TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
THE WORLD MAY HAVE CHANGED, BUT TECHNOLOGY IN THE HOTEL AND TRAVEL SPHERE REMAINS A SHINING BEACON OF INNOVATION. MATT LENNON TAKES A LOOK AT TEN PIECES OF TECHNOLOGY THAT SHOULD BE ON EVERY HOTEL’S RADAR.
‘TRAVEL SAFE’ HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDES
Following a customer survey which found 92% of travellers now rank cleanliness as the most important factor in choosing a hotel, TripAdvisor rolled out its new ‘Travel Safe’ online tools for hotel owners and managers. Properties can select all hygiene and guest safety practices in place, which can then be used by the public to filter search results and help them find a hotel to suit their cleanliness preferences. Reviews can also be posted to guide others and share first-hand details of just how clean their hotel stay was.
CLEANING ROBOTS
'The
Wh iz'
is
Don’t be surprised to see ‘The Whiz’ rolling up and down hotel corridors or in empty ballrooms or conference rooms sometime soon. The handy little vacuum assistants are in advanced stages of testing with outsourcing firms such as AHS Hospitality. The Japanese-made devices are designed for large spaces, can run for up to three hours per charge and are loaded with sensors ages of test ing e d st to detect and move away from dangers anc no v d w a n such as stairs or walls. They can also i detect humans moving around them and swiftly move out of the way.
i erv Self-s ce o all
ws
gu
es t
s to
bypass the front de
sk
SELF-SERVICE KIOSKS
As hotels continue the migration to concepts such as self-service and autonomous, the right technology is needed to give guests a smooth and hassle-free check-in and check-out. For travellers not as well versed with mobile apps, a self-service kiosk can provide that smooth run through check-in, issuing documentation, collecting guest information and dispensing room keys. Kiosks can be integrated with existing Property Management Systems and free up staff on reception desks for other tasks. 34 HM The Business of Accommodation
The new ‘Travel Safe’ protocols can help your hotel stand out