Sabre Corporation, in partnership with global consumer trends and insights experts TrendWatching, has released a consumer trends study explaining the retail revolution in the hospitality industry.

“Technology is changing the expectations of today’s traveller. They demand flexibility, optionality and a seamless shopping experience that goes beyond booking a guest room. This presents exciting opportunities for hoteliers to extend far beyond their traditional offerings,” said Clinton Anderson, president of Sabre Hospitality Solutions. “Hoteliers must pay attention to the consumer behaviours driving this retail revolution and capitalise on the possibilities,” he added.

The report details how innovative retail and hospitality players are harnessing six key consumer trends to drive innovation and improve their guest experience. It includes actionable insights to fuel creativity and gain a deeper understanding of how concepts can be applied to provide guests with convenience, relevance, fun, recognition and support – the things they crave in today’s retail-driven environment.

Sentient spaces

Travellers are increasingly aware of an ever-growing ecosystem of cameras and sensors. Although sensitive to security concerns, they crave personalisation and are willing to share their data to get it. Truly smart physical spaces – retail stores, hotel rooms and more – are now built with technology ranging from facial recognition to robots that create experiences tailored to the guests moving through them.

A-commerce

Retailers have mastered the use of algorithms and smart devices to increase convenience and serve up intuitive recommendations at crucial moments. Busy travellers will increasingly expect the same experience from their travel providers. Developing capabilities to automate shopping, selecting and purchasing activities will allow hoteliers to deliver increased simplicity – and a more meaningful experience – to their guests.

Village squared

Smart retailers are responding to society’s increasing sense of isolation by transforming their spaces in new ways to foster connections and promote social wellbeing. Hotels, with a myriad of unique and functional spaces at their disposal, have significant – and relatively untapped – potential to maximize their properties and provide unique experiences to their guests.