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GM’S views on “Implementation of new technology in the tourism industry”
Ms Sunaina Sharma Manerker General Manager - Grand Mercure Mysore This is an era where each and every speck of our surroundings right from our daily lives to the global affairs is technology driven. Technology has brought
Ms Sunaina Sharma Manerker
General Manager – Grand Mercure Mysore
This is an era where each and every speck of our surroundings right from our daily lives to the global affairs is technology driven. Technology has brought everything to our fingertips. Tourism, being the most versatile and a prominent industry, is using a significant amount of technology in order to cater the varied needs of customers.
In India, travel and tourism contributes 4.7% of the GDP. It’s important to make sure that the Travel and Tourism sector of our country continues to grow in accordance with the ever evolving trends, requisites of the people. Technology certainly plays a major role in it. Technology has made everything automated and is being fully utilized by the Travel Sector as well. However, there are many instances where the implementation of technology can be improvised in abundance.
Contactless payments, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), chatbots, artificial intelligence, cyber security measures are some of the areas which can be concentrated more. Contactless and online payments are definitely a great help while booking tickets, paying bills.
There are several dedicated tourist websites like Tripadvisor, Airbnb, Agoda, Make My Trip, Agoda which provide insights of the properties (Resorts, Hotels etc.) which can be used by the tourists to decide their stay. In fact information and reviews in these sites plays a major role. There are people who completely rely on the reviews before deciding their stay. Technology has become this essential!
Grand Mercure Mysore focuses on implementation of technology in every step to ensure sustainable business. Contactless menu (QR Code) is being used at the hotel. E-Invoicing, contactless check in and check out offerings to guests, EV vehicles and charging units are being added which also contributes to the environment sustainability.
Reason being the aforesaid things, implementation of new technology should be considered as an ever important concern of the travel and tourism industry, especially in a country like India which has a prodigious potential to grow as a global tourism hub. Improvisations should definitely be made by the stakeholders and the technology should be utilized to the fullest to make a difference in the industry.
Vikas Kumar,
General manager, Four Points, Sheraton Kochi by Brigade Hospitality
Keeping up with digital trends is very crucial at this time. Industry is highly competitive and guests are becoming more digital savvy – and adapting to new technologies is the only way to be on the top of the game. Mobile check in, contactless payment, cash machine implementation are the few things we adapted in our property.
Some of the hotels around the world have already implemented artificial intelligence, facial recognition Check in etc. All Marriott hotel websites are mobile optimised & user friendly which enables user easy navigation
About social media – User generated contents, Influencer marketing and geo targeted sponsored posts play a key role in generating revenues.
Aside from the changes within business operations, there are also definite differences seen in hospitality marketing establishments. Undoubtedly social media platform is a strong digital marketing tool. Indeed, many restaurant and hotel social media pages create sponsored posts, engage users, and generate contents to influence people on where to stay and what to eat.
