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2024/11/26 15:05:59

Digitalization in the hotel and resort businesses

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2024

7 top smart hotel trends for 2025

The hospitality industry is rapidly developing, which is facilitated, in particular, by the introduction of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Such solutions are not only an integral part of smart hotels, but also provide a competitive advantage, which is important in the current macroeconomic situation. Technology plays an increasingly important role in shaping strategies, improving operational efficiency, and improving guest experience. The Hotel Management Network review, unveiled at the end of November 2024, highlights seven top trends in smart hotels.

Development of basic infrastructure

Named Top Smart Hotel Trends for 2025

Before introducing innovative technologies, as noted, it is necessary to pay special attention to the assessment and revision (if necessary) of the basic infrastructure in hotels. We are talking, in particular, about modern communication channels that can provide high-speed data transmission.

Internet of Things (IoT) Integration

IoT technologies significantly improve the daily activities of hotels and the processes of interaction with guests. For example, thanks to all kinds of sensors, automatic control of lighting and climate systems can be performed. Hotels can also use IoT for predictive service, receiving notifications of any potential issues that can be fixed before guests arrive. Many of these features can be monitored and configured remotely using a mobile device.

Security tools

Security technologies in the field hotel business have gone beyond traditional smart cards and systems. video surveillances Many modern solutions include biometric guest and staff access, AI surveillance machine learning and algorithms, network segmentation tools for separating guest and internal data, enhanced security for financial transactions, etc.

Self-service terminals and digital concierge services

Such systems allow you to optimize the registration process, as well as provide faster and more trouble-free service to guests. Mobile registration solutions can completely eliminate the need for guests to contact the admin desk. At the same time, digital concierges are able to communicate with guests and perform certain tasks completely automatically - without the need for employee intervention. Such systems can radically improve guest experiences, reduce waiting times and reduce operating costs.

Personalisation

Hotels take advantage of big data and AI tools to deliver personalized services. The introduction of these tools allows institutions to apply predictive analytics to predict visitor preferences, as well as prepare guest accommodation based on their history.

Sustainable Development and Energy Management

AI technologies make it possible to optimize energy consumption in real time depending on the level of occupancy of numbers and environmental factors. As a result, costs are reduced and business profitability is increased.

Construction and repair technologies

When hotels are faced with the need for renovation, expansion or reconstruction, these tasks can also be carried out using digital technologies. In particular, building information modeling (BIM) paves the way for more efficient planning. As a result, hotel owners can save on construction work.[1]

Mishustin instructed to create a single GIS for tourism. What will be in it

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin instructed to create a unified state information system (GIS) for tourism. The Prime Minister announced this at the strategic session of the Cabinet of Ministers on national projects at the end of June 2024. Read more here.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave instructions in the field of digitalization of tourism

At the end of May 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave several instructions in the field of digitalization of tourism. They are given following a meeting held on March 28, 2024 on the creation of federal year-round resorts.

Among other things, the head of state instructed to create a single digital platform in the field of tourism, which will ensure "the collection, storage, processing and transmission of data on display facilities, hotels and other accommodation facilities, catering facilities, the work of guides (guides), guide guides and guide instructors and transport and logistics services."

Vladimir Putin

Another function of the platform is identification, including using a single identification and authentication system and (or) a single biometric system, participants in the tourism market. Identification should increase the transparency and safety of travel services.

In addition, the platform will store impersonal personal data, as well as data from the National Payment Card System, credit organizations.

Access to information on the platform will be provided to create software that will allow you to form comprehensive travel offers at the request of users, "including using artificial intelligence technologies."

The deadline for fulfilling the order is September 1, 2024. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has been appointed responsible.

In addition to creating a new platform, Putin instructed the government to approve the federal project "Five Seas and Lake Baikal" within the framework of the national project "Tourism and Hospitality." It provides for the creation of year-round resorts on the Baltic, Azov, Black, Caspian and Japanese seas and on Lake Baikal. The project involves the construction of hotels for 74 thousand rooms and the creation of more than 100 thousand jobs, and resorts will be able to receive about 9 million tourists annually.[2]

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin allowed to check into hotels on biometrics

In March 2024, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree that allows Russians to check into hotels using biometrics. The document says the following:

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Registration of a citizen at the place of stay in a hotel, sanatorium, rest house, a boarding house, campsite, medical organization, tourist base or other similar institution<…> is made<…> on the basis of documents, identity, or identity document information obtained from the Federal State Information System "Unified Infrastructure Identification and Authentication System, providing information and technological interaction of information systems used to provide state and municipal services in electronic form, " after identification and/or authentication of a citizen using a single biometric system.
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Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree that allows Russians to check into hotels using biometrics

The Ministry of Economic Development clarified to TASS that this initiative is one of the events of the roadmap for the transformation of the business climate in tourism, created on the basis of proposals from the business community. The innovation will allow Russians to independently register at any convenient time without queues and waiting, and hoteliers will simplify their work by optimizing the registration procedure and reducing the process time, the department added.

The ability to check into hotels according to biometrics will be implemented in the form of a special service. It is assumed that one look will be enough to confirm the identity of biometrics. The launch of the service in pilot mode is scheduled for the second half of 2024. According to the secretariat of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko, those who have registered confirmed biometrics in the Unified Biometric System (EBS) will be able to use the service.

Government of the Russian Federation Resolution of March 20, 2024 No. 341

In the Russian Federation will create a digital ecosystem in the tourism industry

Regional tourist digital resources should be integrated into the National Tourism Portal to form a unified information system in the domestic tourism industry. This was announced on February 22, 2024 by the press service of the State Duma deputy RFAnton Nemkin with reference to the statement of the first deputy chairman of the Federation Council committee on constitutional legislation and state construction Irina Rukavishnikova.

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The Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building approved the recommendations following the seminar-meeting "Digitalization of the tourism industry in the Russian Federation," held at the Federation Council on January 30. The participants of the seminar-meeting recommended that the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation consider the possibility of integrating regional tourist digital resources on the basis of the National Tourism Portal to form a unified information system in the domestic tourism industry, she wrote in her Telegram channel.
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It is important that such a system be safe for users and contain only verified information. Therefore, it is also necessary to develop quality standards for regional tourist digital resources when integrating into the National Tourism Portal, the senator emphasized.
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At the end of 2023, the tourism industry showed good dynamics - in 10 months the number of tourist trips increased by almost 19% by 2022. At the same time, the geography is quite wide - this is the North Caucasus, Altai, the Far East, and Karelia - all these regions have increased the flow of tourists by 1.5 times, "said Anton Nemkin.
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The national tourism portal, which became available in an updated format in early 2024, already allows you to get information about various vacation options, plan a trip and purchase various travel products. This is a full-fledged ecosystem for travel lovers, where you can get information about various vacation options, attractions and routes that offer Russian regions, plan a trip and purchase various tourist products: book a hotel, purchase an excursion or a ticket to the museum, explained Anton Nemkin.

Digitalization of tourism. Representatives of regions and market players told what they lack

The development of the tourism industry is one of the priorities of state policy, and digital technologies play an important role in it. They are being introduced at the state level - federal and regional, and by the business itself, providing tourist services. The general level of digitalization of the industry can already be assessed as high, but there are points that still need to be improved. Which ones - were voiced by representatives of the regions and market players on January 30, 2024 at the Federation Council at the seminar-meeting "Digitalization of the tourism industry in the Russian Federation."

Many regions have their own developments in the digitalization of the travel industry - portals and mobile applications that allow tourists to learn about nearby tourist sites, develop their own route, purchase tickets for events, etc. But they all work silently, which is not very convenient for tourists - they have to download many different applications. Several times at the seminar-meeting, the idea was voiced that a federal digital platform in the field of tourism was needed, with which regional portals and mobile applications could be integrated.

Screenshot of the main page of the Russia.Travel portal

There is, for example, the national tourism portal Russia.Travel, and the possibility of integrating regional resources with it could be realized. Russia.Travel in an updated form was presented at the end of 2023. This is a joint project of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Digital Industry, the Moscow government and the ANO "National Priorities."

Russia.Travel is positioned as the main tourist portal of Russia, and is an ecosystem that allows you to get information about various vacation options, attractions and routes that offer Russian regions, plan a trip and purchase an excursion, book a hotel, buy a ticket to a museum, etc.

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Regarding integration into a single portal, I think all regions will support, - said Irina Rukavishnikova, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, First Deputy Chairman of the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy at the Federation Council.
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Another point is that developing your own tourist resources is expensive, and the budgets of the regions are not unlimited. Senator from the Republic of Tuva Dina Oyun voiced the idea of ​ ​ the need for a model of a free information product for the tourism industry, which regions with low budget security could take and use for free, fill with their content. For example, products that have already been developed in other regions.

Ivan Parkhomenko, who was present at the meeting of the Deputy Director of the Department for the Development of Electronic Government Infrastructure of the Ministry of Digital Development, said in response that as part of the development of the Gostech platform, a number of meetings are planned from the beginning of the year under the leadership of the Minister of Digital Development, which, among other things, will consider the issue of digitalization of tourism and the creation of unified digital services in the field of tourism for the whole country. The department is ready to accept proposals on this topic.

And the deputy director of the department for the implementation of projects in the field of tourism activities of the Ministry of Economic Development Timur Badmazhapov assured that work with the regions is already underway, and there are plans to create pages or integrate the national tourism portal with the regional ones. The same goes for mobile apps.

The Minister of Economic Development of the Rostov Region Maxim Papushenko believes that at the federal level it would also be possible to support the tourist resources of the regions, promoting them in public places in the country - on federal highways, at airports, railway stations, etc. The Rostov region already has such experience with Moscow, when information about a tourist project was displayed on the information screens of the city. This experience could be scaled to the federal level.

Another proposal is to take into account the requirements of Russian legislation in the field of tourist services and provide for their integration with the register of guides and guide-translators, classified accommodation facilities, the register of tour operators and travel agents when developing requirements for the integration and commissioning of digital tourist resources. He was voiced by the senator from the Murmansk region, deputy chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management Tatyana Sakharova.

This, in her opinion, is necessary to avoid poor-quality service providers: according to the senator, many travel agencies advertise themselves despite the fact that they are not included in the register.

At the meeting under the auspices of Irina Rukavishnikova, ideas and proposals for the development of digitalization of the industry from the regions and representatives of the travel industry were collected

For representatives of the tourist business, one of the pressing issues is the regulation of the activities of aggregators. So, Olesya Sapa, head of the Center for Expertise and Analytics of Entrepreneurship Problems "Support of Russia," notes that now such concepts as "aggregators" and "marketplace" are not divided, in connection with which aggregators bear additional responsibility for the services provided, not always justified. Aggregators are not only in the tourism industry, and their regulation should apply to other industries too.

In addition, now aggregators are subject to the law on the protection of consumer rights in terms of the relationship between the supplier and the buyer, but does not apply to the relationship between the aggregator and the supplier. The aggregator can only affect vendors at a few points.

Vadim Melnikov, General Director of MTS Travel, also raised the topic of the legal status of aggregators at the meeting. Now there is a discussion in the State Duma on how exactly to reflect in the law the concept of "tourist aggregator," what powers and obligations to impose on it, he says. And one of the voiced opinions is to equate aggregators with existing market objects without introducing a new concept. MTS Travel disagrees with this, and believes that it is necessary to separate aggregators from other market participants, since the essence of its activities is not similar, for example, to operator activities.

For example, aggregators, unlike tour operators, do not sell package offers based on a limited choice of carriers and hotels. An aggregator is a showcase where a person can decide for himself where and how to relax, how to get there, where to spend the night, have fun, etc. Travel aggregators perform an information and transaction function: they transmit information about the services and the performer to the client, and in the opposite direction they provide delivery of funds when booking online and information about the reservation.

Another important issue facing the tourism industry that needs to be addressed is copyright protection. We are talking about the use of various videos and photographic materials by aggregators and information tourist resources, due to which many disputes arise, Olesya Sapa explained.

The first deputy chairman of the Federation Council committee on constitutional legislation and state construction, the first deputy chairman of the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy under the Federation Council, Irina Rukavishnikova, recalled that the digitalization of the tourism sector has already been provided with a number of state solutions and technological developments. Important were the amendments to the Federal Law on the Basics of Tourist Activities in the Russian Federation, which introduced the possibility of exchanging information in electronic form between the tour operator, travel agent and tourist and fixed the mechanism for issuing an electronic ticket. And in order to protect the rights of tourists and strengthen state control, legislative amendments ensured the introduction in 2023 of the EIS "Electronic Ticket" GIS.

The issues of the formation and maintenance of special electronic resources were also regulated: a single federal register of tour operators of the Russian Federation; register of travel agents; federal register of guides, guides and guides-translators; federal register of instructors-conductors; a single list of classified hotels, ski slopes and beaches.

The main directions of technology development are determined by the strategy for the development of tourism in the Russian Federation until 2035, which was approved by government order. These include the transfer of all public services related to tourism activities into electronic form; provision of the possibility to provide the participants of the tourist market with all established reporting in electronic form.

The main areas also include the integration of GIS related to tourism activities and the use of digital solutions to improve interaction with business and expert communities in the development and implementation of tourism projects.

Yandex has launched a service that tells about the attraction when pointing a smartphone camera at it

Yandex has launched a technology that displays information about the attraction when you point a smartphone camera at it. This function is implemented in the Yandex.Travel service, the company's press service said on January 31, 2024. Read more here.

2023

Global Tourism Software Market Growth to $9.1 Billion

In 2023, costs in the global tourism and travel management software market reached $9.1 billion. This sector is showing steady positive dynamics, as stated in the Market Research Future review, which TAdviser got acquainted with in mid-December 2024.

We are talking about software designed to manage tourist trips, business trips and expenses. These systems help you plan employee movements and provide a comprehensive view of costs anytime, anywhere. As a result, companies can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance across the organization.

One of the main drivers of the market in question is ongoing digitalization. Travel and expense management software provides employees with an easier and more convenient way to report their expenses and provide them to management for reimbursement. Software helps in the formation of travel schedules by offering a structured method of data management. Such solutions can be integrated with mobile applications, which allows you to work with the system on the go.

Using tourism software, employers can reduce the number of errors associated with manual operations and human factors. By integrating travel and expense management software with enterprise resource planning (ERP), human capital management (HCM ) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, companies get a complete view of all expenses. As a result, management can take the necessary measures to optimize finances and labor costs.

Another stimulating factor is technological advances, including the introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning: these tools allow you to analyze huge amounts of information and optimize many processes.

Segmentation of the global travel management software market by deployment type includes on-premises and cloud-based solutions. The second segment dominates, which is due to the wide spread of cloud computing among small and medium enterprises. The cloud model is growing in popularity due to its flexibility, scalability, and low initial costs. On the other hand, analysts point to restraining factors: this is a lack of qualified personnel and technical awareness necessary to connect the cloud platform. In addition, there are issues related to data security and privacy. Among the significant players in the market in question are:

Geographically, as stated in the report, the Asia-Pacific region dominates, where there is a high concentration of small and medium-sized enterprises that are actively introducing software for managing travel and expenses. A significant share is held by North America, where the popularity of booking platforms and travel applications is high.

At the end of 2024, revenue in the tourism and travel management software segment is estimated at $10.05 billion. Market Research Future analysts believe that in the future, the CAGR will be 9.04%. As a result, by 2032, costs on a global scale could increase to $20.1 billion.[3]

The Ministry of Economic Development approved the introduction of a system of independent accommodation in hotels. Biometrics will be used

The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation approved introduction of a system of independent settling in hotels. It is assumed that guests will use biometrics to stay in hotels without registration at the reception. This became known at the end of September 2023.

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The industry came to us with a proposal - or we can make registration in hotels without a mandatory "reception," without a mandatory person. Why not? In Europe, we know, about 15 years ago, you come at night if you have a preliminary... you show into the camera, go in and live. There are no problems. We have biometrics and recognition, which is not. It is necessary to actively introduce all these innovations that will really help the industry, - said the Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.
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The Ministry of Economic Development approved the introduction of a system of independent settlement in hotels

In September 2023, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Dmitry Vakhrukov noted that registration in hotels remotely and with a passport is impossible, and scanning documents creates temporary and financial costs. In this regard, the Ministry of Economic Development supported the introduction of a system of independent settlement in hotels.

At the same time, some hotels in Russia already offer the possibility of automated check-in using third-party services. They allow guests to book a room, check-in and open the door on their own, without the participation of administrators and managers. This allows you to significantly reduce business costs on the payroll. Registration, check-in and check-out to the rooms is possible automatically through a mobile phone using individual codes.[4]

2021

Rosstat will use data from cellular operators to analyze tourist flow

The Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) will use data from mobile operators to analyze tourist flows in the regions. This became known on September 6, 2021.

As Kommersant writes with reference to the office of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, using the data of cellular operators, it is planned, in particular, to find out how much tourists spend in individual regions and draw up their portraits for each subject.

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The use of more accurate data will make it possible to predict tourist flows and make timely management decisions, including by local governors, - quotes the publication of Dmitry Chernyshenko.
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Rosstat will use data from cellular operators to analyze tourist flow in the regions

According to him, the data collection strategy will be based on the principles of maximum depth and immersion, and the use of more accurate data will allow predicting tourist flows and making timely management decisions, including by local governors.

Earlier, Rosturizm proposed using data from cellular operators to calculate tourist flow. The department said that this practice is actively developing abroad and is one of the most accurate tools for assessing tourist flow. The official figures for the internal tourist flow are very far from real, since they practically do not take into account tourists who stay in small accommodation facilities that do not submit statistical reports, and in private apartments rented through electronic booking services, noted in Rostourism.

As the newspaper reminds, Rosstat plans to launch the central analytical platform "Population" worth 719 million rubles by 2023. It is assumed that through it business will be able to get free access to a number of data on citizens that the statistics body collects. Experts interviewed by Kommersant note that too much time is laid for the development of the platform, and large companies are already accumulating detailed information about their customers.[5]

Creating a digital profile of a tourist in Russia

On April 5, 2021, it became known about the creation of a tourist profile in Russia. This project is being handled by the Big Data Association. Read more here.

2020: RuSat Infrastructure solutions are preparing IT systems in the field of tourism in 15 cities of Russia

On October 9, 2020, it became known about Rosatom's entry into the tourism market. Included in the state corporation JSC RuSat Infrastructure Solutions (RIR; specializes in the development of IoT technologies in cities) intends to launch its own IT systems in the field of tourism in 15 cities. Read more here.

2019: Every two hotels out of three hand over guests' personal data to advertisers and analytics companies

In mid-April 2019, antivirus manufacturer Symantec published the results of a study according to which every two of three hotels inadvertently transfer personal data of guests to third-party firms, including advertisers and analytical companies.

The study analysed more than 1,500 hotel sites in 54 countries, with scores ranging from two to five stars. Hotels store information such as full guest names, email addresses, credit card details, and passport numbers. All of this sensitive data can be exploited by cybercriminals who are increasingly interested in the movements of powerful business people and government employees.

According to Symantec, many hotels, without knowing it, transfer personal data of customers to third-party services

It's no secret that advertisers track users' Internet surfing habits, but the information transmitted can allow third-party services to enter reservations, view personal data and even cancel bookings altogether, "said study leader Candid Wueest.

According to Symantec experts, data leaks usually occur when the hotel's website sends emails for confirmation - they include a link with booking information. The code attached to the link may be in the hands of more than 30 different service providers, including companies working with social networks, search engines and advertising and analytical services.

According to Uist, 25% of employees involved in the security of sensitive data on the websites of the respective hotels did not respond to Symantec within six weeks of receiving notification of the problem. From the rest of the companies, the answer came on average after 10 days. Some staff have admitted they have not yet fully updated systems under Europe's new data protection law, which came into force in 2018 and has strict requirements to organise the fight against data breaches.[6]

2018

Top 5 IT trends in tourism and hospitality in 2019 - DataArt

On November 8, 2018, the American company DataArt, specializing in outsourcing software development and areas such as Internet applications, corporate databases and industrial automation tools, published a list of five main technological trends that will take the tourism and hospitality industry to the next level in 2019.

DataArt experts predict that in 2019 the greatest attention will be paid to technological solutions that will help improve the quality of customer service during travel.

1. Artificial intelligence will reach new heights

Already in 2018, AI has achieved great success in tourism and hospitality, and its use is expected to increase significantly in 2019. The ability of this technology to significantly improve the quality of customer service with less human resources makes artificial intelligence ideal for this sector, and therefore a large increase in the number of new applications and projects implemented on its basis is predicted.

DataArt has published a list of five main trends that will take the tourism and hospitality industry to the next level in 2019

2. Open APIs will set direction

In recent years, industry players have faced significant challenges in trying to adopt new technologies while trying not to complicate the process of managing their existing systems. In 2019, open APIs will become more widespread, which will ensure effective communication and synchronization between the various technological systems used in the industry, analysts say.

3. Attention will be focused on augmented reality technology

DataArt experts expect augmented reality (AR) technology to achieve significant success 2019 year, finding its application both in 3D views of hotel rooms in mobile applications and in games. Although as of the end of 2018, this technology is being introduced relatively slowly in the tourism and hotel services industry, 2019 should be the year when augmented reality will be one of the main tools for marketing and personalization.

4. Self-service technologies will expand their boundaries

Research shows growing consumer interest in solutions based on self-service technology, and the industry will respond by reducing the need for a customer to interact with another person to complete a transaction. Reducing time and simplicity will be beneficial for both companies and consumers, while further development of this technology will reduce problems with self-service systems and increase their reliability.[7]

5. The spread of voice assistants will grow along with consumer expectations

Voice technology is already widespread in many areas, and its adoption in the tourism and hospitality industries will grow at an impressive pace. The widespread adoption of mobile apps and smart homes leads to the fact that many consumers are already accustomed to voice assistants. This allows you to use the popularity of this solution also in the tourism and hotel business. Consumers today value simplicity and speed more than ever before, and voice technology will be an important part of the industry's comprehensive response to growing demand, according to a study published in early November 2018.

International and tourism is a powerful industry for trade in services. In addition, modern tourism is a global computerized business, which involves large airlines, hotel complexes and travel firms around the world. Thanks to information technology, the tourist product becomes more individual and flexible, as well as more accessible to each consumer.

Отчет Sabre Labs 2018 Emerging Technology Report

In April 2018, Sabre Corporation, a technology provider for the tourism and travel industry, released the 2018 Emerging Technology Report technology forecast prepared by Sabre Labs' research arm. It looks at the prospects for emerging technologies and their impact on tourism in the next decade. The main trends of 2018 were automation, authenticity and blockchain.

"Today it becomes obvious that tourism is really a technology business," said Philip Likens, director of Sabre Labs. - Even the simplest trip creates a huge amount of data. Collecting, indexing and interpreting this information, and how we apply it to improve the quality of travel, is driving real innovation in the travel industry. Whether it's artificial intelligence, machine learning to automate and optimize tasks, solutions to create a unique digital experience, or using new protocols to allow, for example, a trip without a wallet and passport - technology is designed to transform our journeys. "

The Sabre Labs report provides a detailed analysis of three technology trends that experts say will have the most significant impact on the tourism industry:

Automation

Automation is not a new idea, but advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning create the basis for qualitative changes in customer service in the digital environment. The awareness and cognitive abilities of machines open up limitless opportunities for companies to completely rethink when and what to sell, what employees need and how to run a business, how to anticipate and exceed consumer expectations.

Authenticity

In modern conditions, trust is in short supply, so authenticity and unique service are more valuable than ever before. At the same time, businesses are increasingly having to use technology and digitize solutions to interact with customers on the required scale. Does digital technology contradict the real world? How to competently combine augmented and virtual reality with authenticity? Sabre studies and addresses these complex challenges.

Blockchain

The information noise around the instability of cryptocurrency rates distracts attention from the value of the blockchain technology itself that underlies them. The real potential of this innovation is that it enables secure transactions that do not require additional verification. In the tourism industry, the prospects for blockchain technology are especially promising: for example, it can provide an opportunity to travel around the world without a passport and wallet.

2017: Sabre Corporation study

Sabre Corporation, a technology developer for the global tourism and travel industry, released the "2017 Radar Report" technology forecast in September 2017, prepared by Sabre Labs' research arm. It assesses nine innovations that could have a major impact on all areas of life and business, including tourism.

1) Artificial intelligence. The prototype of machines with artificial intelligence is the famous pair of R2-D2 and C-3PO from Star Wars, which formed the provision of this technology as a capable assistant: charming, independent, perfectly performing a specific kind of task. Being on the verge of this future, it is fundamentally important to build a world in which people and machines will work collectively. Then a person will gain more opportunities for creativity, recreation and new knowledge.

2) Augmented reality. The capabilities of this technology extend far beyond the Pokemon Go game. First of all, augmented reality can become visual Wikipedia, when characteristics and data about the object will be projected on each object, building or street. At the same time, the potential of the technology lies not only in making information ubiquitous and accessible, but also in creating new functionality, content and ways of deeper interaction of people with the world and with each other.

3) Autonomous delivery. From courier drones capable of delivering an order anywhere, to autonomous suitcases and robotic receptionists who will follow the owner, making travel much easier.

4) Blockchain. Due to the impossibility of falsifying data, this solution of reliable distributed storage of records is called the "Internet of Trust." Many companies have already entered the race, striving to transform various areas of business, public administration, trade and culture with its help. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger were created on the basis of blockchain protocols. In the future, this technology could significantly affect the rules of the game in all sectors of the economy, including tourism.

5) Neurointerfaces. The exchange of information between the human brain and the electronic device will develop in the near future. Initially, these may be applications that will allow you to control items, for example, an autonomous suitcase that can be moved by one force of thought. Over time, the system will be able to send information to the brain itself, say, about the GPS route, or remind of planned business and meetings.

6) Quantum computing. This innovation is aimed at the ability to quickly process huge amounts of data, the volume of which will constantly grow with the development of technology.

7) Space tourism. Both countries and the commercial sector are participating in the "space race" of the 21st century, and competition in this segment will continue to intensify. Already today there are projects of orbital hotels and shuttles capable of delivering tourists to Mars. In addition, progress in this area will make it even easier to get to any corner of the Earth, and this future is not far off.

8) Reliability of presence. We are talking about technologies biometrics face recognition and for identification and confirmation of identity. Whether it's shopping without using cash and credit cards or passing security control at the airport without presenting a passport, with the introduction of such queue decisions, you can finally forget.

9) Virtual reality. With the development of this technology, tactile sensations will be added to the visual and audio effects available today so that the user can immerse himself in the virtual world as fully as possible. Nevertheless, Sabre Labs experts are confident that virtual reality will not be able to replace a real journey, but rather, on the contrary, will inspire people to new discoveries, stimulate interest in history and science, and also contribute to the growth of sales of additional services and premium services.

2016: Zebra Technologies Study

More than 70% of hotels plan to introduce geolocation services in order to adapt services to the individual needs of customers.

Zebra Technologies published in December 2016 the results of the global study "Prospects for the development of the hotel business" [8][9] The study provides an analysis of the hotel and resort industry, as well as trends in travelers' preferences and technological needs that affect their overall level of service satisfaction.

The study found that the hospitality model is changing on the heels of changed consumer expectations for Wi-Fi speed, staff responsiveness and loyalty programs. Hotels and resorts have begun to invest in IT solutions that improve guest satisfaction. Among them are services that allow you to register at a hotel using a smartphone, offers and services based on the location-based services (LBS), and loyalty programs implemented using digital technologies.

Basic facts

Improving access

  • 77% of hotels and resorts around the world expand the reach of Wi-Fi networks to ensure the transition of personnel to mobile computers (and thus improve interaction with guests), expand the range of geolocation services and provide reliable wireless Internet access.
  • According to the study, 66% of guests are most satisfied with the service in those hotels where the staff uses the latest technology, and 68% of guests would like to use a smartphone to speed up the hotel check-in procedure.

Individual Offers and Loyalty Programs

Approximately three-quarters (74%) of travelers in the study rate hotels highly with personalized offers and personalized mailing. About 75% of respondents are willing to share their personal information (gender, age, email address) to receive information about current promotions, coupons for services of interest, points for participating in loyalty programs or priority service.


Location-based services

  • To create offers and privileges that meet the individual needs of customers, 74% of hotels and resorts plan to introduce LBS technologies over the next year. The priority is to analyze and take into account the wishes and complaints of guests, mobile offers based on geotargeting, as well as special promotions and upgrades.
  • According to the results of the study, guests are less willing to share their location than personal information, but the answers vary depending on the age of the respondents. So, 34% of respondents from the millennial generation freely disclose their current location, while among people aged 50 to 64, this is true only for 13% of respondents.


Geographic specificity

  • Taking into account the wishes and complaints of guests is the main factor in the development of LBS technologies in North America. In this region, travelers are least concerned about the privacy of information about their location and the privacy of the data they indicate on social networks, as well as more than others wishing to use self-service technologies.
  • Hotels and resorts in Latin America are implementing LBS technology at a record pace, as the region is characterized by the highest expectations of guests regarding attention from staff.
  • For Europe, the main priority is to retain existing customers, because this is where travelers are the least often used loyalty programs.
  • In the Asia-Pacific region, where staff responsiveness is the decisive factor in choosing a hotel or resort, special promotions and geotargeting of mobile users have become the main drivers for the introduction of LBS technologies.

Notes

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