It seems that as people continue to advance in their technological innovations, society seems to be changing faster than ever before. This rapid change makes for a constantly evolving, adapting, and adjusting process to continue to stay competitive and up to date with current trends for all industries, which includes hospitality. It will be much more common to see members of Generation Z booking reservations at your hospitality property now that they are entering the workforce. They will be much more tech-friendly and more conscious of the environment than any generation before them. Some common trends the hospitality industry should be preparing for in 2024 include the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, more contactless services, and a greater focus on well-being and the environment.
Artificial Intelligence
In the labor force, artificial intelligence is essentially machines or computers being programmed with human intelligence to help deliver consistent results, save time, and help increase customer satisfaction. More properties will start using chatbots to help answer customer questions quickly while also having 24/7 availability, which would hopefully improve the overall guest experience. It will also be more common to see AI-powered robots handling duties like room service deliveries and cleaning. Guests may also begin noticing smart in-room assistants at certain hospitality properties. These machines will offer guests personalized recommendations and general information during their stay such as what services are offered at the property, fun local activities, and great restaurant options for dinner. The purpose of these machines is to help keep the property running smoothly by making a more desirable and predictable experience for both guests and employees.
Contactless Services
Large amounts of younger people prefer to use contactless methods for transactions. This may have been a growing trend that only accelerated since the pandemic. Contactless payments with an emphasis on no cash transactions will be one of these methods that is on the rise in 2024. Electronic and keyless hotel room technology will also become more common. Automated in-room service will give guests the option to make requests via an app, and voice command devices will allow guests to make changes in the room such as the temperature and changing the television station. Contactless services will reduce the spread of germs, stress and mistakes that could arise from human error since more things will now be automated.
Eco-Friendly/Healthy Choices
Younger generations are becoming much more focused on healthy trends and sustainability. It will be much more common to see hospitality properties catering towards these needs to attract more guests. This could include offering a dinner menu with more vegan, gluten-free, and general healthy food choices. Other additional amenities could include fitness programs or small gyms, spas, hot tubs, massage rooms, and green rooms to help guests relax and reduce stress after a busy day. Properties will also continue adding features to help the environment such as offering less plastic including utensils or mini amenity bottles like shampoo. They may also start using more organic recycling options such as composting.
Better Sleeping Experience
Many people live very stressful lives, and they typically look for a vacation to help ease some of that stress even if it’s just for a weekly getaway. Hower, more people have been saying that even their vacations have been becoming more stressful. Some of these factors have been because of airport congestion and delays, inflation causing prices to rise, and the hybrid work schedule making it more difficult for travelers to detach while away. Sleep vacationers will simply be looking for a restful and relaxing experience. Spas, therapeutic sessions, and getting at least 7 hours of sleep will be normal activities to expect when travelers arrive for their sleep vacation.
InnStyle is Here for Your 2024 Hospitality Needs
2024 will continue to be another year with lots of advancements in technology and other types of products promoting sustainability and healthy living. Along with these trends, it will always be important to make sure your property is well-stocked with hospitality bedding supplies, amenities, and other lodging accessories. InnStyle has a wide selection of hospitality supplies including organic and environmentally friendly options. Please give InnStyle a call about any hospitality questions or 2024 trends questions that you may have. Their account managers will be happy to assist you. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.