Technology: Tech-Tonic Shift In Hotels

From smartphones doubling up as room keys to real-time data access for staff to new solutions for cleaner air, technology is transforming the hospitality sector

- Nidhi Singal

During his stay at the Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway in January, Delhi-based executive Rishabh Gupta did not have to stand in queue at the front desk. Instead, he used the hotel’s mobile key to check-in, and accessed the room key using his smartphone.

While hotels have been investing in consumer-connect technologies for over a decade, it has now found more takers after the Covid-19 outbreak, with social distancing being the new norm.

According to industry experts, technology can bring down the operation cost of a hotel by 15-40 per cent, or even more, depending on the property (boutique or budget hotel), footfall, and the kind of systems deployed.

“Travel and tourism is among the fastest-growing sectors in India, contributing nearly a tenth to the country's GDP ($247.3 billion) and accounting for roughly 42 million jobs (direct and indirect). The role of technology will be key in the post-pandemic world. Most states have already put in conditions of ‘contactless’ check-in/check-outs. QR codes, artificial intelligence and machine learning will soon replace physical menus in hotels and restaurants,” says Vivek Agarwal, Partner, Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare Services, KPMG in India.