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What business travellers want
In a few decades, the business tourism has evolved considerably.
The preponderant role of women in business, the emergence of nomadic workers and the collaborative workingThe digital revolution has changed the way people work and brought about new needs, such as the ubiquity of smartphones and tablets and a better work-life balance.
So much so that when it comes to booking a hotel room, Internet access has become more important than comfort in the eyes of business travellers.
A different profile
The days of the businessman are over. Today, we no longer speak of businessmen, but of business travellers, men and women alike. It is now commonplace to travel to meetings and sign contracts. And this modern traveller is increasingly young.
According to a 2015 study by Aparthotels Adagio (Accor), almost half of business travellers (45.5 %) are between 30 and 45 years old. This is the famous Generation X, the one that grew up listening to The Cure and Depeche Mode. Generation Y (20-30 years old) represents one in four travellers. Currently, only one in three travellers is over 45 years old.
In addition, the business traveller The modern person is no longer obsessed with work. Two out of three respondents (66 %) say they try to combine business with pleasure when travelling. This need, known as 'blurring', was felt by only 40 % of travellers five years ago.
Connectivity, the key word
Young, mobile and dynamic, today's business traveller does not have the same standards as the one of twenty years ago.
The comfortIn the past, the first selection criterion was relegated to a secondary position. Indeed, the new business traveller wants above all stay connected. That is why he is looking for innovative and creative establishments that have rooms with a Wi-Fi access.
The new technologies not only allow him to improve his productivity, but also to stay in constant contact with his entourage and to indulge in his favourite pastimes. The Internet should be everywhere, including on the train. For this reason, Eurostar offers free Wi-Fi on the Paris-London route. In addition, several airlines (including Lufthansa, Emirates and Air Europa) have already installed a wireless connection in their Airbus A330s.
Is the hotel industry ready to go digital?
As in many sectors, the digital revolution is a real challenge for the hotel industry. Nevertheless, those who manage to make the shift successfully are already seeing the true potential of new technologies.
Within a few years, business travellers will be able to give voice instructions while lying on their beds to adjust the lights or temperature in their rooms. Sensors will alert hotel staff if they fall, and the velvet carpet will trace a path when they walk barefoot.
In 2014, Accor launched " Leading Digital Hospitality "This plan is part of its digital strategy.
This program, spread over five years (2014-2018), provides for the deployment of eight specific programs and a total investment of 225 million euros. 225 million. It will enable the group to jump on the digital bandwagon and better meet the new needs of its customers!
