What's Happening?
The NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, in collaboration with Stayntouch and IDeaS Revenue Solutions, has released the 2026 Hotel Technology Outlook report. This study, led by graduate students from the Tisch Center,
examines how hotel operators evaluate and invest in technology, focusing on the comparison between Best-in-Class systems and All-in-One systems. The report is based on insights from over 300 hotel professionals and highlights the priorities, satisfaction levels, and investment plans that are shaping the future of hotel technology. Key findings indicate a preference for Best-in-Class systems due to their flexibility, functionality, and control, with 30% of All-in-One system users planning to switch to Best-in-Class solutions. The report also notes that usability and support are critical factors in technology adoption, with Best-in-Class systems leading in user satisfaction and retention.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this report are significant for the hospitality industry as they highlight a shift towards more specialized technology solutions. This trend suggests that hotels are increasingly prioritizing systems that offer greater flexibility and functionality, which can enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. The preference for Best-in-Class systems over All-in-One solutions indicates a move towards more tailored and integrated technology stacks, which could lead to improved performance and profitability for hotels. This shift also presents opportunities for technology vendors to address integration challenges and provide more robust solutions that meet the evolving needs of the hospitality sector.
What's Next?
As the report indicates, 51% of respondents are looking to replace or upgrade their technology stack in the next 12-24 months. This suggests that the hospitality industry will continue to see significant investment in technology, with a focus on systems that offer better integration and support. Vendors have the opportunity to strengthen partnerships and develop accessible APIs to enhance the hotel technology experience. The ongoing collaboration between industry and academia, as demonstrated by this report, will likely continue to drive innovation and provide valuable insights into the future of hotel technology.
