The travel industry is growing at a massive rate and speed that has never be experienced before. People now have more access to affordable international air travel, making it easier to make more frequent visits to their favourite destinations. Information for tourists, such as the latest hotspots, a new technology or a recommended establishment or service is now easily available online. Even those who will be wandering the world for the first time won’t have a cause for hesitation – everything they need to know is now being freely shared by fellow travellers trekking the globe.
All these developments are invigorating the travel and hospitality industry’s experience-oriented economy, and the availability of information makes travellers more sophisticated and discriminating than ever before. For travel establishments, institutions, products and services, this means their target market now has a higher set of expectations – they know what they want, and if they’re not getting it, they can simply ask their smartphone for the next best option. It also means that if they want to get ahead of the competition, they must apply the necessary changes that will allow them to keep up with the constantly changing business landscape.
For hotels, keeping up-to-date with industry trends means utilising the right technology that will help them offer the most courteous, efficient and personalised services for their guests. Leading establishments are now making use of hotel digital signage technology in more and more components of their services that people say the digital screens could very well replace the concierge. Here are some of the most common ways hotels utilise digital screens:
Provide timely, detailed information about their services to their guests. Video walls and LCD screens positioned strategically in the front desk, lobby and specific spots in the property can provide information that will help guests enjoy a more relaxing and memorable stay. This can include details such as amenities, dining options, house specials and promos, health tips at the spa or a menu preview for their in-house restaurants.
Provide local-based visitor information. The screens can also serve as a one-stop information centre for real-time, localised research, from restaurant listings in the area to flight information to weather forecasts to upcoming events.
Provide aesthetic appeal. Some hotels are utilising creative installations of multiple digital screens that serve as works of art, adding drama and sophisticated flair to their interiors. These can also help with the branding and promotional campaigns of the hotel.
Provide back-office support for the hotel. Aside from impressing guests with their look and function, hotel digital displays also provide valuable support for back office systems. Guests may not be able to see them, but they can feel the benefits of LCD screens that can serve as information databases as well as control, command and communication centres that synchronise staff services and make everything well-planned, efficient and properly executed.