-edge providers make it easy for guests to broadcast their own lineup of live HD channels from their personal devices directly onto the HDTV in the room .
When it comes to brand preference and loyalty , these new technologies can be transformative . According to Nate Block , General Manager of DISH Business , “ More travelers than ever are accessing custom content on their devices . Providing technologies that allow them to enjoy this content on an HDTV in their room is an important factor that contributes to brand differentiation .”
THE RIGHT PROVIDER WITH THE RIGHT SOLUTION Considering the continued evolution toward more robust and enhanced entertainment solutions , it is essential for operators to have a technology partner that can manage all of the in-room amenities . They must demonstrate proven capacity to evaluate current and future needs , and then recommend , build and deploy a platform that will ensure seamless and scalable performance over time .
The need to embrace and deploy new technologies is undeniable . When hoteliers understand these dynamics and invest accordingly , they are well positioned to create remarkable experiences , delight customers , inspire brand loyalty , and establish a competitive advantage .