Metaverse 101 for Hoteliers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Embrace the Future of Hospitality

As advancements in virtual and augmented reality technology, blockchain, and Web3 continue to shape our world, the idea of a metaverse is becoming more of a reality. For those unfamiliar with the workings of the Metaverse, it can be daunting and perplexing. However, it presents many opportunities for hoteliers and other entrepreneurs, and it is essential to navigate this new frontier and kickstart its business potential.

At Hospitality Net, we have created a 10-point-guide to clarify the process of getting started in the Metaverse by addressing crucial questions. We cover the initial steps, essential information to be aware of, necessary team members, the role of met-agencies, and accessibility for everyone. This article will cover some of the critical points.

1. The first step for hoteliers looking to onboard any metaverse technologies is to understand how the data will be piped, cleaned, and structured within existing guest profile systems or CRMs and connected to current payment rails. Once there's an identifiable path to proper interfacing, the Metaverse should be viewed as an opportunity to better know your customers by learning their preferences through interactive prearrival and post-departure virtual worlds. This will allow you to build richer guest profiles with far superior segmentation to anticipate onsite service requests, eliminate more points of friction, customize experiences, and generate one-to-one upselling offers.
2. Acquaint yourself with key concepts like virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive guest experiences. Delve into the metaverse ecosystem, researching platforms, trends, and enterprises while choosing your niche- virtual concierge services, digital amenities, or VR-driven F&B experiences. Also familiarize yourself with different metaverse platforms, digital property, tokens, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts.
3. Assemble a proficient team of experts boasting diverse technology, design, and marketing proficiencies, ensuring they're fluent in metaverse platforms and blockchain technology. Forge alliances with meta-agencies, specialized firms that guide you through the Metaverse, streamlining your virtual presence and honing your business strategy. Learn what VR/AR developers, blockchain specialists, 3D designers, and digital marketing professionals actually can do for your business.
4. Accessibility is paramount in the Metaverse. Champion education and training to fully exploit its potential and remain a vanguard in this rapidly evolving industry. By mastering key concepts, carving out your niche, orchestrating a skilled team, and synergizing with met-agencies, you can confidently navigate the exhilarating domain of the Metaverse.
5. Web3 and the Metaverse are the perfect way to engage a brand's community and build customer loyalty. However, a successful Web3 strategy is based on creativity: brands need to forge their own unique Web3 identity, and people will validate it (or not).
6. It is essential to balance optimism and caution to take advantage of this new world. Don't believe the hype, but also don't fall for fearmongering.
7. Identify opportunities and needs within the Metaverse that your business or hospitality service can satisfy.
8. Meta-agencies can help entrepreneurs navigate the complex metaverse ecosystem, providing valuable insights and specialized expertise. Since the space is crowded with people offering services, it is recommended to start with interviews with multiple providers, agencies, or advisors before choosing the right partner to help you confidently navigate the Metaverse.
9. Ensure virtual hotels are accessible and inclusive by considering compatibility with low-cost devices, user-friendliness, and addressing the needs of people with disabilities.
10. It is also crucial to find communities (like Hospitality Net), where you can read unbiased content on how to start with the Metaverse.

To sum up, whether you're creating virtual hotel tours, 3D room previews, personalized guest avatars, or VR-enhanced event spaces, integrating these innovations can elevate guest experiences and create a cutting-edge hospitality environment. Embrace the learning curve and innovation as you venture into this uncharted territory, poised to revolutionize the hospitality industry.