Automatic doors are have become an essential feature of the hotel sector

The expert from the EY consultancy firm explains that automatic doors have consolidated their importance in the hotel sector, both to guarantee accessibility and to minimise contact with surfaces, as well as to comply with the more restrictive health regulations that were imposed during the pandemic. "Although post-pandemic regulations and customer expectations for contact limitation have been greatly reduced, automation and contact limitation still has great benefits in terms of accessibility and customer experience, so it continues to be a focus of attention and continuous improvement in the industry."

In this respect, priorities now focus on "optimising and facilitating identification, replacing cards and other traditional elements with mobile phones and other more advanced trends based on biometric recognition parameters (cameras, scanners, etc.) that not only improve the experience and efficiency, but also increase security".

Customer experience 

Guest experience has always been at the heart of the hotel industry's strategic priorities. "Digitalisation (ecommerce and mobile) and the impact of the pandemic have changed and accelerated trends, complementing and improving the final tangible experience that customers receive in their interaction with hotels, brands and large hotel groups".

Specifically, Xavier Trías outlines the following trends that are driving the sector's efforts to improve the experience offered to its customers:

- Opportunities and expectations for personalisation: "hotels are using big data and analytics to get to know their guests better and personalise their experience. This can range from adjusting amenities (rooms, add-ons, etc.) and services, to recommending local restaurants and activities.

-The growing importance of health/wellness: "With the rise of health and wellness awareness, hotels are introducing wellness experiences into their offer. These can include healthy menus, high quality fitness facilities, yoga or meditation classes and spa options".

-The inescapable condition of a commitment to sustainability: "In response to the growing demand for sustainable tourism practices, many hotels are improving their energy efficiency, using local and sustainable products, and participating in conservation and social responsibility programmes.

-The importance of human contact: "Despite the rise of technology, human contact remains essential to the hotel experience. Training staff to provide excellent and authentic service is a key component in enhancing the customer experience".

- The opportunities offered by information technology: "The use of technology has