The pandemic and the consequent economic downturn bigger than the 2008 recession and commotion brought by fluctuation in demand have had a notable influence on hospitality during 2020 and 2021 and still has remaining effects.
For example, a Parramatta hotel in Australia is requiring their international guests to show a negative PCR test when they arrive after a 24hr self-isolation. Although international travels are resuming, there are quarantine protocols, airline price hikes, COVID testing requirements that made some travelers choose staycations or opt for a venture that’s nearer to home.
Most of us saw the unique and innovative responses to this bizarre situation such as trying to attract patrons back into food and beverage outlets and guarantee holiday goers that it is safe to book hotel accommodation and relax for a day, which has boosted the existing hospitality industry trends and prompted the enduring change.
Will it be the same for this year? With that being said, here are some of the current trends that will thrive in the hospitality industry in 2022.
1. Adopt a Hybrid or Flexible Approach When Working Remotely
It has become commonplace for most workers to work remotely and it’s predicted to become more than just a passing trend. A movement caused by the global public health crisis, a fresh number of high-profile companies– with massive tech companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon ruling the way– reported that they will embrace a flexible or hybrid process to working remotely.
This only means that hotels and other hospitality venues are being utilized as make-shift offices for leisure travellers, and locals who are looking for a new work environment. This is an amazing chance for F&B and hotel venues to profit on the trend and adjust their offering to achieve the wants and needs of this rising component; enough plug sockets, great coffee, free high-speed WIFI are nice starting points.
2. Contactless Payments and Digitalise Check-in or Check-out
During the past two years, customer-facing services which are traditional and have turned into a contactless matter to be able to prevent or reduce the transmission of the virus with mobile check-in or check-out, as well as contactless payments.
As we witness more technology innovation to develop, hospitality institutions will have to adapt to remain ahead of the curve. For example, face recognition or fingerprint will soon turn into an anticipated convenience for guests going to their hotel rooms, similar to how you expect it with smartphones.
3. The Wellness Industry Will Boom
Holistic hospitality will be the trend this year. Since the COVID-19 pandemic continues to remain, it’s only imperative that the health and wellness industries will prevail in 2022. Aside from strict health measures to protect people from the virus, the wellness industry will see a continuous high demand to recover the body, mind, and soul through holistic hospitality.
The wellness sector will be transformed into a flourishing trillion-dollar market and hospitality locations are well-placed to acquire a large part of the pie, particularly those with current spa facilities. Besides the common beauty and relaxation spa offering, there is a fast-growing demand for health diagnostic technology and customised treatment plans provided by experts who manage personal or group sessions to create healing, vitality, emotional balance, stress management, better sleep and carefulness.
4. Improve Customers’ Experience Thru Personalisation
One of the best ways to enhance customers’ experience is personalisation, it’s a trend that will evolve each year across the hospitality industry. The hotel industry will leverage customer data through the utilization of technology. Establishments would look for ways to offer customized services that will make them attractive and relevant to existing and possible guests.
Generally, the hotel operations will be shaped increasingly through the use of management systems to oversee and enhance revenues, property, customer relationships, reputation, and channels. Also, there would be a rise in the importance of predictive analytics, unified messaging, middleware, and customer profiling, which strives to connect any contrasting systems.
5. Rise in Solo Travel
The pandemic and lockdown have made a lot of us embrace the meditative value of enjoying our time alone and discovering the big wide world untainted, connecting and meeting more friends to whatever level suits.
Individuals are more likely to want more freedom and adventure at their own pace and way. Businesses would have to tailor their services by destroying barriers between hotel guests and staff, thinking about interior design choices to bring forth homeliness and offer an informal atmosphere.
6. Eco-Conscious Practices
Sustainability will rise this year as more guests would prefer booking through smart travel operators or establishments that also pay attention to protecting the planet. A lot of young people find businesses appealing when they see that they partake in community initiatives while on break or holiday, whether ethical or environmental.
This is why eco-conscious practices are placed to create decisions made at the hospitality management level.
7. Invest in Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences
With the success of VR and AR in our time, more companies would want to transform their travel experiences. This is why the hospitality sector would find it necessary to capitalize on these certain features including virtual tours to provide a digital environment for customers to envision themselves in the place prior to booking the place for the holidays.