Why Hotels Should Embrace Technology During the Pandemic Period

830 million domestic tourist trips took place in China during the first quarter of 2022 — Statista

This indicates that there is a tremendous need for a tech-driven strategy for hotels. Covid-19 triggered this growth in Chinese domestic tourism, and multi-hotel groups want technology to meet this challenge.

According to research by McKinsey & Company, many Chinese travelers use mobile apps, online forums, and websites to get the latest information on lodging and activities. It would be no exaggeration to say any business that does not have digital applications and mobile payment options is likely to miss out on this bonanza.

Digitize it

The younger generation is more digitally savvy than older generations. Travelers from this age group tend to use mobile applications to book their tickets, accommodation, trip planning, and payment; therefore, hotels must be able to meet their expectations. Technological solutions help improve hotel customer and staff confidence, but the only way World Health Organisation guidelines can be met is through the use of contactless technology.

Contactless Front Desk

The introduction of web registration and mobile check-in makes every step in the reception process faster and safer. But with hotel staff shortages becoming the norm, these solutions not only ensure a high quality of service for all hotel guests but also maintain customer and employee health and safety. Hotels will receive guest payments via bank link once the reservation is complete, so the guest does not need to go to reception to settle the bill or collect the room key. Suite8 and Opera PMS can integrate with partner hospitality solutions to generate room keys and payments via the guest’s mobile phone.

Contactless payment

We appreciate that a traditional hotel experience cannot be replaced by technology alone; however, digital financial transactions will greatly enhance the overall guest experience. Many young travelers who are used to ordering and paying for products and services on their mobile devices prefer this method. Going contactless plays a complementary role in the existing hotel service models by adding guest options and improving the experience for different groups.

QR codes for restaurants

Your hotel guest will be happy to choose from a restaurant menu using their mobile device. It requires no hotel investment in equipment, maintains social distancing, and meets customer expectations. Kiosks are now being replaced by applications that guests download before submitting an order, either on-site or away from the premises. These work well because the guest scans the code with their device, then directed to a secure link for payment. Even for prestigious hotels, informal areas like lobby lounges, bars, all-day dining, or coffee shops are suitable outlets for this approach.

HRS has worked with many partners to integrate QR menus with hotel and restaurant POS (Point Of Sales) systems. Guests can select food, place an order, and make payments, all via their mobile application. Staff receive the customer order via the management system and then fulfill it.

Tan Xiaochen

General Manager of Sales, HRS China