The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the hospitality industry, and many businesses have had to adapt to the new normal to survive. Here are some of the new technological advancements that have emerged in the hospitality industry in response to the pandemic:
Contactless Check-in and Check-out: Many hotels and vacation rentals have implemented contactless check-in and check-out processes to minimize the risk of transmission. Guests can now use their mobile devices to check-in, access their room keys, and make payments.
Mobile Room Keys: Mobile room keys allow guests to access their rooms without having to touch a keycard. This technology uses Bluetooth technology to detect when a guest is near their room and automatically unlocks the door.
Virtual Concierge: To reduce face-to-face interactions, many hotels have implemented virtual concierge services. Guests can now communicate with staff via text messaging or chatbots to request services or ask questions.
Air Quality Monitoring: Many hotels have started using air quality monitoring systems to ensure that the air in their buildings is clean and safe for guests. These systems can detect pollutants, humidity, temperature, and other factors that affect air quality.
Robotics: Some hotels have started using robots to perform tasks such as cleaning, room service delivery, and luggage handling. These robots help reduce the need for human interaction and can operate 24/7.
Contactless Payments: Contactless payment methods such as mobile payments and QR codes have become more popular in the hospitality industry. Guests can now pay for services and products without having to touch cash or credit cards.
Online Menus: Many restaurants and cafes have started using online menus to minimize the handling of physical menus. Guests can access the menu via their mobile devices or scan a QR code.
Social Distancing Monitoring: To ensure that guests are adhering to social distancing guidelines, some hotels have implemented social distancing monitoring systems. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor guest movements and alert staff when social distancing rules are being violated.
Overall, these technological advancements have helped the hospitality industry to adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a safer and more convenient experience for guests.