Over the past few years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a household word, and it's beginning to make massive waves in the business world. So let’s take a look at how the hospitality industry is being transformed with the introduction of AI technology.
1. Personalized Recommendations
In today's competitive world of online booking, providing personalized experiences is essential. Booking.com, for instance, harnesses AI algorithms to ensure that the accommodations it suggests are tailored to customer preferences. These algorithms consider your past searches, booking history, and browsing behavior, ensuring you see listings that align with your travel interests.
2. Dynamic Pricing
Price fluctuations in the travel industry can be a challenge for both hosts and travelers. Airbnb uses machine learning to assist hosts in setting the perfect price for their listings. This means that when you're browsing for stays, you're seeing rates calculated based on demand, property type, local events, and more, thanks to AI's pricing expertise.
Ever needed assistance when booking a hotel but didn't want to wait for office hours? Expedia and many other booking sites have a solution for that. They employ chatbots—helpful virtual assistants that can handle common inquiries and issues 24/7, thanks to AI's capabilities. It's a win-win, ensuring quick and efficient support, improving your overall booking experience.
4. Review Summarization
Sifting through numerous user reviews to make an informed decision about your next hotel stay can be time-consuming for travelers. TripAdvisor recognized this challenge and turned to AI for help. This technology summarizes and categorizes user reviews for hotels and attractions, providing travelers with quick access to key information.
Keeping an eye on the constantly fluctuating prices of flights and accommodation is no easy task. Google Flights and Google Hotel Search, now equipped with AI technology, continually monitor price shifts and, when the time is right, send real-time alerts to hotel owners and managers.
6. Voice-Powered Comfort
Imagine entering your hotel room and being greeted by a voice-activated companion ready to assist you. Some innovative hotels, including Marriott hotels, have introduced such devices into their guest rooms. These AI-powered assistants enable guests to easily control room features through simple voice commands, complementing their stay with a dash of futuristic touch.
What does this all really mean?
AI can be a game-changer in daily operations. Predicting the best times for bookings, helping you prepare for busy periods and optimize your staffing. It can also automate marketing tasks like sending promotional emails or posting on social media, saving you time and ensuring your hotel is always on your future guests' radar.