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Could Artificial Intelligence be the Hospitality Industry's Secret Weapon?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of this century’s most rapidly advancing and revolutionary technologies, leading to remarkable new technologies like Siri, Alexa, and autonomous vehicles. However, one industry that’s often overlooked when it comes to AI is the hospitality industry. Even though hotels have been using AI technology since the 1960s, they often fail to reap the benefits because they need to learn how to use it correctly. But what if there was a way to integrate AI into the hospitality industry? How could it improve operations?
Check-in
The hotel industry has seen some significant changes in recent years. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, hotels are projected to grow at an annualized rate of 5.2% from 2020-2025, with a growth rate that is notably higher than any other sector. Hotels have also been experimenting with new technologies to become more efficient and responsive for their guests. This has led many hotels to implement AI systems that help manage operations and guest services. One example of this is a system developed by IBM Watson, which can identify customer needs based on past interactions and monitor social media posts for mentions of complaints or problems with service. The system then uses predictive analytics to recommend addressing these issues before they escalate into more significant problems or complaints.
Hotel Rooms
Hotels require a new strategy to help them stand out and attract new customers. Artificial intelligence can do just that by analyzing data and providing more personalized services. It can also automate some processes, freeing employees’ time to focus on more important matters. AI is an effective marketing tool; it helps hotels provide better customer service and create a better guest experience. The technology can answer simple questions about accommodations like availability and room type, which frees staff to address more complex requests.
Additionally, it could lead to better labor management strategies as fewer calls are needed from reservation desks. AI-powered hotel rooms would also allow guests to customize their stay by booking appointments at restaurants or spa treatments with their smartphone app before they even arrive. Hotel managers could use the information gathered during these bookings and other data points to tailor experiences in real-time and ensure their staff is prepared when the guest arrives. Guests will find this personalizes their stay because they’ll have access to everything they need without anyone intervening for them, which could substantially increase loyalty rates.
Dining
The rise of artificial intelligence has been a hot topic in many industries, but how does it apply to hospitality and restaurants? Some see artificial intelligence as a way to reduce costs and offer more personalized service. However, others warn that AI could eliminate jobs in this industry. The truth is that no one knows what will happen when artificial intelligence becomes more widespread. Restaurateurs should stay informed about new trends and technologies so they can decide if or when to use them. Artificial intelligence is something that helps rather than hurts this industry.
Housekeeping
Hospitality is a field that has been dramatically impacted by technology in recent years. From TripAdvisor to Airbnb, guests have more resources than ever to research and book their next stay. The introduction of AI into the industry could provide an edge for hospitality companies over their competitors, like Expedia and Priceline. A survey from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) found that 82% of hotel managers felt AI positively or negatively affected their business. Guests are attracted to hotels with cutting-edge technology, such as smart TVs, voice assistants, and in-room tablets. There are also many benefits for hotels utilizing AI, including improved customer service, guest satisfaction levels, and increased bookings.