Wearable technology the next big thing in the hospitality space.

In fact,

  • 53% of millennials and 54% of early adopters are excited about the future of wearable technology (Hotel News Resource).
  • Adoption of wearables parallels that of tablets (PwC).
  • Research company Visiongain predicts that the global wearable tech market will reach $4.6 billion this year (Information Week).
  • More than half of the consumers surveyed by PwC predict that facial recognition will replace the need to remember names, and TV watching will be done on wearable screens.

It opens up a world of opportunities that were previously unavailable to users – but the future of wearable technology in the hotel space is already here. In fact, several hotels are already using it!

Tnooz shares the most innovative applications in this space:

Itesso

Itesso has created a hotel reception application for front desk agents, allowing front desk agents to instantly recognise guests approaching them using Google Glass.

This increases the level of customer service that accommodation providers can provide. Being able to instantly give greetings that personal touch gives all hotels – particularly large ones – a competitive advantage.

Starwood

Starwood created the first ever guest facing application for Google Glass.

Guests can book their stay in any one of Starwood’s hotels, and explore different destinations, all from the application.

It recognises when guests arrive at their property, where they can explore and share photos of hotel amenities, rooms, the local area, and even access up to date account information (including starpoint balance and upcoming stay deals).

Starwood has also partnered with iWatch to allow wearers to unlock their hotel door by waving the watch in front of the door, and even make mobile payments!

iWatch is working on allowing wearers to access local information, get the latest weather reports, and even book excursions when staying at hotels.

The Palladium Hotel Group

Very Important Bracelets (VIBs) to two Ibiza hotels. The bracelets allow guests to skip check-in and check-out lines, get into their rooms, and even pay for food and services on site!

Wearable technology for small hotels

Technology like Google Glasses, custom made bracelets and smart watches are far too expensive to be in reach for small hotels!

However, differentiating yourself through the creative use of wearable technology will definitely score points with your guests this year – especially the young ones.

Small hotels must consider the key drivers of its adoption in the first place, to figure out how they can be best used in a small accommodation context.

Novility reports that the key benefits of wearable technology are quicker access to desired information, and its hands-free setup which allows both guests and staff to be more productive and effective.

For small accommodation providers, the most realistic type of wearable technology that you can use today is the smart bracelet.

You could:

  1. Offer bracelets like Lark to wake guests up instead of alarms.
  1. Offer Vive bracelets that promote safe drinking, and distribute it to travelling groups, especially millennials & backpackers.

What ideas come to your mind when it comes to wearable tech?

By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).