Harnessing Technology in the Hotel Industry: A Strategic Approach

This contributed article addresses the complexity of the rapidly evolving hotel industry, influenced by the continuous advancement of technology. The article examines the myriad of tech options available to hoteliers, acknowledging the potential for these choices to either revolutionize operations or create additional complexity. Highlighting successful tech adoption in numerous hotels, it encourages a strategic approach that focuses on the unique needs and offerings of each hotel, rather than simply following the latest trends. The article asserts that technology must be tailored to guests' needs, serve operational efficiency, and integrate smoothly with existing processes—goals best achieved through the early involvement of various departments. It concludes by stressing the importance of exceptional vendor support for successful technology projects and underscores the transformational potential of strategically chosen and implemented technology for hotels in a digital age.

The hotel industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to the rapid advancement of technology. As new technology solutions keep being created, hoteliers are faced with both challenges and opportunities. Namely, they are surrounded by a huge choice that can either elevate their business or, without careful consideration, add to their complexities.

Technology options for hotels have grown, not just in alternatives to existing solutions but also the number of applications available. With a mix of solutions offered by start-ups and incumbent providers alike, this choice often results in a dilemma for hoteliers - which technology is the best fit for their specific needs? Decision-makers need to carefully evaluate each technology's potential benefits, asking crucial questions like, "How can this tool enhance our operations, guest experiences, or overall profitability?"

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The Hotel Yearbook Technology 2023

The 2024 edition of "The Hotel Yearbook (HYB) Technology," curated by EHL's Ian Millar, offers a comprehensive outlook on the emerging technology trends and innovations poised to shape the global hotel industry. It amalgamates insights from a multitude of industry thought leaders, spotlighting key foresight in several tech-oriented fields. This includes anticipated evolutions in the future tech stack, which will drive operational efficiencies, the 'human stack' that explores the intersection of human resources and technology, and the application of Generative AI in creating novel customer experiences. Overall, this HYB edition serves as an essential guide for understanding how technology and innovation will redefine the industry landscape.
www.hotelyearbook.com/edition/technology-2023.html