March 2023: What Shaped Hospitality This Month

March was a busy month for hospitality, and we covered it all. From new tech that speeds up check‑in to fresh ideas on sustainable dining, you’ll find the highlights right here. If you missed any article, this roundup gives you the cheat sheet so you stay in the loop.

Tech moves that mattered

Early March, we reported on the rollout of AI‑powered room service bots in several boutique hotels across Europe. The bots cut order times by half and helped staff focus on guest interaction. Later in the month, a major chain launched a mobile key that works even when the guest’s phone battery is low – a simple tweak that solved a common frustration.

We also dug into the rise of contactless payments at restaurants. Data showed a 23% jump in QR‑code menu scans compared to February, indicating both guests and operators are leaning into safer, faster transactions.

Sustainability and staffing trends

Everyone talks about green hotels, but March gave us real numbers. A case study of a coastal resort in Goa showed a 15% reduction in water use after installing smart showers. The resort also introduced a food‑waste tracking app that cut waste by one‑third, proving that tech and sustainability can go hand‑in‑hand.

On the staffing side, we covered the ongoing shortage of skilled chefs in the US. A survey we featured revealed that 68% of restaurant owners are offering profit‑sharing to keep talent. The same piece highlighted a creative apprenticeship program in Melbourne that pairs newcomers with seasoned chefs, creating a win‑win for both parties.

Finally, we looked at post‑pandemic recovery in tourism hubs like Dubai and Bali. Visitor numbers bounced back to 85% of pre‑COVID levels, and operators are re‑thinking pricing strategies to attract both budget and luxury travelers. Our analysis showed that flexible cancellation policies are now a top priority for guests.

That’s the March snapshot in a nutshell. Whether you’re a hotel manager, restaurant owner or just love staying ahead of industry trends, these stories give you practical ideas you can act on right away. Keep checking the archive for deeper dives and more data‑driven insights.