March 2021 Vol: 2 Issue 12 Pages 36 `20 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF HOTEL & RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION (WESTERN INDIA) FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY HOSPITALITY TRENDS SETTING THE SCENE AS 2021 UNFOLDS 2 HRA Today March 2021 March 2021 HRA Today 3 4 HRA Today March 2021 March 2021 HRA Today 5 6 HRA Today March 2021 March 2021 PRINTER, EDITOR & PUBLISHER Siji Nair* [email protected] SECRETARY GENERAL Aspi Nallaseth Contents EXECUTIVE EDITOR Prasad M. ASSOCIATE EDITOR N. Vijayagopalan MANAGER-MARKETING Sreekanth K.S. ASST MANAGER-MARKETING Sibu Nair DESIGN Kiran Mohan National Representatives Mail: [email protected] Mumbai : Raveendran Kolkata : Priya Kundu Chennai : Subramaniam Bangalore : Hans Injackel International Representatives Mail: [email protected] Muscat, Oman : Dr. Sanjaiyan Hospitality Trends Set- Dubai, UAE : Binoy Syama Krishna 08 Abu Dhabi, UAE : Sabari R Nair ting the Scene as 2021 London, United Kingdom : Narendra Shah Zurich, Switzerland : Johnson Pereira Unfolds KL, Malaysia : Sudarshan Singapore : Roshan Fernandez Seattle, USA : Pramod Manjali Kuwait : Jayashree Ganga Prasad Doha, Qatar : Raghesh 10 Innovations Which Are Düsseldorf, Germany : Abraham George Sydney, Australia : Rakesh Devadas Reshaping The Hospi- Christchurch, New Zealand : Sony Jose Canada : Shinto Mathew tality Industry This issue of HRA Today contains 32+4 pages cover All information in the HRA Today is derived from sources, which we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report accurate information. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The publish- er regrets that he cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views expressed 14 India’s hospitality sec- by third parties in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared by HRA Today. However, we wish to advice our readers that one or more recognised authorities may hold different views than those reported. Material tor facing whopping used in this publication is intended for information purpose only. Readers are advised to seek specific advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use, and may not be appropriate revenue loss in 2020. for the readers’ particular circumstances. Contents of this publication are copyright. 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All advertisements must comply with the Indian and International Advertisements Code. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by delayed publication, error or failure of an advertisement to appear. HRA Today monthly is Edited, Printed and Published by Siji Nair, R M Nivas, TMRA F 6 Pangappara (PO) Thiruvananthapuram Pin 34 The Last Leaf 695 581. Published from Thiruvananthapuram, Printed at Akshara Offset TC 25/3230(1), Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram 695 035. Owned by Hotels and Restaurants Association (WI), Editor- Siji Nair RNI No. DELENG/2018/76917 * Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act. March 2021 HRA Today 7 HOSPITALITY HOSPITALITY TRENDS SETTINGOur Bureau THE SCENE AS 2021 UNFOLDS N.Vijayagopalan s the largest industry in seamless and exceptional hospitality scene, now the guest can set the the world, tourism means a services to the guests in the new temperature, mood and ambiance lot for most countries. It is social distancing world. of his hotel room via voice com- expected that India would mand. The room would detect light Let us see a few trends which are Abecome the youngest country global- automatically or adjust the bright- gaining strong ground. ly by 2022, with an average age of 29. ness level, control temperature and Smart Rooms with Smart Controls contribute to energy-saving while With 59 million active monthly users, ensuring his luxurious comfort and India is the third-largest market for Futuristic technologies, be it Artificial stay. Instagram which is ruling the social Intelligence, Machine Learning or the media networks worldwide. Millen- Internet of Things, have taken com- The guest can enjoy contactless nials have set their own rules and plete control of hotel rooms to ensure room service using voice recognition pushed the brands and market strat- contactless experiences. From room technology or book his favourite egists to serve what they want even key to personal entertainment during spa session with a single click on his before the Covid-19 era. There is a your staycation, everything is now smartphone. Opulence, comfort and marked trend among the Indian Hos- accessible from smart devices. Once exceptional room experiences are pitality brands to render contactless, sounded as a science fiction movie becoming digital in 2021. 8 HRA Today March 2021 Maintaining the beauty of the Guests are excited to take services environment through recycling and from these robots that are here proper management of five living ele- to assure utmost safety, hygiene ments i.e. water, waste, energy, food and comfort. 2021 will have a new and structure, hotel brands in the brigade of robot butlers deliv- new informed world are now commit- ering your snacks, toiletries or ted to deliver sustainable hospitality other amenities to guest rooms. experiences. Hotels are using bare They can navigate floors by using minimum artificial powers whether it the Wi-Fi to call lifts or be placed is in the form of air, light and water. at front door where guests can Organic, vegetarian and vegan choic- ask questions and enjoy chats es are now leading the F&B menus. with them. They are now your Hotels are going to bet high on solar front desk managers providing energy so as to contribute their bit in basic information such as the spa energy conservation for future gen- and gym timings, best places to erations. Plastic straws, cutlery, water hangout, popular shopping hubs bottles, toiletry bottles etc. have been and personalized information for replaced now with compostable or a guest’s needs. reusable alternatives. Short Distance Tours and Stay- Mobile Check-in cations Contactless check-in through mobile People are now preferring stayca- phone which started in 2020 is going tions over long holidays and short to rule in 2021 as well. Contactless distance tours over long journeys. check-in has become the new norm A recent survey conducted by of hospitality and guests are willing Booking.com has revealed that to skip front desk for check-in and people have been taking smaller other room related queries. journeys, and discovering (or re- discovering) wonderful experienc- These contactless technologies are es closer home with ease in travel The smart rooms are going to be not only offering ease and safety to restrictions. power-packed with keyless entry, consumers but also helping hotel- soundproof windows, smooth stream- iers’ weather operational disruptions. Be it bag packers, corporate ing entertainment, wireless device Chatbots are ready to resolve any groups, families or friends, people charging, real-time video chats with guest query. On the otherhand, are preferring to drive down to hotel staff and a lot more for new age virtual tours and mobile check-in are their nearby getaways for short guests. ready to delight travel enthusiasts in and relaxed staycations. 2021. Sustainability is going to be much In a bid to encourage more foot- bigger and greener Robots Room Service fall on domestic tourism destina- tions, the Tourism Ministry has The Covid-19 pandemic and long Many hotel brands in India have also started “Dekho Apna Desh” spells of worldwide lockdowns gave already adopted robotics to trans- campaign asking Indians to take nature the time to reboot and blos- form room cleaning and room service pledge to visit at least 15 different som and has made us realise the true operations. The rise of service robots tourism locations in India by the value of sustainable and eco-friend- has ushered in a new era of guest year 2022. ly practices to save the life-saving hospitality. planet. (Courtesy : IANS) March 2021 HRA Today 9 HOSPITALITY INNOVATIONS WHICH ARE RESHAPING THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Our Bureau Hospitality industry in India has been showing a marked downward trend in the aftermath of the pandemic, though there are signs of a recovery in the last three to four months. Now competition is more cut-throat than ever in the industry. It is no wonder that technological innovations are now ruling the roost in the industry so as to stand out in a sea of competition. any innovative prod- drapes and lighting; smart TVs, tech-savvy guests prefer tech over ucts are reshaping the virtual reality and much more. With human interaction. That’s why hospitality industry. over 20% of hotels worldwide al- automated check-ins and check- Let us have a quick ready on board, this top innovation out options are now the norms. Mlook at some of them. in the hotel industry will continue From browser-based applications to reshape the sector in the next to mobile apps, service automation 1. Smart In-room Technologies decade or so.