From smart lockers to service robots and sustainable management software, the hospitality industry is embracing a digital revolution, enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency while promoting responsible and equitable tourism.
The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, driven by the integration of cutting-edge technology. In an era of electric car charging stations, contactless keys, and interconnected rooms, it’s clear that the industry is embracing digital transformation. These technological advancements not only benefit guests but also empower employees, making operations smoother and more efficient. Here are some of the innovative solutions that are shaping the future of the hospitality sector.
Smart Lockers: Secure Storage Made Easy
In the realm of connected hospitality solutions, three prominent brands are making their mark: smartLOCKERS, SimonsVoss, and Ricoh. These companies have revolutionized secure storage and transaction management in hotels and restaurants. In the hotel setting, these smart lockers can serve as convenient baggage storage areas. Guests can securely store their belongings in these lockers, whether they have already checked out and plan to explore the city or are awaiting room access after check-in.
SmartLOCKERS, with its “Made in France” tag accompanied by cutting-edge technology, offers innovative storage solutions for hotels and restaurants. The SmartLocker AX by SimonsVoss is a flexible and easy-to-install locker and cabinet security solution. Ricoh, on the other hand, leverages connected technologies to provide secure storage and streamline transaction processes, making it easier than ever to manage equipment distribution and improve overall operational efficiency. These three brands are among those at the forefront of enhancing the guest experience in the hospitality industry, offering seamless and secure storage solutions that cater to the evolving needs of connected hotels and restaurants.
United Robotics Group: The Rise of Service Robots
United Robotics Group advocates for the use of service robots in the hospitality industry. Their philosophy is simple: Let waiters focus on what they do best, building human relationships. With their flagship product, Plato, they automate labor-intensive, repetitive, and physically demanding tasks in hotels and restaurants, ultimately improving the well-being of the staff.
In the hospitality sector, various challenges persist, such as high work injury rates, staff turnover, labor shortages, and substantial costs associated with employee turnover. While the initial investment in assistant robots may be substantial, they prove to be cost-effective in the long run by reducing recruitment, training, and management expenses. Robots like Plato create novel and engaging interactions, enhancing the overall guest experience. With the introduction of robot waiters, restaurant staff can concentrate on more human-centric tasks, such as customer interactions and management.
Winggy®: The Future of Sustainable Hospitality
Winggy® software is designed to lead tourist accommodations toward an economic and environmental transition. Developed after a decade of on-site experimentation, Winggy® enables businesses to save up to €2 per night by implementing actions that reduce their environmental footprint. It is the only software capable of providing an environmental label for hotels and campgrounds.
Winggy® quantifies the economic and environmental impacts of your operations, offering insights into annual operating expenses, carbon emissions, water and energy consumption, and resource usage. It allows for the simulation of improvement actions, calculating the associated economic and environmental gains. This information can be used to create a tailored business plan aimed at achieving sustainability goals. The software also offers an official label that communicates your environmental performance to customers and facilitates consolidation and comparison of results. Winggy® supports continuous improvement through online webinars and good practice guidance.
We Go GreenR: Promoting Responsible Tourism
Since 2020, We Go GreenR has connected environmentally conscious travelers with committed hosts, offering a platform for responsible and equitable tourism. They provide access to a wide range of accommodations, from cottages and eco-lodges to hotels, each suitable for different preferences and activities like hiking, surfing, cycling, yoga, and relaxation. The platform aims to expand its offerings to provide diverse on-site experiences, encouraging travelers to explore more responsible and local alternatives for their vacations.
The integration of technology and innovative solutions is revolutionizing the hospitality industry, enhancing the experience for both guests and staff. As the sector continues to evolve, these smart and sustainable solutions are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hotels and restaurants. The result? A more seamless, efficient, and responsible approach to hospitality that benefits everyone involved.
