Technologies that will enhance hotel experience in 2018

As we look
forward to closing the year, Jumia Travel takes a keen look at emerging and growing hotel technologies that
will shape the new year.
Voice
Adaptation, anyone home?
Voice is no
doubt an ongoing craze across various industries; think of Siri, Alexa, Cortana
and the rest. The little complications of accents, privacy and communication
barriers notwithstanding, incorporation of voice-focused devices in hotels will
ease operations as guests can get hands-free answers to their queries without
reaching for the phone.
Virtual Reality; seeing is
believing!
Think
innovation and inspiration, VR can have an endless list of possibilities. On
top of providing “real time” entertainment and insight, VR can be incorporated
in marketing concepts to woo potential guests with real recordings of the hotel
and destination. Hotels are also adapting VR as part of in-room entertainment
through creating experiences that respond to guest needs, for instance, Best
Western North America has created 3360-degree photos for it’s properties using
Google’s Street View technology. On the other hand, Marriott Hotels &
Resorts offers their guests Vroom Service on request for, thereby upscaling
their in-room experience.
Artificial Intelligence, think
“Connie” of The Hilton
The Chatbot
and the robots are in to stay, perhaps a god-send to customer service crisis
that stakeholders in the hospitality industry are all so familiar with. On top of easing operations, AI comes
with the advantage of data gathering, compilation and analysis, thereby
providing almost error-free customer insight. Bearing in mind that human
interaction is an integral part of the service industry, the big question
developers will probably be grappling with is where to draw the line.
Upscale Conferencing Facilities
The MICE
industry is a big deal right now, generating over $30 billion globally per annum. For hosting, catering and accommodation purposes, the hotel sector plays a vital role in the growth and sustenance of meetings, incentives and conferencing activities. Basics include power backup system, high density WI-FI, AV, up to date display technology and furniture. A keen look on location’s proximity to attractions, interaction with nature on issues such as energy conservation will take lead in this frontier.
Mobile Apps in the Hospitality Sector
The hotel sector is fluid and mobile, in a period where everything is
possibly at a hand's reach. To create a seamless process between different
faculties that include reservation, check-in, concierge, room service and much
more. This can be developed as a one-off download for loyal customers or
customized for guests as they check in. On top of the functional front, apps
can also play a significant role in driving reviews and bolstering ancillary
revenues through making the products readily accessible.
Jumia
Travel is Africa’s leading online hotel and flights booking platform with more
than 30,000 hotels listed on its site.
Best regards,
Lillian Gaitho | Head of PR & Communication at Jumia Travel
phone +254 (0) 773 014 918 / 0729 823 884 | skype lillian.gaitho
Jovago | 4th Floor | Kaka House | Maua Close | Westlands | Nairobi