PressReader and Forbes Travel Guide partnered to survey hotel executives from around the world, getting insight into how they plan to enhance the luxury stay experience with digital content over the next three to five years.
Nearly 40% of the executives surveyed said they’ve already switched from printed newspapers and magazines to a digital-only offering, or plan to make the switch in the next three years.
“The data really demonstrates how the industry is shifting the way it thinks about digital content and the guest experience,” said Igor Smirnoff, Chief Commercial Officer at PressReader. “These international leaders have shared their plans for the future and shown how hotels are transforming to meet the needs of modern travelers.”
Most guests agree that the quality of a hotel’s newspaper and magazine offering is a differentiating factor when it comes to how they feel about their overall experience. But almost a quarter of the hotels surveyed spend between $50,000 and $200,000 USD every year just to offer an extremely narrow selection of printed newspapers.
The report demonstrates how leading hotels are looking to digital alternatives and new technology to stay competitive and not only expand their offering, but personalize it as well.
Creating these immersive, tailored experiences is more important than ever as hotel brands around the world look for new ways to compete with the sharing economy and competitors like Airbnb. Digital content is often a way for hotels to capture the attention of their guests and build meaningful and personalized experiences during their stay. Sometimes, it can even help hotels reconnect with guests once they leave.
PressReader was recently endorsed by Forbes Travel Guide as their official Digital Media Provider. For the first time ever, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Rating Standards include digital newspapers and magazines as acceptable replacements for print – a reflection of consumer attitudes and preferences.
The complete industry report is free to access, and can be downloaded by visiting letstalk.pressreader.com/HotelTech2017.
