How technology helps you find the perfect hotel for your overseas stay
Finding the perfect hotel for an overseas stay has become a more streamlined and personalized process, thanks to advances in technology.
The days of depending only on recommendations from friends or travel agencies are long gone. Today, technology offers a plethora of tools and resources to ensure travelers find accommodations that meet their specific needs and preferences. This article explores how technology has revolutionized the hotel booking experience and provides tips for making the most of these innovations.
The evolution of hotel booking
Over the past few decades, there have been substantial changes to the hotel booking process. In the past, travelers would often rely on travel agents to find and book accommodations, a process that was time-consuming and offered limited options.
Some people still travel with the help of agents. For example, silver travelers who are aged 65 and above, luxury travelers, and special interest travelers still like to seek help from travel agents. These travelers with specialized interests want to study and improve their lives.
However, the emergence of the internet and online booking sites has fundamentally altered the travel industry. Through internet booking services, tourists may choose from a large selection of hotels located all over the world.
Moreover, the internet itself has revolutionized hotel booking to a significant level. It allows travelers to gather detailed information, photos, and reviews of a hotel before making reservations.
For example, suppose someone from the US or UK wants to travel to Eilat in Israel. Eilat has long been a significant contributor to Israel’s economy because of the pristine blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.
According to The Times of Israel, the country welcomed over 2 million tourists between January and October 2022. The number was expected to cross 2.5 million by the end of the year. Hotels in the Eilat region had the highest occupancy of over 70% in October.
If you are planning to be a tourist there, you can find a lot of information about the hotels there on the internet. The majority of hotels or hotel chains will have a website with information about them.
For example, you can find details about price, location, number of rooms, amenities, etc., about Isrotel’s hotels in Eilat on their website. This will enable you to organize your holiday with knowledge.
Key technologies in hotel search
With the use of several cutting-edge tools and systems, hotel search technology has dramatically progressed, improving both user experience and operational effectiveness. The following are some important technologies:
Online Booking Platforms
Online booking platforms have become the cornerstone of modern hotel search. Online booking platforms have become the cornerstone of modern hotel search. These platforms often leverage hotel APIs to access extensive databases of hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals, as seen on websites such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb. These websites offer thorough information on every home, including features, accessibility, and cost.
Traveler reviews provide insightful information on the caliber of the lodgings. Comparing options side by side enables travelers to make well-informed decisions.
According to Verified Market Reports, the global hotel booking market was $546.3 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow by 12.6% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. One significant factor behind this growth is the demand for online platforms, which have become increasingly popular among millennials and the younger generation.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps have taken the convenience of online booking platforms a step further. With apps like HotelTonight, travelers can find last-minute deals and book hotels with just a few taps on their smartphones. These applications frequently have features like tailored suggestions based on user preferences and past reservations.
Users are guaranteed never to miss out on a fantastic deal as push alerts notify them of special deals and discounts. The integration of GPS technology allows travelers to find nearby accommodations quickly. As a result, finding lodging when traveling is much simpler.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has brought a new level of sophistication to the hotel search process. AI-powered algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to provide personalized recommendations. These algorithms consider factors such as user preferences, past behavior, and current trends to suggest hotels that are likely to meet individual needs.
AI-powered chatbots provide in-the-moment support, query resolution, and reservation assistance. With the help of this technology, tourists can expect a more personalized and streamlined experience.
Consider a recent study from Hotel Tech Report that surveyed around 400 hotel guests. It concluded that 70% of the guests of a hotel find chatbots to be useful for simple inquiries. However, they prefer human interaction for complex requests.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is transforming the way travelers experience hotels before they even set foot in them. VR technology allows users to take virtual tours of hotel rooms and facilities, providing a realistic sense of what to expect. This immersive experience helps travelers make more informed decisions, reducing the uncertainty that can come with booking a hotel online.
VR tours can showcase the layout, décor, and amenities of a hotel, giving potential guests a comprehensive understanding of the property. This technology is particularly beneficial for luxury hotels and resorts, where the visual and experiential elements play a significant role in the decision-making process.
A ScienceDirect study shows that the use of augmented reality (AR) and VR can have a positive influence on customers. These customers were more satisfied because of the usefulness, innovativeness, and ease of use of AR and VR. These positive experiences can influence the travelers’ intention to stay and return to a hotel.
The benefits of using technology
There are several advantages to using technology for hotel reservations. It improves convenience by enabling tourists to look for and reserve lodging at any time and from any location. The ability to compare a wide range of options ensures that travelers find the best possible deal and the most suitable accommodations for their needs.
Personalized recommendations powered by AI save time and effort, presenting travelers with options that align with their preferences. Traveler reviews and ratings offer insightful information that helps avert unpleasant shocks.
Moreover, technology enables a more immersive and informed booking experience. Virtual reality tours and high-quality images give travelers a clear understanding of what to expect, reducing the likelihood of disappointment upon arrival.
Mobile apps add an extra layer of convenience, offering features like last-minute bookings and real-time notifications of special offers. Overall, the integration of technology into the hotel search and booking process leads to a more efficient, personalized, and satisfying travel experience.
Frequently asked questions
How can technology help hotels?
Automation is the primary technological development that improves hotel operations. Automation might, for example, increase the efficiency of checking in and out via smartphone apps or lobby kiosks.
How is technology being used to give visitors to hotels a higher level of security?
Another sort of technology that is assisting in enhancing hotel security is biometric authentication, which includes fingerprint or face recognition. It guarantees that only authorized individuals and visitors may enter restricted areas. Some properties also utilize it to provide access to hotel rooms because it’s incredibly safe.
How is virtual reality used in hotels?
The potential of virtual reality to produce immersive marketing experiences is one of the main advantages for hotels. These can be used to draw visitors to a location. Once they are there, VR can be used to provide them with exclusive glimpses into the way of life at hotels.
The manner in which visitors look for and reserve hotels for their vacations abroad has been completely transformed by technology. The procedure is now more convenient, individualized, and immersive thanks to technological breakthroughs like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and smartphone apps.
Through the appropriate use of these technologies, guests may locate the ideal hotel that fulfills their requirements and tastes. Traveling is made more pleasurable and stress-free when these advances are adopted, allowing passengers to concentrate on making the most of their trip.
