While it has been a couple of years since the global pandemic, its effects have still held the tourism market in its thrall. Some trends from 2021 are still present in the leading trends of 2022, including having sustainable hotels, but other trends based on technology have been gaining rapid traction. As the tourism industry contributes to almost 10% of the global earnings, it is essential for hotels and franchisees to comprehend and make amends in the industry based on what drives the market. It calls for more significant delegation of work, monitoring routine activities, and creating a safe environment for the guests.
People like to opt for four-star and five-star hotel properties these days as the premium hospitality segment is constantly upping its game. Top-tech filled hotel rooms are all the rage these days, with multiple tech services they have to offer, like wireless charging, automatic locks, e-menus, voice search, and facial recognition. In order to take it to the next level, hotels are also looking to offer more comprehensive and speedy room service during any time of the day, with a mobile app for greater convenience.
Restaurants and supermarkets have started to offer an automated process for check-in and check-out. This cuts the need for any human interaction. Born out of the need for social distance, this is a byproduct of the COVID-19 requirements. Various apps help guests check-in and check-out without any issues. But these are third-party apps, so hotels can consider incorporating them into their official app. It can also offer manual input for private data and payment details if needed. Managers have direct access to this data, expediting the process of checking in or out. Smart devices can help guests obtain their keys as well.
A common trend that the hotel industry will be witnessing this year is the renovation of public areas like reception, lobby, and all-day dinings and coffee shops as the guests make their first impressions of the hotel through these spaces. Therefore, these areas are expected to be more welcoming in nature and at par with the new trends, emphasizing hygiene and seamless circulation. It is essential to provide these areas with an extravagant and regal demeanour for the initial impression created on the guest to be positive. With flexible design concept, numerous public areas can also be converted into conference halls for huge business conferences and events
Experiential hospitality is also going to be a significant future trend in the hospitality sector. Future trends will also definitely include the ongoing trends like sustainability and energy conservation. In fact, these are likely to become more essential with the passage of time. A travel section for hotels known as the 'business leisure' segment is also being envisaged. This segment will cater to the patrons that travel for business and look for an extended stay for leisure. The idea is to deliver a space that feels like a home away from home for these guests. The whole concept will revolve around warmth and tranquility. A congenial design scheme will be outlined for luxury/presidential suites so that the guest can savour upon a more luxurious and stylish yet homey spirit.
Wellness is another attribute that will play a vital role in the hospitality segment in the years to come. Guests tend to look at clinical hygiene when it comes to their safety today, which will be a major requirement in the future as well. Looking at the current pandemic situation, we envisage a work-from-home environment in the hotel rooms/suites as well. Technology will play a vital role, incorporating strong wifi networks and other accessories and more advanced solutions for video conferencing and virtual meetings.
The upcoming years might be more about designing timeless yet quirky & minimalistic functional spaces where the final design output is straightforward and easy to navigate.
Over the past two decades, Designers Group has gained tremendous experience while being associated with numerous hotel projects, from resorts to business hotels to mid-segment brands. We strongly feel that there is significant potential in the market for the growth of Indian hotel brands to create a better identity for themselves.
2022 is a year of great possibilities, and in order to ensure that hotels are well-liked by people, these are the trends that they need to adhere to. By following these trends, hotels will have an edge over their competitors, making for better experiences for the guests and the managers.
