Years ago, the industry and various studies predicted how tourism would change in the future and up to the present day. New technologies have become one of these trends in the hospitality industry, as there has been a significant evolution marked by the introduction of new apps and features in the tourism sector. Meanwhile, smartphones have continued to play a leading role in searches for and sales of tourism products, driving an increase in the number of reservations. These are the factors shaping the hospitality industry today.
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What are the latest trends in the hotel industry?
Hotel design and architecture
Regarding hotel design and architecture, there’s a growing trend towards maximizing natural light, incorporating more natural elements around the hotel, enhancing artistic experiences, and adhering to a minimalist style. Furthermore, the balance between lighting and aromas is increasingly being used to create specific sensations that correspond to different spaces, aiming to evoke memories and enhance guests’ overall experience.
Room service, rethought
The room service and express food section is implementing new techniques, the first being the possibility of picking up food in the lobby 24 hours a day along with the implementation of “food areas” named after branches of local restaurants.
Common Areas for Socializing
The hotel industry today is prioritizing spaces that encourage socializing and collaboration, in some cases at the expense of room size, in order to expand common areas. More and more often, hotels are partnering with organizations, brands, and institutions related to culture, photography, or art to offer guests a variety of experiences, such as art and photography exhibitions, film screenings, themed rooms, and other visual and auditory experiences—to name a few examples.
Boutique hotels
It’s very common nowadays to see older accommodations transformed into truly welcoming places with a vintage touch, located in spectacularly renovated historic centers. Millennials often seek out these types of accommodations because they are centrally located, allowing them to interact with other travelers and enjoy greater independence during their stay. This type of accommodation is expected to continue growing in the coming seasons, as it has been very well received by tourists.
Social responsibility
One of the keys to the hotel industry today is the incorporation and compliance with ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) criteria. Socially responsible certifications for hotels have emerged in recent years as a differentiating factor , aimed at guests concerned about sustainability and environmental protection, and have become a new way to increase profitability in the hotel industry.
Short-term reservations remain a trend in the hospitality industry
Currently, reservations made between 8 and 12 weeks in advance are the most common. These types of reservations reflect a new kind of traveler—one who can easily travel on short notice and has greater mobility. It is essential that our systems and teams adapt to this new way of traveling and to the various possibilities it opens up.
Are you familiar with the concept of a “bleisure” hotel?
Against this backdrop of change, a new trend has emerged in today’s hotel industry, one that primarily affects urban hotels. These are hotels that cater to business travelers who also want to enjoy the destination they’re visiting, leading them to extend their stay in the city. There is no longer a distinction between the business traveler and the city tourist; instead, they are seen as a fusion of the two, leading to a rise in city getaways.
Talking about “green” hotels is synonymous with talking about people who are increasingly opting for environmentally friendly products and services. Eco-friendly hotels offer activities that bring guests into contact with nature and cuisine based on organic and eco-friendly products from the local area or even from their own gardens.
The Power of Social Media in New Hotel Trends
Finally, the social media boom—which, although not a new phenomenon, will continue to be a major trend. The combination of social media and bloggers fosters business relationships with hotels, since in exchange for bloggers sharing their experiences during their stay, the brand’s profile will be elevated.
As a result of this trend, vacations have been promoted even more, demand and supply within the tourism industry have grown, and the concept now has its own identity and philosophy. Furthermore, Google reviews are what help a hotel stand out from the competition, as certain reviews on Booking or TripAdvisor are essential.
In short, it is clear that more and more new technologies are shaping the future of tourism, while tourists will continue to change the way they travel as they see fit and according to their generation.
