Mary Peterson shares Samsung’s vision for the connected hotel

What are the most prominent trends in hospitality technology today?

When we look at those who are leading the charge in the adoption of hospitality technology, we’re seeing increasing investment in the Internet of Things (IoT) and the integration of voice control, as well as preparing for the implementation of 5G connectivity into customer experiences.

Samsung, among the leaders in hospitality TV globally — and one of the world’s leading consumer electronics brands — is focused on creating seamlessly connected experiences, personalization options for guests and operational efficiency in the industry.

 

How will the Internet of Things (IoT) impact hospitality?

As IoT continues to evolve, today’s travellers demand a seamless, connected and personalized experience from check-in to check-out. Samsung’s vision of the connected-hotel experience is rooted in IoT. The future of hospitality is an ecosystem of seamlessly integrated, digitally connected products. We’ve been constantly innovating to make all Samsung products IoT-ready by 2020.

As such, it’s time to rethink traditional uses of screens and TVs. Samsung offers versatile digital displays for Canadian hoteliers to offer personalized, connected experiences to guests while creating efficiencies for executives and staff.

For example, Samsung’s LYNK Reach is a sophisticated but easy-to-use centralized management solution that enables hoteliers to provide all TV content and programming from a single location. Moreover, graffiti-proof, water-resistant and weather-adaptable smart digital screens capable of lead to new possibilities for deploying screens in public spaces such as restaurants, bus shelters and train stations.

Digital-signage technology, such as The Wall from Samsung, the world’s first modular micro-LED 146-inch TV, are viable in a range of hotel spaces, including the lobby, elevator, outdoors, restaurant area and inside meeting or conference rooms. Such cutting-edge screen technology has been used by Samsung hospitality partners across Canada, including the .

 

How does hospitality technology provide guests the integrated experience you’re describing?

Customers continue to embrace technology that allows them to navigate experiences with less friction and more control; it’s therefore crucial hospitality offers those same options for a guest’s hotel stay. Voice-assistant platforms such as Samsung’s Bixby allow guests to manage heating, cooling, lighting and entertainment by giving voice commands to their device.

Today’s smart TVs also play a significant role in personalized and mobile-integrated experiences. Samsung believes the guest experience enabled by IoT should be as easy as flipping a switch to access content that moves seamlessly from interconnected mobile, to TV, to appliances, to smart thermostats, to audio and beyond.

For example, the SLS Las Vegas created a hotel experience that engages guests through technology at every touch-point, with more than 2,200 Samsung Smart TVs installed throughout the property. SLS recognized that Samsung’s technology personalizes the experience from the outset; you always need to be one step ahead, especially in a market such as Las Vegas. The hotel wanted to welcome guests as if they’re coming into their own home and having cutting-edge technology — from tablets to TVs — is incredibly important.

 

How will new technology impact the hospitality workplace?

The potential for a better connected and more efficient workforce in hospitality is vast and growing thanks to advanced technical solutions.

Connected technology allows hotel staff to collaborate in real time. Wearable technology, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch, can integrate seamlessly into hotel operations as staff are required to multitask in busy environments. Hands-free wearables and location data can modernize employee processes, enhance work efficiency and improve customer quality.

 

Why does hospitality need to embrace and invest in new technology?

In this competitive industry, hotels need to be at the forefront of technological innovation. Customers are integrating technological solutions into their day-to-day lives and as hotel guests, they expect the same level of connectivity and access. It’s now virtually impossible to accommodate guests without attending to their tech-gadget needs, so there’s no better time to invest in new technology than the present.

Take the Fantasyland Hotel, located in West Edmonton Mall, for example. Samsung’s hospitality solution has helped modernize the property to provide a seamless and personalized experience for every guest. With versatile and secure Samsung Hospitality Displays, Fantasyland Hotel is able to deliver a personalized, content-rich guest experience, in addition to more efficient, connected operations.

 

The connected hotel

At Samsung, we are constantly innovating and enhancing our technology to offer Canadians an elevated travel experience. Today’s guests want multiple content streams and easy connectivity for their own devices.

The Samsung connected ecosystem provides innovative experiences to millions of people each day. As the number of connected devices in the ecosystem continues to grow, experiences get better.

Thanks to a robust portfolio of Samsung products, including TVs, appliances and smartphones, Samsung is well-positioned to lead partners into an open IoT hospitality ecosystem.

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