This article is about hotel security and different ways to optimise it to meet your needs. Some of the topics discussed were the integration of surveillance software, the importance of regularly scheduled security meetings, lock upgrades, and customer interaction. The article touches upon each of the topics mentioned and explains how the integration of all of these practices helps create a safer and more cohesive security system. I liked how it focuses on the need to interact with customers as they are the ones you are protecting the most. I think that interaction really makes a difference.

This article discusses six of the new upcoming trends in the hospitality industry in regards to technology. The first is mobile ubiquity - meaning the amount of usability of guests using mobile devices to check in, make a reservation, or purchase. The second is integrating mobile data and the integration of such valuable data. Third would be the Enabling of guest room technology, such as on-demand content and room features. Fourth would be Future-proofing networks and ensuring safety from hackers or malwares. Fifth would be beefing up security. Sixth would be energy conservation to save money on wastes and energy consumption.

In this fascinating article by hospitalitynet.org the future of property management systems and new technologies are discussed. New PMS systems are being developed to integrate other softwares to make the experiences for both guests and employees more pleasurable. These new integrations allow for better forecasting models, pricing models, and better guest satisfaction. The future is in artificial intelligence as hotels are now implementing the use of mobile phones for check in and keys, robots and chatbots to help check in guests and deliver them things they might need, as well as the use of technology like robots to help implement a 24/7 customer service experience. This technology makes it easier for employees especially for busy times and night shifts as well as robots can now serve the same purpose as humans in terms of delivering products and service. This leaves the simpler jobs for the robots and humans can now do more managerial positions and focus on customer service or help when in need.

In this article by stayntouch.com, Jos, a writer for the website with over 20 years experience in hotel software technology discusses some of the most important technologies that will make or break your hotel. First discussed is the 5g wireless technology and how it is quickly becoming the new standard for hotels and businesses alike as wireless infrastructures for hotels are in need of faster and larger bandwidth. Energy conservation was also discussed as there are new technologies that allow hotels to monitor and control room temperatures, lights, and energy consumption via an iPad or computer, saving not only money but energy. Another topic discussed is social listening, meaning the feedback and data retrieval from social network platforms to better the hotel. Loyalty programs were also discussed and how new operating systems can track returning customers and their needs/request making it a valuable asset to hotels.

This article talks about "green tourism" and its impact in today's hospitality and tourism industry. Professors from Stanford University, Northwestern, and Hsiuping University of Science and technology in Taiwan speak about the growing demand for modern and sustainable practices from consumers in the 21st century. This is due largely to the harsh impacts felt by global warming, which have began to cause long term damages to tourist areas around the world. These areas include the great barrier reef, the amazon rainforest, and more. In this article green tourism is explained as the new driving force in the hospitality and tourism sector. This new direction is led by the eager demands made by consumers for greener practices and advocacy for environmental awareness. Green tourism includes concepts in every aspect of the industry from hotel sustainability practices, to the efforts of tourists and tourist managers alike, as well as those of tour operators which must all make an equalized effort in conserving local environments and advocate for sustainable measures and solutions.

This scholarly article published for the Rosen School of Hospitality at the University of Central Florida relates to module 1 as it discusses the different ways technology has evolved in the hospitality industry over time. This article finds that future technology for the hospitality sector focuses on "less labor" forces and creating software and hardware that are more efficient and can eliminate people doing things a computer can do to help employees focus on better serving guests. This has a direct connection with the smartender video as the concepts both involve making more efficient system that need less of a labor force.