Operto Guest Technologies, a provider of smart devices and connected technology for the global hotel, vacation and short-term rental industries, surveyed more than 200 hospitality providers for a new whitepaper called The State of Tech-Enabled Stays from 2021-2023.
The report highlights five clear trends shaping hospitality technology:
- 86 percent of hoteliers and short-term rental providers identify operations automation as a top priority
- 76 percent of hoteliers plan to reduce front-desk staff significantly in the next 12 months
- 34 percent plan on investing 11-25 percent more in keyless and automated tech in next 2 years
- Half of all operators surveyed said guests either expect or prefer an automated, contactless check-in
- 48 percent said guests expect keyless door entry—contactless access is a priority but guests are starting to expect other types of connected tech
Tech adoption has accelerated over the past year and these results confirm that operators are responding to guest expectations of contactless tech with 86 percent of operators prioritizing automating their operations, according to Operto. Keyless entry emerges as a key guest demand and 76 percent of hoteliers will replace the front desk with connected tech options in the future.
“Technology will be an absolute necessity for any hospitality business looking to stay competitive. The companies that make the switch will ultimately deliver the most memorable and pleasing guest experiences, with joined-up, customer-centric technology that changes with guest behaviors, habit changes, and post-COVID expectations,” said Steve Davis, Operto CEO. “The travel industry has faced a major crisis over the last 12 months, but many operators have also used this time to reboot and invest in technology partners that help to deliver exactly what the guest wants.”
Download the whitepaper here.