Top Industry Trends To Consider

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving and changing to meet guests' needs in 2022. People are leaving no stone unturned to travel their hearts out - especially now, in a post-pandemic world. The pandemic has led to a greater demand for hotel rooms, restaurants, and other services that the hospitality industry provides.

Hospitality trends come and go, but a few always stand out and make an impact on the industry.

Here are some of the top hospitality trends that are shaping the hospitality industry in 2022:

1. Smart Tech

When we think about hospitality, we often think about vacations, comfortable homes away from home, new unique experiences, and amazing foods. But what we don't often think about is the technology that goes into making all of that possible.

Smart technology is changing the hospitality industry, and it's doing so in a big way. In fact, according to a recent study, by 2022, hospitality will be the fastest adopter of smart technology.

What is it about smart technology that has the hospitality industry so excited? Well, for one thing, it helps to improve the guest experience. For example, guests can use their smartphones to check in, unlock rooms, and order room service. And because everything is connected, hospitality staff can be more responsive to guests' needs.

Smart technology also helps hospitality businesses to run more efficiently. For example, energy-efficient smart thermostats can help reduce costs, while automated systems can help streamline operations.

Moreover, during the pandemic, the need of self-service smart tech alternatives has significantly increased, as hospitality businesses tried to find ways in order to reduce the personal contact between guests and employees.

There are plenty of other benefits of smart technology too. But one thing is clear: it's here to stay, and it's shaping the hospitality industry in a big way.

2. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is helping shape the hospitality industry by providing more personalized experiences to guests and automating tasks such as check-in and check-out. This allows hospitality staff to focus on providing top-notch customer service. In addition, AI can also help hoteliers save on costs by reducing energy consumption and identifying maintenance issues before they become costly problems.

According to a recent report, the Hospitality AI Market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2026. And this is just the beginning – as AI technology continues to evolve, so will its potential applications in the hospitality sector. Therefore, it's no surprise that AI is part of this list of hospitality trends.

Here are some of the ways AI will continue to shape the hospitality industry:

Personalized guest experiences:

AI can help hotels provide more personalized guest experiences by analyzing data points such as booking history, social media activity, and location. This information can be used to recommend activities and amenities tailored to each guest.

Automated check-in and check-out:

AI can automate check-in and check-out tasks, which frees hospitality staff to provide more personalized service.

Energy savings:

AI can help hotels save on energy costs by monitoring energy usage and identifying opportunities for efficiency.

Maintenance:

AI can help identify maintenance issues before they become costly problems. This can help keep hospitality operations running smoothly and avoid disruptions.

These are just some of the ways the AI technology is contributing to the hospitality industry. In the upcoming years, we can expect to see even more innovations in this area as the hotels, restaurants and resorts look to implement AI into their properties and capitalize on the benefits.

3. Sustainable Hospitality

The hospitality industry faces several challenges, from the rising cost of labor to the increasing demand for sustainable practices. And while these challenges are significant, they're also creating opportunities for those willing to innovate and embrace change. For example, one of the biggest hospitality trends in recent years has been the move toward sustainable hospitality.

This trend is mainly driven by the increase in the awareness of the environmental impact of hospitality businesses.

There are many ways to make hospitality more sustainable, from using energy-efficient appliances to sourcing local ingredients. And while some hospitality businesses have been slow to embrace this trend, others are leading the way and reaping the benefits.

Practicing sustainable hospitality is great for the environment and it helps businesses as well. Guests are increasingly interested in supporting businesses that are doing their part to reduce their impact on the planet.

4. The Rise of Boutique Hotels

The hospitality industry is undergoing a significant shift with the rise of boutique hotels. These smaller, more intimate properties are becoming increasingly popular with travelers looking for a more personalized experience.

Boutique hotels provide a more intimate experience over traditional hotels, including more personalized service, unique design, and a focus on local culture.

The expansion of boutique hotels is driven by several factors, including the increasing popularity of travel and the desire for more unique experiences. And as travelers become more sophisticated, they're increasingly interested in staying at hotels that offer something different.

Boutique hotels are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering a more intimate and personalized experience than traditional hotels. In the coming years, we can expect to see more boutique hotels popping up in popular travel destinations around the world.

5. Surge In Co-Living

The hospitality industry is evolving, and one of the latest trends consists in the increase in demand for co-living. This trend has surfaced due to the increasing popularity of travel and the desire for more affordable accommodation.

Co-living is a type of hospitality that allows guests to stay in a shared living space. This can be anything from an apartment to a villa and it often includes many amenities as well as the “living like a local” experience. Travelers often choose a co-living space to reduce costs, socialize with locals and have a more authentic experience.

This trend has been emerging in the last years and it is here to stay!

6. Digital Signage

Digital signage is one of the hospitality industry's hottest trends. This technology allows businesses to display information, advertising, and other content on screens in various locations.

Digital signage offers many advantages over traditional methods of communication, including the ability to target specific audiences, change content quickly and easily, and track and measure results.

Thanks to digital signage, advertising and promoting hospitality businesses have become more efficient. It can display information about current promotions, services, and events. Additionally, digital signage can be used to provide directions and maps to guests.

7. Blockchain

The hospitality industry is one of the most competitive industries in the world. So, it's no surprise that the blockchain is starting to make its way into this sector. The blockchain provides a secure and transparent platform for managing data and transactions. This is especially beneficial for businesses that need to manage a lot of data, such as hotels and resorts.

The blockchain can help the hospitality industry in many ways. For example, it can be used to manage reservations and payments. It can also help to streamline the check-in and check-out process for guests. This is because all relevant data can be stored on the blockchain, making it easy to access and manage.

In addition, the blockchain can be used to track guest loyalty points. This is a great way to reward guests for their loyalty and encourage them to come back.

Overall, the blockchain has the potential to revolutionize the hospitality industry and other industries.

How to Play a Role?

The hospitality industry is booming in a post-pandemic world, and there are plenty of opportunities for those interested in getting their foot in the door. With so many trends and developments in the industry, as a young hospitality student, graduate or young professional, you are probably wondering how to grow, explore more career options and be ready to embrace any trend or challenge.

Gaining international experience is extremely important for the personal and professional development of hospitality professionals. If you are looking to jump-start your career and explore the hospitality industry in the United States, apply for a J-1 hospitality internship or trainee program with us.

Our hospitality internships will provide you with hands-on experience in the hospitality industry in the United States and our All-Inclusive package provides everything from the placement, to J-1 visa sponsorship (needed to perform a hospitality internship or trainee program in the United States), support while being in the USA and many others.

The program can last for 12 months and during that time, you'll receive training in your desired field and the program will give you great insights into American hospitality.

Find out more information on your hospitality internships and trainee programs here.

One Last Thing

The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, and new trends are constantly emerging. This is enough indication that the hospitality industry is on the rise and will soon reach newer heights.

As a hospitality professional, it’s important to research, stay aligned and understand the new trends and challenges that the industry is facing.

Top Trends That Are Shaping The Hospitality Industry In 2022