HITEC 2023 top trends: Is your hotel ready for the travel surge?

Travel continues to recover to pre-pandemic levels and in recent earnings reports major hospitality brands continue to express confidence that the current travel surge shows little signs of abating. It was only a year ago that many of the remaining Covid-related travel restrictions were lifted, and this continues to provide an impetus to the travel industry’s recovery. Add to this mix the resumption of inbound international and domestic business travel and you can see why this summer’s travel season may be full of long lines, delays and ongoing travel-related stress. That stress should cease when travelers reach your property and begin to experience true hospitality.  

Here's what has become increasingly clear in 2023, and will surely be major topics of conversation at HITEC 2023: 

People want to travel: Safe to say, people are traveling and will continue to do so. After several years of travel restrictions, there is a strong desire to see family and friends, make business connections or finally take that bucket list trip.  In fact, more than 25% of Americans plan to increase the cash spent on leisure travel this summer. Even with inflation, and the prospect of long lines and delays, travelers will be venturing out in significant numbers this summer. 

Due to the ebbing pandemic, easing of travel restrictions and pent-up demand in the leisure sector, most airlines and hoteliers have come up with an upbeat outlook, and most expect to increase capacity in the months ahead.  In fact, one global hotel brand reported a steady uptick in bookings at properties around the world, despite lingering fears of an economic slowdown and high inflation slowing consumer spending. Choice Hotels has seen bookings boosting above pre-pandemic numbers. Many travelers are extending their business trips with leisure stays; the “bleisure” trend has been shown to increase hotel stays. In April, United Airlines Chief Commercial Officer noted that business travel bookings are fast approaching 2019 levels.

The travel industry will experience hiccups and delays this summer: However, many observers see turbulence ahead for travelers. “There may be some pain ahead for summer travelers,” warns Mike Taylor, a managing director at J.D. Power. “Even with airlines taking precautions, the industry’s basic infrastructure hasn’t recovered from the pandemic. There’s a pilot shortage — and everyone wants to fly.” The FAA is also flying red flags, forecasting an increase of 45% in delays at New York-area airports this summer. 

In short, expect some travelers to be a little agitated when reaching their final destination. It stands to reason that they may appreciate hotel brands that offer comfort, conveniences and flexibility. The journey itself may be a challenge, but the destination should be one of rewarding experiences and memories.

There are new opportunities for hoteliers to leverage technology to enhance brand reputation: Hospitality brands and savvy hoteliers can come to the weary traveler’s rescue.  Hotel properties can leverage technology to provide their guests with the comfort, entertainment and conveniences that will make their hotel a rewarding destination, and one that they may recommend with a 5-star review. By providing guests with familiar technology experiences in a convenient way hoteliers can reap the rewards happy guests provide. 

The TV options a hotel offers should be as good, or better than guests can get at home. The hotel room technology provided by a property can also provide guests with the comforts of home by providing the entertainment and content they are accustomed to accessing. Just like at home, guests will look for their favorite streaming services, cast content from their device, or watch the big game live — while connecting to the WiFi to check emails, social media, or to touch base with loved ones.  Hoteliers can leverage sophisticated in-room entertainment platforms that can deliver all the content and conveniences guests expect. 

“We don’t want to overcomplicate a guest experience to the point where they need to use an app to open a curtain,” explains Darren DeSilva, Head of Technology at Arlo Hotels. “At the end of the day, what they want is a simple formula, like WiFi, TV, a good shower and a good bed. But at the same time, there are a lot of young folks that are clicking on phones and we need to think about what works for them, as well as all our other guests.”

Consistent and ubiquitous WiFi is an absolute must for every hotel, everywhere: Today’s hoteliers need to provide fast and reliable connectivity, as good WiFi has become a non-negotiable guest need. Connectivity has become ubiquitous in our everyday lives and is considered essential when traveling. Travelers have an expectation to be able to connect to their favorite entertainment, news and hotel apps. Guests also want to share their experiences while traveling and spotty connectivity, when trying to share a great photo of the family by the hotel pool, can be ruinous in terms of guest satisfaction.

How Spectrum Enterprise can help

While considering technology upgrades, hoteliers should also weigh the benefits of a single technology partner. One trusted partner, able to deliver managed or co-managed solutions, can make it easier to integrate data, internet and security solutions, while also reducing hassles and increasing productivity. This will become increasingly helpful as advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and  IoT begin to play bigger roles in the hotel industry’s future. If the provider offers voice and TV solutions as well, it can streamline vendor management and drive efficiencies.