Growing consumer interest in digitisation of hospitality experiences

Those that are embracing technology as part of the customer journey spend more per visit and visit more frequently.

The latest GO Technology report from leading hospitality tech provider Zonal and insight firm CGA by NIQ, reveals that the majority of consumers (55%) think that striking a balance between human interaction and technology provides the best experience in venues.

The research reflects a change in attitude amongst consumers following the pandemic, which helped to break down the view that technology was at odds with excellent service in hospitality venues. Some 71% of people now prefer to use technology either exclusively or in tandem with human interaction – in comparison, back in 2020 just 43% of consumers had used apps or other solutions to order and pay in the months following hospitality’s post-lockdown reopening. This was double the number who did so before the pandemic.

The survey of more than 5,000 UK adults revealed that 41% of those who prefer a tech presence in venues eat out at least weekly and spend, on average, £24 a month more on eating and drinking out than those who prefer human interaction. The research also revealed that household income is £10,100 higher amongst those who prefer tech in venues.

The report also unveils that consumers’ demand for technology in hospitality is focused on the pre-dining stage of their journey, with most people embracing tech for booking reminders (60%), to enable them to cancel a booking (51%) or for pre-visit enquiries (35%).

When asked what were the benefits of technology in hospitality, the following five reasons came out on top:

1. Speed (50%)

2. Convenience (49%)

3. Ease of use (40%)

4. Less pressured (38%)

5. Accuracy (24%)

The report does highlight, however, the ongoing importance of human interaction to consumers when eating and drinking out. Nearly three in five consumers still want to place food orders and settle bills face-to-face, and have their food and drink prepared by people.

Commenting on the findings, Olivia FitzGerald, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Zonal, said: “The role of technology in hospitality is clearly growing rapidly in a post-pandemic market, but this doesn’t mean that we all want hospitality that’s all about robots and automated processes.

“In fact, it’s more important than ever not to underestimate the importance of human connection; the research makes it clear that, for consumers, the best hospitality experiences are those that offer the right balance of technology and traditional face-to-face service. Hospitality is a sector that is brilliant because of its people, and it is important that technology enhances that by working in the background, doing the heavy lifting and alleviating staff pressure so they can focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional service to their guests.”

Karl Chessell, Director - Hospitality Operators and Food, EMEA, CGA by NIQ added: “This research emphasises the enduring appeal of the personal experiences that hospitality delivers so well. But while many consumers still enjoy human interaction from the start to finish of their journey through a restaurant or pub, it is clear that many people now want the option to use digital solutions at every step—and the number will only grow. Wherever technology is deployed, choice and flexibility are key. It can be a superb enabler for hospitality for guests and operators alike, giving consumers the speed and convenience they want and freeing up teams to focus on what they do best. In such a competitive and challenging market, brands that make the smartest use of tech, without compromising human elements, have a crucial advantage.”