Hospitality Top 10 Trends 2018

The new year is almost here, Many new trends are coming. However, The advanced technologies will be the real game changer in the hospitality industry. Here are my picks for 2018:

1. Technology, led by mobile, digital keys and in-room entertainment gets a big upgrade and blockchain, which is a clear and incorruptable path from the hotel to the guest has the ability to create more direct and lower fee transactions. This direct route is a potential disruption to OTAs and that is a possible game-changer.
2. Crisis management and cyber security will gain in importance as the addition of Active Shooter training is added to a hotel's playbook and cyber crime continues to increase dramatically.
3. The internet of things (IoT) becomes a thing by translating the smart home experience into the hospitality world. Technologies such as sensor-activated thermostats, digital room keys and in-room streaming services are all possible today.
4. Voice activation. Amazon Echo and Apple's Siri are consumer versions of this technology. Getting the Internet of Things upgraded to the network is coming soon and voice activation will be at the top of the list.
5. Robotics hits full stride and Artificial Intelligence is enabling the hotel industry to do incredible things. From creating hyper personalized guest experiences to identifying unrecognized revenue opportunities, this is happening now. We are already planning to hire our second robot!
6. Virtual Reality (VR) is no longer just a gimmick. It can and will be used in some form frequently in 2018. Coupled with augmented reality, (AR) (think Pokemon Go phenomenon) VR and AR will develop rapidly this next year. It is already widely used to sell adventure travel.
7. Data and analytics lead to winning the loyalty game as data can segment guest profiles to infinite degrees, creating a comprehensive picture of who's staying at our properties. We can track guest habits, interests and preferences as well as reason for travel, booking date, date of last stay and much more.
8. Hotels will cross industry categories. You can now book a restaurant on Airbnb.
9. Hotels, including big brands, will make local experiences part of the stay – as with Airbnb’s Trips, where hosts take guests on local tours.
10. The role of a travel agent is slowly changing and advancing to be a travel consultant. The changing role of travel agents, With numerous OTA options, travellers nowadays don’t really require a travel agent to book their tickets or hotel stays, especially since OTA’s offer more competitive pricing.

Let us know what do you think about these trends ? What are your picks and what do you believe in most ?