Larger & intimate spaces for hotels

Digital transformation in the hospitality industry is now firmly embedded in the daily activities of hospitality businesses, with some new and emerging trends on the rise.

TT Bureau

The hospitality industry is adjusting to the new normal and noticing an increase in new trends. Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels and Resorts, shares key insight to the changes in the hospitality industry and how the industry is adapting to it.

Changes and trends

The hospitality 2.0, as we say, is the new normal and there are a lot of things which have changed post COVID. “One is of course the digital transformation, which is taking place in hotels and more and more hotels are turning to technology to do services, experiences and even build hotels with technology. Another big thing which is happening is about human resource. Earlier, we used to call it human resource, now we are calling it human assets because now we know the importance of the employees and how and what role they play in making a hotel successful,”shared Cotah.

He added, “Another change in the industry is the change in the design and hotels. New hotels are coming up with larger spaces and more intimate spaces for smaller crowds. The restaurant designs are changing, buffets are going away to a large extent and there are more tasting menus. In the next 5 to 10 years, there is going to be a paradigm shift in hospitality, especially in our country.”

Changes in demand

Cotah said, “There is a huge revenge tourism taking place. People are coming back big time to travel. So, we see most of the hotels are doing well, much beyond 2019 numbers. We are making up for what we lost out in the two years.”

Digital transformation

Digital transformation per se in hospitality has been very big post pandemic. “We realize that technology plays a major role in creating experiences for guests and this can happen at a much optimal cost rather than depending on human resource to do it. And when we use technology, it’s consistent,” Cotah said.

Hotels are renovating and making sure that their properties are tech savvy. “Almost all hotels are embracing technology, for instance,” he said.