Contactless Payment Solutions
The Hospitality Industry has been undergoing a technological revolution that was further accelerated by the pandemic. Now travelers have an expectation of contactless/self-service technology during their hotel stay. A study conducted by Oracle Hospitality and Skift found that contactless/self-service technology is in high demand by travelers, 73% of those surveyed were more likely to stay at hotels that offered self-service technology.
Travelers want more self-service technology, and more hotels are making the investment. The 2023 Lodging Technology Study surveyed 18,000 properties worldwide and discovered that hoteliers are embracing contactless/self-service technology. The study found that 88% of hoteliers currently offer or plan to offer contactless payments in 2023, 100% planned to offer mobile check-in and mobile key. The study also found that 90% of hoteliers felt that contactless payments had high potential for the Hospitality Industry.
Contactless payment solutions have emerged as a game-changer in the Hospitality Industry, providing a safer, more convenient, and more efficient payment experience for guests. With the numerous benefits, it’s easy to see why more hotels are adopting these systems. If you’re a hotelier looking to stay ahead of the curve, consider implementing a contactless payment solution to improve your guests’ payment experience and gain a competitive edge.
What are Contactless Payments?
Contactless payments are payment systems that allow guests to pay for their hotel stays and other services without having to physically touch anything. These solutions use technologies such as mobile payments, NFC (near-field communication), and QR codes to enable guests to make payments from their mobile devices. This allows guests to easily pay for their hotel rooms, meals, and other hotel experiences by using their smartphones or other mobile devices. Contactless payments remove the need for guests to carry cash or to physically touch a payment terminal.
How Can Hotels Benefit from a Contactless Payment Solution?
Contactless payment solutions provide numerous benefits for both hotels and guests. Here are some of the top reasons why hotels are adopting these systems:
Convenience
A contactless payment solution eliminates the need for guests to carry cash or credit cards, which can be inconvenient and potentially unsafe. With a contactless payment solution, guests can simply use their mobile devices to pay for their hotel stay and any additional services they require.
Speed
These payment solutions enable guests to make payments quickly and efficiently, which can help to reduce wait times and improve the overall guest experience. Instead of waiting in line to pay for their hotel stay or meals, guests can simply make a payment using their mobile device in just a few seconds.
Safety
With contactless payment solutions, guests can avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses or bacteria, providing a safe and hygienic payment experience. This is especially important in the post-pandemic world where people are more concerned about their health and safety than ever before.
Cost-effective
Contactless payment solutions can help hotels reduce transaction costs associated with cash handling and credit card processing. By adopting a contactless payment solution, hotels can reduce the time and resources needed to manage cash and payment terminals, as well as reduce the fees associated with credit card transactions.
Competitive Advantage
Hotels that adopt contactless payment solutions can differentiate themselves from their competitors by providing a more modern and convenient payment experience. With more and more guests seeking out hotels that offer contactless options, hotels that offer these solutions can attract more travelers and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Key Features of Contactless Payment Technology
Contactless payment solutions offer several key features that make them an attractive option for hotels and guests. Here are some of the top features:
Mobile Payments
Contactless payment solutions enable guests to make payments using their mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets. Guests can also make payments from digital wallets like Google and Apple Pay. This allows guests to pay for their hotel stay or additional services from anywhere, at any time, without the need to visit a payment terminal.
NFC Technology
NFC technology allows guests to make payments by simply tapping their mobile device against a payment terminal. This technology is fast and efficient, making it an excellent option for hotels that want to provide their guests with a seamless payment experience.
QR Codes
QR codes can be used to enable guests to make payments by scanning a code with their mobile devices. QR technology is easy to use and can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively.
Online Payments
Some contactless payment solutions allow guests to make payments online through the hotel’s website or mobile app. This feature is convenient for guests who prefer to manage their payments online and can help to reduce the time and resources needed to manage payment terminals.
Integration with Hotel Management Systems
Contactless payment solutions can be integrated into the hotel’s existing systems, such as its Point-of-Sale Systems (POS).