May 2021 | Relay Blog

Hotel Technology Investment Priorities in 2021

May 24, 2021/1 Comment/in Relay for Business

Like most hospitality based industries, the hotel industry has changed drastically as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. And as the travel industry picks up again, hotel managers are trying to figure out how to create a safer and better experience for guests and their frontline employees. Interestingly enough, while the hospitality industry overall relies on the personal touch, technology is going to play an even bigger part in the hotel industry than it does now.

Why hotel technology is changing right now:

Most of the country is easing out of lockdown and people eager to travel again. To keep up with increased demand for accommodations, amenities and food services, the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries are going through major changes, many technology-based or focused.

According to a survey last year on Statista, travel behavior all across the globe changed, particularly in terms of the level of comfort when staying in hotels. The study reported that 60 percent of respondents said “they would be more comfortable staying in hotels after the coronavirus pandemic if there is increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting procedures.” Nine percent of respondents to that survey stated they “were in favor of temporarily suspending some hotel services such as spas, casinos, and restaurants.” What a difference a year makes. While last year people were still apprehensive about spa services or dining out, social media is filled with vows to enjoy both extensively.

Managing budgets while accommodating guests:

After a year of restrictions, people are no longer content to give up luxuries, especially when in hotels. In fact, after being mostly stuck home for 14+ months, people really want to enjoy the full experience that hotels and resorts can provide. A challenge for hotel operators right now is to figure out how to provide the safest possible and most seamless experience to all their guests, while taking advantage of the new and emerging technologies. An even greater challenge is prioritizing spending and figuring how what the most important tech investments should be right now.

At Relay, we’re proud that our devices connect workers and empower them through the use of a panic button connected to the cellular network. Contact us to find out how to empower your staff through connectivity with a device that alerts to potential danger.

Prioritizing your tech investments:

In March, we posted about Tech tools hotel operators need most. While researching that article we uncovered some interesting technology that hotels would be investing in over the next months. Our top picks included chatbots, venue sourcing software, and panic buttons, of course, which will soon be mandatory in all states. The question we received most often though, was how do you prioritize your hotel tech investments? We wondered the same thing as well.

To add a bit of perspective, you need to update your booking software before the summer rush, but is it wise to do any of this before you’ve updated your safety plan? And should you even be thinking of letting in new guests before you’ve fully trained your staff in the best ways to use their personal protective devices?

To help you figure out your tech and investment priorities, we created a checklist. Of course your hotel or chain is different than everyone else’s and as such has differing needs, but this should give you an idea of where to begin.

Technology driven disinfection systems: This one is a deal breaker. No matter how gorgeous your grounds or how high the threadcount is on your bedding, if guests don’t feel that you’re taking their health concerns seriously, they won’t stay with you.
Mobile keys: People no longer want to touch germy keys (well, we’re not sure they ever did!). If you’re apprehensive about a property-wide rollout, consider starting floor by floor until you iron out any potential issues.
Panic buttons and safety systems (and training): As you ease staff back in it’s time to pay attention to the new and emerging legislation in your state. There’s a good chance that your employees have never used personal panic buttons before and now is the time to train them and explain the process as well. Way before you host guests, you need to add that newest level of safety and protection.
Automated booking services: Once you’re sure that your space will be safe for both guests and staff, it’s time to make sure that your booking system is of the moment. This is also a great time to ask new hires their favorite platforms and why, and to train everyone in best practices. While you’re at it, pay special attention to internal glitches and solicit as much feedback as possible.
Chatbots, virtual reality tours and more: If you’re feeling adventurous, try setting up a few methods of keeping potential guests in touch before they’re in touch or during their stay. If you’ve never used any form of chatbot or alternate communication methods, you might want to start small with a focus group offering incentives for honest feedback.
Smart rooms: The reason we didn’t include this at the top of our list is because this will involve a major spend. Voice control, facial recognition and more can highly personalize the guest experience, but it can also go really, really wrong. Take as much time as possible to explore options before spending.

We also recommend considering a private app for your hotel to be shared by guests and one just for staff, as well as upgraded WiFi and an expanded social media presence.

The Relay difference:

If you’re ready to set up your own network of panic buttons, look no further than Relay. Our products are affordable and efficient. Relay is an easy to deploy, flexible panic button. Best yet, it’s also an elevated communications solution, so you’re combining two critical line items into one (with better value). With Relay, you save money, setup is nonexistent, and our products offer hotel staff a practical, easy solution.

Why golf club operations are embracing technology

May 13, 2021/1 Comment/in Relay for Business

Golf has enjoyed a significant uptick during the pandemic to the tune of about 500 million rounds played.

Everyone is golfing right now

As the ultimate socially distanced outdoor sport, golf allowed people to exercise and socialize in a way not possible with most other sports. And along with playing, comes spending on accessories. Golf Datatech reported that U.S. Retail golf equipment sales for August 2020 were up nearly 32% over the previous year. And in case you’re wondering why golf’s current popularity (and spending) is significant, the last time golf was this popular was back in 1997 when Tiger Woods first became popular.

At Relay, we’re proud that our devices connect distanced workers on golf courses and empower them through the use of a panic button and a cellular network. Contact us to find out how to empower your staff and clientele through connectivity with a device that alerts to potential danger.

A short history of golf

Compared with flashier sports, golf has something of an old-fashioned reputation, and it makes sense. The game of golf is centuries old and originated in Scotland in the 1400s, where the goal was to hit a small ball with a stick. As the game evolved, so did the rules, though some things stayed as old-school as possible.

The parts of golf that were outdated

For many years there was the mistaken belief that the word golf was an acronym for Gentleman Only Ladies Forbidden. And it seems like some posh golf clubs took this really to heart. In early May of this year, Golf Digest reported that Pine Valley, a 108-year-old men’s only club located in New Jersey voted to allow female members for the first time in its history along with unrestricted women’s play. Until now, female golfers were only welcome on Sundays and as guests of members. It’s a welcome change in a sport that continues to evolve.

Tracking the heat map on a golf course

Like most sports enthusiasts, golfers have embraced technology as a way to enhance their experience and game. One example the past few years, many in the golf industry used sophisticated technologies to build better courses. Part of that involved using heat maps of activity to know which parts of the course were not used and which should be built up or enhanced.

By spending to understand golfers’ habits, designers of golf courses were able to streamline their current approach. They also found a way to better design future courses to work with the approach and game style of modern golfers.

Other technologies embraced by golfers

To keep up with their most loyal players, golf clubs and golf courses will have to pay close attention to the newest technologies being used. More than that, savvy golf clubs will also make certain tech products or apps part of their offerings or sell them in the pro shop.

Augmented reality golf experiences

Putt View merges old school and new tech by offering augmented reality technologies to create an indoor golfing experience that helps players improve their game drastically. They create everything from home and professional series to custom greens. Imagine how golfers might be further engaged if this was a service readily available to them on rainy days or even in hotel rooms or public areas. It’s a great way of combining their passion with the latest technologies. They also create both indoor maps of over 30,000 yardage and green maps in golf. A smart golf course could offer touchpoints available where players can view and print out challenging spots as needed.

Readily available GPS

There’s extensive use of GPS in the golf industry on a personal level. Now imagine if this became standard in a golf resort that created free GPS options for any member or their guests. It could also act as a tool to literally map out the most popular elements of the green and allow for a more seamless experience.

An interconnected walkie-talkie and safety network

Golf course operators make every effort to create not only visually stunning and challenging courses but also safe ones. But sometimes having acres of green also means that staffers and golfers are sometimes far apart from each other. Having a dedicated walkie-talkie system for employees means they can seamlessly communicate if an area of the course needs tending to or even if a guest becomes unruly. And in case of an emergency, having a panic button system in place means that if a guest becomes injured in some way or a worker is threatened or harassed by a guest, with the push of a button help can be rapidly notified.

The Relay difference:

Tech tools hotel operators need most

May 4, 2021/0 Comments/in Relay for Business

As the hospitality industry ramps up for fuller capacity and summer bookings, there’s a flurry of upgrades and activity. In addition to new health protocols and regulations, many hotel operators realize it’s also a great time for a tech makeover. But where to begin?

While things have changed a lot over the past year, there are still necessary core essential tools for hotels. The key right now is realizing how to integrate change that best suits you, your guests and your operating budget.

At Relay, we’re proud that our devices connect workers and empower them through the use of a panic button and a completely connected cellular network. Contact us to find out how to empower your staff through connectivity with a device that alerts anyone to potential danger.

Venue sourcing software:

Many traditional hotels and estate type properties balance their outreach between advertising and enhanced word of mouth via social media and reviews. But sticking to what worked until now also means that hotel operators could be ignoring potential guests. Even worse, groups and planners looking for something a bit different might have no idea of how to find them.

When event planners search for venues, they often start with tried and true solutions. It doesn’t matter if you hosted 40 successful conferences if event planners don’t know about it. By signing your hotel up for various databases, you automatically put your property in the running. You also have ways to easily update your promotions, include city guides or dazzle event planners with all your amenities and extras.

Cvent has a fairly easy sign up process along with intuitive tools to help you grow your presence. There are also guides for helping you figure out how best to offer virtual, in-person or hybrid events.

Hotel chatbots:

In 2013 Expedia released a study where they shared the fact that potential travelers visit about 38 different travel sites in the month or so before booking a trip. Since that time there have been so many drastic upgrades to the industry that no doubt the competition has simultaneously become more fierce and sophisticated.

Machine learning is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a one-size-fits-all industries endeavor. Chatbots in the hotel industry can act as time savers, by offering weather, booking information or even menu details. Chatbots can also engage a potential guest who’s on the fence about booking, by presenting a fun or friendly virtual presence.

An article on HotelTechReport.com some more popular chatbots for the hospitality industry.

We think these could most help with hotels:

Reservations agent chatbots offer a more personalized experience when booking or researching your property.
Customer care chatbot allow hotel operators to monitor any customer service issues before guests take to social media to air their complaints.
Local concierge chatbot helps your guests understand the local culture, hangouts and hidden spaces.

Another highlight of having your own chatbots is the increase in security and protecting your guests and their sensitive information, which leads us to our next suggestion.

Panic buttons:

If you’ve been following the changing legislation, you already know that it’s a matter of time before every hotel will have panic buttons for all frontline staff. And while in theory the process can feel overwhelming, it’s actually pretty easy to choose the best panic button possible. When outfitting your staff, keep in mind things like reliability, ease of use, shared network and an immediate understanding of next steps.

Another few technological updates that will attract and reassure guests include:

The cleanest stay possible. Smudged water glasses are no longer an annoyance to guests, as much as a reminder of a potential threat to one’s health. These days even the most casual hotel guest expects sophisticated cleaning and disinfection. Setting up an automated cleaning plan with an app that monitors everything from empty rooms to food spills should be a given at all hotels. Hilton even recently made an announcement about their partnership with RB (makers of Lysol & Dettol) as part of their CleanStay program.
Reliable wifi. Having a connected hotel room is no longer a luxury, but something almost all guests expect. Unless you manage a yoga retreat or tech escape, constant connectivity is a must.
Digital conference facilities. Along those lines, nearly all conferences rely on visuals, digital equipment and heavy use of AV. While most of us can figure out how to connect our smartphones to the provided projectors, it’s always a plus when the hotel can offer a seamless conference experience for both hosts and attendees.
Smart room keys. While it’s charming to offer old-school keys, most guests expect to be able to swipe a card or their phone to gain access to their room.

The Relay difference:

If you’re ready to set up your own network of panic buttons, look no further than Relay. Our products are affordable, and efficient. Relay is an easy to deploy, flexible panic button. Best yet, it’s also an elevated communications solution, so you’re combining two critical line items into one (with better value). With Relay, you save money, setup is nonexistent, and our products offer hotel staff a practical, easy solution.