The European hotel industry has imposed a new set of criteria for the period 2025 to 2030 (see video above). The background is also the lack of staff that hotels complain about. In the future, check-in computers may replace our receptionists.
This has long been a reality for many hotel stays abroad – at least in the lower star categories and in the apartment sector. Before you arrive, you will receive instructions and a code to enter the hotel and collect your room card. You won’t find a receptionist anywhere anymore. If there are any problems, you must contact a mobile number.
It is a scenario that could affect tourists on a larger scale from 2025 onwards. The Hotelstars Union, which includes 1.2 million rooms in Europe, has drawn up a new catalog of criteria for the period 2025 to 2030, which must then be adopted by hotels – regardless of whether they are one- or five-star resorts.
Towels not changed every day, machine instead of the minibar
But what exactly needs to change from January 1, 2025 for accommodation providers from Lake Constance to Lake Neusiedler? And what impact did these innovations have on customers?
The decision was not taken lightly, according to a press release. However, developments such as sustainability, digitalization, automation and staff shortages must be taken into account. For example, there are new recommendations for cleaning mattresses to meet hygiene requirements and extend the lifespan of the mattresses. Hotel guests should be able to take into account that in the future shoe shine and sewing supplies will no longer have to be available in the rooms.
Shortened opening hours
The fact that towels and bed linen are only changed at the customer’s request may irritate some people. Changes such as replacing receptionists with computers or vending machines instead of minibars will be more important, especially for older tourists or tourists who are not as familiar with technology or language. If you fail because of technology, you will end up with closed doors. Shortening the opening hours of the reception and room service can also be a nuisance.
The Austrian Hoteliers Association (ÖHV) knows that the staff shortage is causing the hotel sector to reconsider. The pandemic caused employees to turn their backs on their companies. They are now missing everywhere. While tourism is growing rapidly, according to a survey by Eco Austria, 49 percent of 258 hoteliers surveyed in Austria complain that they can no longer fill all vacancies.
Nearly two-thirds cannot find service personnel
This is 62.1 percent for service, 55.2 percent each for kitchen and reception. The average decline in turnover was estimated at 7.4 percent. Now, says Walter Veit, chairman of the ÖHV, politicians must take countermeasures. Technical solutions such as the check-in computer are just one measure. There should be many more to follow…
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
