Year in review: Hotel tech trends in 2011
14 December 2011
A quick scan of the hospitality technology trends released at the start of 2011 by experts including technology research firm Gartner and Hong Kong-based hospitality technology consultant Terence Ronson, pinpoints a number of trends that were expected to be big in 2011 namely mobile apps, cloud computing, iPad, social media, and smart check-in.
Twelve months on, was the uptake as expected? Have hotel companies shifted to new innovations and applications? And how are they making new, smart technologies work for them? HMA finds out.
Hotel apps
Mobile applications continued to explode in 2011 with numerous hotels investing in new app-based innovations. According to a study by communications provider Motorola Solutions, more than half of hospitality organizations are planning to increase their mobile investments with 91% of hospitality decision makers now realizing the importance of mobile and wireless technology.
Notable apps launched in 2011 include:
-Geographically targeted apps – Marriott launched a free mobile app for iPhone and Android devices for Greater China. The app enables travellers to quickly locate hotels, book rooms, check their reservations, and get details about the property.
-Demographic targeted apps – Hilton Garden Inn launched an iPhone/iPad app targeted at business travellers. The BizWords app helps business travellers decode business speak as well as serving as a professional network.
-Operational apps – Solare Hotels & Resorts developed a web-based app Hotel SnapShot that allows properties to combine inhouse data with external intelligence enabling them to interpret travel trends.
-Social media- targeted apps – Columbus Internet and Hotels.com developed a Facebook app marketed at the social media generation. The app HotelsWithMe enables friends and families to choose and book a hotel without all being in front of the same computer.
iPad
The passing of technology guru Steve Jobs in October brought home like nothing else the impact the iPad as well as other Apple innovations has had on the hospitality industry.
Current uses by the hospitality sector of the iPad include: Menus and Wine Lists; Point of Sale units with Credit Card processing; In-Room Control panels for Lighting, TV, Audio and Environment Controls; eRegistration Cards; Housekeeping Room Inspection devices; Training manuals; Meeting Room A/V Controllers; Guest Questionnaires; Concierge Assistants; Mobile websites with hooks to booking engines; Electronic Books and Newspapers; Controllers for Gym Equipment; Second Screens for IPTV systems; Remote viewing of CCTV; Business Information portals; and Presenters for sales teams. [Source: Terence Ronson, PertLink]
