| | DECEMBER 202119Now let's look at the data security aspect, which is a pressing concern for hotels across the globe. Data security is the #2 concern for many hoteliers after operational automation. A cloud-based Hotel PMS guarantees frequent and free security patch upgrades. It deploys several additional cybersecurity measures such as ISO 27001 compliances etc. to encrypt and back up hotels' data, thus preventing breaches. It also assists hotels to achieve the required regulatory compliances to gain their guests' trust.The crux is straightforward ­ be it a chain/group or a large independent hotel, a cloud Hotel PMS helps users improve efficiency, sell more rooms, enhance profitability, and witness assured ROI. In essence, there has been a paradigm shift in the hoteliers' perception of Hotel PMS with cloud computing. Earlier, hoteliers used to look at Hotel PMS as a mere operational tool. Now they perceive it as a strategic tool to improve the overall brand value of their hospitality enterprise. Contactless and innovative in-room technologyThanks to the pandemic-fueled health consciousness, the need for contactless or touchless services has become all-pervasive in today's hospitality sector. During our recent conversations with hoteliers across the globe, we came to know that over 80% of guests would like to stay at a property that offers a complete self-service experience. Yes, that's right but we understand that providing a full-fledged end-to-end self-service experience will take some time as it would need a considerable amount of planning and budget allocation. However, with 100 percent of guests looking for touchless services, hotels have already started working on it, at least in a few areas. For hoteliers, the challenge here is to reduce physical touchpoints to the minimum by allowing guests to do everything using their smartphones - checking in, unlocking the door, controlling in-room HVAC, raising service requests, making payments, and checking out.Not only this, in this era of competitive hotel business involving tech-savvy guests, hoteliers will have to consider adopting the right technology solutions to create intelligent rooms. Yes, we are talking about wireless charging, voice-controlled in-room amenities, smart mirrors, interactive TVs, and many more that can elevate the guest experience. ConclusionAs hotels are getting ready to explore what 2022 has in store for them, we are sure that digitisation is the need of the hour. And only those will emerge as winners who embrace the right solution to power up hotel operations, increase employee satisfaction, and offer what their guests want from them. IOT CAN HELP HOTELS INCREASE THEIR OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY ACROSS ALL LEVELS TO ENHANCE GUEST EXPERIENCE
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