The global hospitality industry is predicted to grow beyond $6.7 billion by 2026, and the field of competition is increasingly saturated. Businesses who wish to remain competitive must implement any and all solutions to keep expanding their clientele, including advanced technologies.
Professionally integrated audiovisual technologies allow hospitality businesses to transform guests' experiences and greatly exceed their expectations. With the help of touchscreens, digital signage, ambient sound, and wireless connectivity, each guest will have a stay to remember. Of course, each audiovisual system may vary greatly depending on your specific needs, which is why audiovisual integrators offer custom solutions tailored to your facilities.
To attain success at the forefront of the hospitality industry, it is crucial to distinguish your business from competitors by providing guests with a luxury experience from check-in to check out. By keeping guests engaged and stress-free with the convenience of AV technology, you can turn them into recurring customers.
The Benefits of Audiovisual Integration in the Hospitality Business
Though it may not be your first consideration, technology is a critical component of a successful hospitality business. Currently, guests can easily compare hotels with online resources before they book, so your company must strive to stand out amongst competitors. One way to do so is through the adoption of innovative audiovisual technology. Modern technology enables guests to have a highly personalized experience, complete with convenient solutions for smooth travel.
Businesses in the hospitality industry have unique audiovisual requirements that differ depending on the region and the nature of the facility. Some establishments may prefer AV solutions that accommodate performances and conventions, while others may only require an updated lounge area. Regardless of your business’ needs, thoughtful audiovisual integration can transform guestrooms, lobbies, and restaurants into functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces.
A team of experienced audiovisual professionals can enhance your facility’s best qualities. For example, the proper lighting fixtures and smart features can turn sterile or uninviting hotel lobbies into vibrant destinations where guests can comfortably interact with staff and each other. Meanwhile, rooms with smart features make them feel at home. Audiovisual integrators can also use their expertise to cultivate business efficiency and independence among guests, with tools like interactive kiosks at concierge desks allowing customers to view important information at their convenience and without the need to consult a staff member.
Audiovisual integration has the power to benefit every party at your hospitality business. Employees will have the opportunity to direct their efforts towards their most pressing tasks, while guests can relax, interact with technology, and even host events with ease.
Top Considerations for AV Systems in Hospitality
Sleek Hotel Lobbies
Hotel lobbies are typically spacious, with seating areas that open into bars, restaurants, and elevator lobbies, providing many opportunities for AV solutions. Some advanced hotel lobbies are outfitted with video walls displaying entertainment content or touchscreen control panels allowing employees to change the lighting and create a better ambiance at any time of day or night.
Lobbies are also a primary location to implement digital signage, ensuring that concierges will no longer need to offer guests physical maps as navigation or brochures for events within the hotel. Digital signage enables hotels to display relevant information regarding special events, conventions, and directions to meeting rooms. For more detailed or interactive resources, self-service kiosks provide guests with a contactless way to shorten their check-in process and reduce wait times. Kiosks and digital signage also reduce face-to-face interaction between staff and guests, which is beneficial to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
Welcoming Guest Rooms
Currently, it is trendy for hotels to create a cozy, home-like atmosphere with unique and inviting guest rooms. To meet this need, audiovisual integrators can apply technology that allows guests to feel comfortable.
In the past, room controls featured wired systems with limited functionality. However, advancements in technology now allow using app-based designs that guests can control using smartphones or voice commands. As virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Voice Assistant grow in popularity, guests can control their environment the same way they would at home. Modern hotels often have IIoT technology that allows guests to adjust lighting, drapes, and room temperatures with their smartphones. Not only is this convenient, but it is also more accessible to guests with physical limitations. Hospitality venues can also reduce their expenses by ensuring that lighting and AC units turn on and off automatically when guests enter or exit the room.
As for connectivity, Wi-Fi is now taken as a given. However, guests should also have the option to use a password-protected network to log in to their personal streaming services or securely conduct business during their trip.
AV integration can also be used creatively within guest rooms. For instance, some hotels further personalize the guests' experience with welcome screens that display their names upon entering their rooms.
Effective Meeting Rooms
A key component of audiovisual integration for meeting rooms in the hospitality industry is ensuring that each solution is user-friendly and that participants can easily connect their devices for each event. A single display may be ideal if your meeting room is on the smaller side, while others could require a dual display. A straightforward touchscreen control panel will simplify the process of launching a presentation.
Generally, wireless connectivity is the best option so that guests can quickly set up meetings. However, wired connectivity with table inserts can ensure that cords are discreet and the presentations are more stable. Audiovisual integrators will also install microphones and speakers, which reduce echo and feedback. Sound-masking technology will ensure that those outside the meeting room cannot hear private conversations, enhancing trust in your business.
Engaging Restaurants and Bars
What differentiates the audiovisual needs in the hospitality industry from that of an office or healthcare facility is the wide range of technological needs. Many hotels feature restaurants and bars within their facilities, so audiovisual integrators must implement a wide range of solutions that also address these venues. For instance, guests often head to restaurants and bars for entertainment, so audiovisual integrators may suggest an LED video wall or a large screen projector system to create an engaging atmosphere.
Complement these video solutions with ceiling recessed speakers or wall-mounted speakers so that guests can adequately hear the video content. Furthermore, digital signage in these areas allows staff to inform guests about dining events, announcements, and special menu options with unparalleled ease.
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