Hospitality experiences in the digital world

The pillars of the silent revolution driven by the growing importance of data as a strategic resource have been laid.

In all sectors companies make use of technology to solve hundreds of daily tasks and, specifically, hospitality is one of the sectors that has taken innovation as a push to make a difference, generating disruptive proposals that set trends and define this as the era of experience.

In an increasingly digital and technology-driven world, restaurant and hospitality establishments face a series of challenges that go beyond serving incredible meals or providing quality accommodations.

The efficient collection, management and use of data has become a crucial factor for success and sustainability in this sector, as consumer preferences, market trends and guest expectations are constantly evolving.

Challenges and strategies around data in HORECA

Each company is a world in general management aspects as well as in terms of data management. In the world of catering, a large amount of data of different nature is collected and it is key to classify and manage them with criteria to take advantage of the opportunities they offer; allowing the application of strategies of different nature by the corresponding department.

Data management requires choosing the right strategy for each sector and each moment.

1. Discriminate and classify data

Define a specific objective and select the sources and data to be used with a clear focus; prioritizing data quality and integrity.

2. Gradually approaching digitization

Do not propose a massive restructuring. Integrate the tools little by little and with empathy, adapting the process to the learning curve of the people who make up the company.

3. Data analysis and visualization tools

Investing in technological tools that facilitate access to information, intuitive and visual, which will allow more informed decisions to be made.

4. Focus on privacy

Ensure compliance with privacy and data protection regulations when collecting and using customer information.

5. Staff training

Enable specific training spaces, to understand the importance of data and how to use it to improve operations and customer experience.

There is an emerging need to incorporate innovation tools with the aim of driving smarter, digital and sustainable cutting-edge tourism.

We elaborate on this particular aspect in the article “Innovating by people and for people“.

If you imagine it, you believe it

Dare to project big. You just have to imagine it, choose the right allies and dare to take risks.

The future belongs to those who believe in their projects and undertake. Giving the opportunity to apply creative and disruptive ideas is the responsibility of those who run companies:

Realidad Aumentada en Menús Interactivos: permitiendo a los clientes ver imágenes en 3D de los platos, leer reseñas y obtener información nutricional de los platos.

• Augmented Reality in Interactive Menus: allowing customers to see 3D images of the dishes, read reviews and obtain nutritional information about the dishes.
• Delivery with Drones and Robots: home deliveries of food, streamlining logistics and reaching hard-to-reach areas.
• Virtual Reality for Gastronomic Experiences: virtual experiences through virtual reality glasses, where customers can “travel” to different places while enjoying a meal.
• Technological Sustainability Measures: technologies that help reduce food waste and improve sustainability, such as food freshness sensors and smart waste management systems.
• Mixed Reality Experiences in Restaurants and Hotels: Combining elements of virtual reality and augmented reality in the customer experience in the restaurant, such as interactive menus, room previews and tours through projections, augmented reality or immersive reality.

Making data visible as a springboard, taking on the challenge of entering the universe of digitization generates insecurity and triggers thousands of doubts about methodologies and possibilities. But with an organized structure in place, the contradictions disappear. It is necessary to rely on capabilities and to foster adaptability and resilience skills.

Climbing the competitiveness ranking is exciting and the reality is that the vortex of the current era does not admit conservatism; this is made clear by the technological Planet through a study conducted in 19 countries, including Spain, to search for consumer trends that help hoteliers to improve the guest experience.