The Future of Hospitality: From Then To Now, What’s Next?

Since its beginning, the hotel industry has constantly evolved and transformed to meet the changing needs of travelers. While the industry has always been innovative, the recent advancements in technology have catapulted the industry into unprecedented change.

Starting as a necessity for wandering travelers, the hospitality industry has certainly come a long way. However, before we can predict the future of the industry, it's important to understand the current trends in the hospitality industry and how it grew into the billion dollar industry it is today.

The Past

Since our ancestors roamed the Earth, people have been providing hospitality. However, the experience a guest may have had centuries ago is quite different than the one we experience today.

In early biblical times, "hotels" were mainly hospitable townsfolk who opened their homes to weary travelers. Most visits lasted only one night, with the guest continuing their travels in the morning. In comparison, villages in early Greece built thermal baths for travelers to rest their joints and muscles. These travelers did not spend the night, the baths simply provided them with the recuperation they needed. It wasn't until the year 1200 more permanent hotels were built. Though they were modest structures, they lay the foundation for the intricate hotel facilities we're accustomed to today.

The 15th century saw a breakthrough in the hotel industry. French law required hotel managers to keep track of guests through a registry, to which other countries soon followed. More hotels were built, each with an increased focus on guest amenities. The next century saw the introduction of hotel advertising, with the first "guidebooks" published promoting the best establishments. Another major development occurred during the Industrial Revolution. The century's technological, economical and social developments made travel more accessible for all people, not just the wealthy.

This momentum continued into the 20th century, where the population increase, urbanization and economic prosperity in industrial nations prompted further growth from the hospitality industry. This increase in demand triggered more properties to open and encouraged diversity.

While the hospitality industry has only continued to grow since, the current trends in the hospitality industry still reflect the needs of society.

The Present

Flashforward to today, travel is even more frequent. The hotel industry has continued to evolve alongside changing demographic trends and technological advancements and became a highly complex segment of the economy. Now, the current trends in the hospitality industry revolve around comfort and exceptional guest service.

As shown throughout its history, the hospitality industry is constantly changing. For hospitality professionals to remain competitive, it is ever more crucial to stay current on the trends in hospitality 2018.

The Future

With that in mind, hospitality professionals all over the world are wondering: "what is the future of hospitality?".

While nothing can be determined for certain, the opportunities and threats listed in the above infographic will definitely play a major role and be trends in hospitality 2018. 

As a company deeply rooted in the hospitality industry, we also asked ourselves: "what is the future of hospitality?". To answer, we took matters into our own hands and created The Future of Hospitality 2018 Research Report, the industry's first data-driven look into the future of hospitality.

This report will provide concrete data detailing the predicted path and future of the hospitality industry, as well as list promising areas of business growth & investment opportunities and threats to keep on your radar.

To receive this in-depth report for free, simply contribute your own valuable insights and join the community of hospitality professionals dedicated to bettering the industry.

Gain free access to The Future of Hospitality 2018 Research Report: Click here to contribute.

MicroMetrics builds the most flexible communication solutions for business and enterprise. Whether you"re a hotel operator looking to increase guest satisfaction scores and streamline internal communications, a government organization looking to connect with visitors in your city, or a brick-and-mortar business looking to improve customer satisfaction, MicroMetrics' intelligent, adaptable solutions are built to ensure your business provides the best possible service to your customers.  For more information, visit: http://micrometrics.com/