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Copyright 2011 In 1991 I started consulting to hotels, specifically regarding technology. Since then I've been lucky enough to be published in this magazine, to have spoken at HITEC and IHMRS, and also to have presented to many hotel companies.

After reading this article, I thought about my travel experience over the years and how technology has advanced greatly. I clearly remember stay in hotels with 27 box tv , standard alarm clocks and brew style coffee pots.Luxury rooms had VCR and I'm talking circa 1999. Fast forward five years and high speed internet, dvd players and docking stations began to make waves, out with the old and in with the new. Today, with a world filled with smartphones, sleek and slim TV and laptops, social media and WI-FI, staying connect is a must. Hotels are finding innovative ways to keep guest coming back. LCD, LED, HD, 4G are all acronyms that keep guest happy. From access their social media site, using keyless Wi-Fi door openers and having an apps makes a world of difference to tech savy guest, regardless of age. A recent hotel stay left me in speechless, I checked in using the app I downloaded to my phone, I customized my movie selection, orders my favorite snacks from the room service, used my phone to swipe into my room. Yea I was blown away by that fuzzy bar code scanner thingy, actually work. And be part of it all, I used didn't have to change the configurations on my laptop to access any of my favorite sites, I log into everything via a wireless keyboard and there it was 37in HD LCD screen updated me on the happening in my world. Technology, oh where we would we be without you?

Hotels compete with others by providing excellent service which has been defined as giving outstanding technology. It means technology innovation has become one of the most important strategies to attract customers. WiFi has become one critical success factor in hospitality industry. Besides, people tend to interact and shop more through social media. Research shows that Facebook usage is up 40% since last year. 2.5 billion photos are uploaded to @Facebook each month. It's estimated that there will be 76.9 billion apps to download in 2014. And customers are predicted to spend $35 billion on apps in 2014. According to high demand of iPhone and iPad, some hotels set up iPad in concierge to assist guest with further information and iPad in rooms to help guests to control room temperature, light and TV. As going green has shaping a big trend for hotels, LED light and PlugOut Gym attract hotelier's attention to catch up with. Thus, technology is not only a way to give convenience to guests but also a way to ease management team.

The owners of a Culver's franchise decided to install a digital signage to provide more menu information quickly because the menu board couldn't communicate enough with customers for a short time to select menu in the fast food restaurant. The challenge was how the small business owners and franchisee would handle their budget for the investment and added cost.  The problem was solved by selecting EzSign TV from LG Electronics which displays branded messaging and shows broadcast television or input content at the same time. Furthermore, the software offers a choice of more than 50 templates that can be customized with images and text. Therefore, the business can highlight the items with pictures and deliver their daily specials more efficiently.  Installation is easy, and daily specials menus can be replaced by simply clicking. The digital signage looks cleaner than old fashioned menu board, and saves more time to change menus. By implementing a system that requires limited attention from staff, Culver's can focus on customer service and deliver value. That was a good decision adopting a new technology fits in the quick service restaurants.  

The article introduce a social networking app that used in the hotels. Guests can connect to the networking and know any other guests in the lobby. It's a Facebook-like networking app for the hotels. Users can make new friends and it's also a good way of knowing nearby restaurants and shops. However, the app mainly has employees on it so it crushes the chances of social networking with other guests.

Technology is part of today's culture. It is almost impossible therefore, to imagine a hotel without some level of technology. If nothing else, even the smallest hotel is likely to have a property management system. Technology increases the efficiency of the staff and enhances the experience of the guest. Technology can be overdone. Cost plays a role in technology, as it does with every management decision. The relative price of technology has been in a downward spiral for many years, however, new products come come onto the market at high initial cost.

Great example of too much of a good thing can be bad. Technology can be a wonderful things, making our lives more effecient and accommodating, however as human we yearn for interaction. Specially in the hotels and restaurants, one the the greatest things I remember as kid was being checked it at a hotel. I felt grand; important that someone knew my name and welcomed me. With today's technology, that is a rare exisitance. I check myself in, swipe my phone to acess my room, order room service from my TV and check out withour ever interacting with a human, lets just say I would prefer the brass keys and red tassels.

Excellent Article...the growth of technological advances in the industry has become very important for the industry. The Food & Wine maganize reports that besides iPod stations, flat TVs and other commonly known electronics; hotels are adding moonpads that allow guest to set-up room privacy settings, book spa treatments, set-up lighting mood and many more...http://travelkit.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/05/07/11411992-high-tech-hotels-add-ease-and-luxury?lite

This article is about a new form of software that makes the entire stay easier! The software is called LIFE l WARE. What it does is, when a guest enters the room it provides everything he/she needs. The are able to monitor and view entertainment, control the room temperatures and even helps the the staff with public info and cut operational costs and allowing more efficiency. Life l Ware can be customized for any hotel and when a guest enters the room he can use the TV interface to view and select services and view the amenities that the hotel has to offer. The software can be used to book reservations, watch TV and adjust the lighting and temperature in the room. Management can also use the software with guest complaints and also can be used for the daily running of the hotel; for example, check ins and check outs and also room cleaning. Additionally, management can also use the system to help cut energy costs by monitoring unoccupied rooms. The software helps the Hotel all around!

Hotels are using new technology in order to exceed customer satisfaction by using digital signage that inform to the guest of the real departures and flights from the local airport and no local. This digital flight board is also used to inform the customers of the local or nationwide weather, hotel events, and news, just to mention some of its use. It is called FlyteBoard; also the flights information can be seen through the guest in room television and ipads all this is touch screen interaction.

This is such a waist of funds just like as everything Hilton does...Guests can access all that information from their in-room TV - that will probably be more comfortable, than to look for this TV flat-super-screen somewhere in lobby, then standing their in front of it, navigating touch screen, when 20 other people are waiting to check their flight...

This article talk about the IT in hospitality industry. They give a example of the India. The number of the India's travel and tourism industry is grow 8.4% in 2008 and will be 8% more increase between now and 2016 according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The hospitality industry should know the customers needs and the goal of the meeting them should be figured out in such a way that the cost of offering the service(s) does not pinch the company balance sheet i.e. variable costs should not show fluctuations northwards. Marketing gurus would always adhere to one statement for advice: cost need to be justifiable through high probability of ROI. The selection of technology in itself is a vital step. Another global feature that is extremely important is a detailed guest, group and company records. Used with a variety of customized reports, these detailed records allow precise targeting of various marketing efforts to improve occupancy rates, increase yield and enhance strategic planning. Each module should have a customizable report selection menu. The reports should have provision for sorting and filtering of data to enable viewing of the exact information might be required at a moment's notice. A good PMS enables a hospitality enterprise to increase revenue and occupancy, improve guest loyalty and reduce costs by centralizing and streamlining your operations. Forward-thinking properties have already begun building a network infrastructure that offers the flexibility and scalability to adapt to the ever-evolving guest, staff, and property management needs. Ajay Goel, Senior VP - Industry Business, Strategy, Operations, Cisco Systems India & SAARC opined, "These next-generation infrastructures are based on a converged network. They integrate with today's solutions-such as reservation, surveillance, and billing systems-and support the newest applications and technologies. The goal is to take advantage of tomorrow's opportunities while protecting e

The Atlanta Airport Marriott just completed event space renovations that will enable event planners to host any size party/ meeting with the most updated technology. The Georgia hotel features 28,300 square feet of event space, including two ballrooms and 27 breakout rooms. The hotels lobby features a complex monitoring system for flight tracking information and departures by Delta Airlines. Touch screen kiosks have also been installed at concierge stands that will allow planners and people attending events to search for nearby restaurants and attractions. Additionally, the most recent renovation included in the installation of multi-use TV screens in the rooms. The screens allow guests to hook up iPods and other music devices. Guests may also use the new TV's as computer monitors. This connectivity is becoming more common in event spaces and visitor centers. I personally know that similar technology was recently installed in New York City's Central Park. Touch monitors enable park visitors to navigate their way around more efficiently. Additionally, tour guides have been equipped with handheld devices to track visitor usage and access information quickly.

This is great, This hotel is certainly utilizing technology that will be most convenient for meetings and events. Multi -use TV screen are very nice. More and more hotels now are investing in Ipod docking stations. Love the idea of the touch screen kiosk at the concierge stand.

This article from Trip Advisor is a simple research about green hotel alternatives available for travelers. The very interesting part is that there is a great percentage of travelers who questions the hotels green practives. Another important part of the article is the difficulty that hotels face due to travelers resisiting to shift paradigms. Many travelers believe that vacation is time to indulge instead of worring about green practices and initiatives. For that reason, they will do things that they wouldnt do at home. For example, not use the linen reuse program, leave the ac on when not in the room, TV and etc. The article also mentions the three least green cities.

This is actually an article touting the benefits of "unplugging" from our 24/7 wired world. The National Park System is notorious for its horrible cell and WiFi coverage. However, with the exception of its use as a safety net, I concur with the author's points. We visit wide open spaces as an escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Our smartphones still function quite well as cameras even without a signal. At the end of a day of hiking, when we return to our hotels or homes, our phones automatically upload and archive our adventures. In contrast to the rental car, airline and hotel end of our industry, the escapist mindset that we go into vacations with, may actually benefit from a lack of networks in some cases. A visit to a high-end resort (a la Club Med) many times comes with the "benefit" of no phone or TV in the room. If you're going on vacation, then BE on vacation. Use the technology to archive and share the fun, but don't let it interrupt an unforgettable experience.

Traveling is becoming a popular trend. People love to visit new locations around the world and are expecting a high quality level of technology. The more people travel, the higher their expectations become. The new technology trends being offered in the hospitality industry include wearable technology and sensors. Guests are able to check in and have a key-less room entry with an apple watch or something similar. Rooms are equipped with sensors for lights, an app to adjust room temperature as desired, TV voice recognition, digital news papers, and much more. Another important aspect of technology in the hospitality industry is providing rich travel related multimedia content. People like to use apps or websites such as Yelp, Youtube, or trip advisor to offer travelers suggestions and real life user experiences and reviews. Thus, providing such brands a way to create significant relationships with their current and future customers. Hotels encourage their guests to use social media to share their experiences. Yelp and swarm allows people to check-in and be rewarded for visiting the locations, by offering a complimentary cocktail, appetizer, and so on. In addition, Hotels encourage their guests to hashtag their stay. Robots are entering the hospitality industry, from serving foods, carrying luggage, and acting as hotel receptionists. You will be able to find this in the Henn-na Hotel in Japan.

Brands can now differentiate themselves from their competitors through the effectiveness of digital technologies such as sensors, robotics and mobile which provide a unique experience for customers. Sandals for example, uses key card sensors to door guest doors and customers are able to control the smart TV programs with an app on their phone. In addition, we uses a predictive system to monitor our rooms forecast as it relates to travel booking per month / year. The article focuses on five common trends: 1. Personalization by using predictive analytics: One example is Kayak, a travel booking site that uses the predictive analytics for their price forecast. 2. Integrating wearable technology and sensors: Hilton Worldwide and Starwood Hotels integrated Apple Watch in their business operation to enable mobile check-in, keyless room entry and special request. 3. Providing rich travel related multimedia content: Customers are able to review valuable information about their destination through various social channels such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, blogs and other websites. 4. Leveraging social media: Social media channels are allowing customers to share their stay experience at a resort and plus give rewards points and discount offers. Marriott Hotels for example, has a PlusPoint reward system. (https://sourceable.net/hotel-design-trends-for-millennial-guests/) 5. Artificial Intelligence: Businesses are using Anybots and Roboceptionist to replace receptionists. (http://www.otrams.com/blog/innovations/artificial-intelligence-in-hospitality-industry/).

This article written by Sharma, is providing a brief explanation of how new technology is taking over the hotel industry. From Apple watch room entry, to robots now taking over luggage and receptionist duties, technology is quickly becoming the essence of the hotel industry. Having a successful hotel is now measured by the level of technology associated with that hotel.

Before hotels had the same number of tv channels, but now it's a race to see what hotel can bring more technological advances to the table to increase ROI. Hilton worldwide has adopted an AI-driven concierge in 2016 at a property which is powered by IBM Watson. The article also talks about 5 top emerging hotel technology trends. The first one is Smart guest rooms, the second one is obtaining more data, third is energy conservation. The fourth one is VR and AR which can show people special maps of guest rooms, while the fifth one would be mobile technologies, such as mobile key, room service request.

Nowadays, there is an abundance in advanced in-room features making their way into the world's most modern hotel rooms. Some of those inventions, integrated recently in some hotels in the U.S., are explained below. Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park, in North Carolina, offer its guests a better hotel experience through a TV with fast reboot time. This TV provides a top-notch television content and delivery, and has the latest high-resolution options and features. Due to its level of delivery that guests are accustomed to have in their own homes, it is expected for guests to feel more comfortable and homey during their stay. Hotel rooms in Loews Hotel 1000 in Downtown Seattle are equipped with heat-detecting sensors, which scans the room for body heat so that housekeepers don't accidentally enter the room. This high-end technology with an infrared signal scans the room to detect body heat and notes 'do not disturb' when occupied. It is particularly useful when guests forget to leave a sign when entering the rooms at night. Seems like the world's most advanced hotels are getting very creative with their in-room technology. Another example for that is the beds of Four Seasons Hotels which are customizable to guests' preferences, designed to support better sleep. Recently, numerous Aloft Hotels and Element Hotels across the United States feature their own robot butlers. With help of Botir, items can be easily delivered to the guests rooms within minutes. The purpose of using robotic assistants is to send a robot to deliver shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste or so by the front desk. This way, the human hotel staff can serve customers personally when necessary. In my view, in the customer-driven hospitality industry, the use of in-room technology can make guests feel more comfortable and feel "at home". These new technologies have been helping the hospitality industry grow in innovative and tech-enhanced ways to deliv

Hotel guests are now more interested in connectivity than they used to. With this technology age guests would like to have access "to all things digital that can enhance their experience." Hotels now are spending more time and resources on network technology as they do for other services. For hotels to gain competitive advantage they need to build rooms where everything is on a network.

This brings up a topic that we discussed in one of the earlier weeks in class. Being PCI compliant is a very critical role in guest satisfaction. It makes the guest feel secure and confident that their information is safe and not being shared through other channels.

Another topic that is mention, previously discussed in class, is how paper menus will be replaced and guests will now have access to order via touch screen devices. This does not eliminate servers, but increases efficiency of staff, and increases turnover of tables.

Hotels continue to implement the latest technology to enhance the guest experience. Many hotels are now experimenting with robot butlers, adjustable beds, ipads that allow guest to control all room controls. Many hotels are also using proximity marketing while on the property. Keyless entry using a smartphone, is becoming more and more common as well. There is even a hotel in Japan that wants to handle 90% of its staffing with robots.

I feel like every business wants to implement the latest technology, why not? People love to see new features and compare it to the latest trends. This can be either beneficial or drive people away from your business. It really depends on what type of customers you are trying to attract.

This article highlights how the way we need to look at E waste needs to change overall. As discussed in E wasteland and here as a topic wee TVs and monitors based on CRT technology which has basically disappeared at this point from the waste stream. Since regulations in the past have been based largely on the overall mass of the waste and now that newer technologies have less mass than older ones regulations and recycling requirements need to be rethought. It also focuses on the newer challenges with new technology being based on rare earth metals and the need to recover them more efficiently and reuse them instead of mining new virgin materials.

This article features 11 new tech features that cruise ships have implemented.Technology is transforming these floating hotels into smart cities. From remote check-in, wearable technology, to geo-locating your children aboard. These tech gadgets are helping cruisers enjoy their time aboard as stress free as possible. As stated by the author "Once on board, it didn't take too long to figure out how the MSC for Me app, public interactive screens, cabin TV and wearable bracelet, available for the first time on Meraviglia, all worked together to streamline and enhance life on board."

I agree. I think this technology will be very beneficial for not just guests but also for the cruise lines. This helps collect data and help personalize the guest experience. This will have guests coming back time and time again. This also provides an incredible guest experience since they won't have to wait in long stressful lines. I think this technology is very beneficial for both the guests and employees.

Cruise ships have really stepped up their game when it comes to technology. I wrote a paper last semester about Princess Cruise Line's latest technology, the OceanMedallion. This little wearable device allows guests to unlock a whole new level of different features such as room key, tracking system, and a bunch of different amenities. It will be interesting to see what other cruise lines come up with to compete with this.

The hospitality industry struggled to survive during covid, and they are still fighting by incorporating technology to improve traveler's confidence during this pandemic and still managing to make a profit for the company. They are using technologies to keep both guests and employees safe during this time. Technology features that used to be a bonus are now becoming a necessity in the hotel industry. As the hotel industry adopts to these changes, this is likely to be the new norm instead of eventually reverting to the old normal. This goes past digital check-in and check-out. New technologies are being used like e-newspapers or magazines for guests to use instead of picking one up in the lobby. This includes contactless payments, scannable QR codes for the restaurant menus and chatbots or live-chats with the on-property staff. These new technological advancements can allow a guest to completely skip the front desk and most human interactions all together if they chose to.

Yum Brands, which runs restaurants KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger, is integrating technology-centric solutions across its four brands around the world, which could result in an acceleration of disruptive technologies on a large scale. This Digital Innovation Lab then adds information from thousands of Yum Brand restaurants into a cloud facility. The information includes closed-circuit tv from a restaurant's drive-thru and point-of-sale or drive-thru audio. Hundreds of startups then get access to the data to compare their technologies in the lab. They're able to use that information to create more automated services like artificial intelligence, computer vision and the Internet of Things. Yum's idea is by improving automation back of house, employees can focus more time on customer-facing tasks, resulting in more speed and accuracy.