Since dining and lodging are two of society’s oldest types of businesses, the industry can be hesitant to embrace new technology. In reality, the seemingly straightforward concepts of preparing a meal or offering a room could benefit immensely from technological advancements that can help operators increase their efficiency in the face of shrinking profit margins and workforce struggles.
This regularly updated toolkit features resources for hospitality operators who want to learn more about the opportunities available to them in the tech world. Here you can find general articles about exciting new technology and helpful guides for navigating existing ones.
Hotels stand to benefit greatly from technological advancements. In the last 20 years, the industry has been transformed by online booking sites but beyond that, hoteliers are coming up with their own unique innovations to improve operations. Learn about some of them here.
Tech resources for hotels
Big tech companies are expecting a busy summer for tourism, and some familiar names have already announced new features that will help the lodging industry. This could be the perfect time to optimize your Google search results or streamline your booking process on your own page with Wix’s hotel-specific website builder.
According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, by the end of 2022, hotels are expected to employ only 84 percent of their pre-pandemic workforce and the hotel industry is not expected to reach 2019 employment levels until at least 2024. According to a May AHLA survey, 97 percent of hotels indicated they are experiencing a staffing shortage, 49 percent severely so.
[New] How front-desk operations are evolving to meet labor challenges | Hotel Management
QR code menus have been somewhat controversial in restaurants, but they could soon become the norm for hotels. A QR experience must be more convenient or contextual than current customer habits, or it must dangle a carrot that’s too good for the guest to refuse. Here’s Why QR Codes Hold Enormous Potential for Hoteliers and Their Guests
Additionally, QR codes and contactless payments can be the best way to ensure staff still gets tips in a cash-free world.
How to Tip When No One Carries Cash? Hotels Have an Answer. – WSJ
How Contactless Payments are Changing the Traveler Experience (paymentsjournal.com)
Google announces new travel products
Wix relaunches hotels solution
Snapchat offers dynamic ads for travel
Why hotels have to move beyond traditional phone systems
How hotels and restaurants can use VR in training
Hoteliers key in on functional, energy-saving tech
Melia brings wearable tech for payments to their resorts
How to register your property on hotel booking sites
Expedia, Travelocity, hotels.com and Orbitz
Booking.com, Priceline and Kayak
Restaurateurs have been an unlikely leader in many areas of tech. Leading the way are concepts like scheduling kiosks, online ordering apps and even robotic waitstaff. Check back here for more additions to this collection highlighting the exciting progress restaurants across the nation are making in the technology world.
Tech resources for restaurants
The use of robotics and alternative payment methods in foodservice are growing rapidly. Jack In the Box, Chipotle and other restaurants have been testing Miso Robotics products while Chipotle and Baskin Robbins accept cryptocurrency payments. It could be easier than you think to get involved and stay ahead of the curve.
Capriotti’s embraces robotics in defiance of labor shortages (nrn.com)
Crypto Refills can allow you to sell gift cards to customers paying with a cryptocurrency wallet
Reserve a Miso robot or help them test new products that can automate your kitchen
Already accept Apple pay? You can easily accept crypto as well with partners like Flexa
Tech trends driving changes in restaurants
Changing the restaurant game with tabletop technology
Washington’s rules on personal delivery robots
McDonald’s embrace of new tech keeps up with the changing times
General articles
How the industry is changing what it means to be hospitable
Hospitality businesses investing in tech to increase customer engagement
Third party delivery: pros, cons, strategies.
How to streamline the customer digital experience
For the best kiosk customer experience, don’t remove the human touch
Isolated workers and panic buttons: How you can stay in compliance
Our resources
The association’s Advisory Network is full of experts who can help you better understand and innovate in the tech space. Additionally, the Washington Hospitality Association employs some tech of their own by ensuring that we communicate to you using the latest methods like webinars and podcasts. Learn about the ways you can get your information virtually and see some of the great programs our partners offer to help businesses that want to innovate.
Learn more about the Washington Hospitality Association Advisory Network
How your communications team allows you to access vital news and information.
Members only articles
Streamlining solutions with cost-free technology
Mobile online ordering: Build sales and customer loyalty with one click
Info from our partners
How contactless payments are good for your bottom line
[Webinar replay] How to develop crisis-proof labor strategies in a transformed restaurant industry
Safeguarding sales in the event of a disconnect
![[Class, Oct. 13] ServSafe Manager, Everett](https://wahospitality.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/CALEND1-150x150.png)
