Today’s travelers already won’t leave home without their cell phones and tablets, but this “device-dependent” mindset will skyrocket in 2015 and beyond! Studies show that mobile use is on the rise among every travel demographic. SkyTouch Technology predicts that this trend, coupled with new technology developments, will continue to shape the travel and hospitality experience in many exciting ways:
Brace for last-minute bookings! Hoteliers will see a steady increase in last-minute bookings due to the prevalence of mobile-friendly booking sites and apps. With an abundance of information at their fingertips, guests will increasingly shop and book on-the-fly, causing an influx in last-minute traffic for hotels of all sizes and types.
More payment options. Our mobile-first society will drive the convergence between phone and wallet. Take, for example, Apple Pay, which gives iPhone users the ability to make mobile payments for goods and services. The success of Apple Pay is paving the way for more travel apps to surface with built-in payment functions. In the not too distant future, it will become mainstream for guests to book and pay for rooms with their iPhones.
“Watch” out for wearables. Smart watches will continue to grow in popularity – and they are so much more than a fashion statement. Today’s smart watches can be loaded with travel apps that help streamline and enhance the travel experience. For example, clever itinerary management app TripCase automatically notifies a connected watch if a flight is changed or cancelled. Look for more apps that work in tandem with smart watches to hit the market in the coming year!
Hotels will seek out technology. Hotels will identify and embrace new technologies in order to satisfy their tech savvy guests. Major chains such as Starwood and Hilton have already rolled out apps that cater to mobile bookings, allowing guests to check in using only their phone or smart watch. Hotels will also focus on adding apps that help empower the guest by giving them the ability to check-in remotely, control in-room climate, access and select entertainment options and more – all from their mobile devices.
The rise of API. Hotels will be paying attention to Application Programming interface (API) technology, which links complementary services to help separate travel apps work together. For example, API helps Google Maps users book directly using Open Table API. What’s next? A “super app” that functions seamlessly between hospitality services as a true mobile travel assistant!
Ease of communications. Tools such as Skype Translator will literally remove language barriers, enabling hotels to better communicate in real time with guests throughout the world. The emergence of more digital translator tools will make the international booking process more seamless for hotels and guests alike.
All of the above signals great news for the hospitality industry. A mobile-driven guest is a guest that is empowered to make better choices and develop a deeper connection to your brand. Hotels who embrace these new technologies are poised to provide a better experience for their guests in this fast-paced, ever-changing digital age of hospitality.
