Alya Miranti Azzahra

We already know how essential technology is in this digital era! However, no matter how sophisticated a technology is, it still needs human force in its integration and daily operations. Hence, it is inevitable that jobs in the technological area will always be needed by industries that utilize technology in their operations, including the hospitality industry.

Today, all hotels integrate technology with their services to improve the guest experience. In order to ensure the seamless delivery of those services, hotels are supported by an IT department, a professional team responsible for every technological aspect of the hotel.

Hotels’ IT department handles everything about or related to technological systems and equipment in a hotel, such as computer networks and hardware devices. They work together with other hotel departments to ensure positive guest experiences by implementing technology into the hotel’s daily operations and coming up with solutions to solve technological issues!

The hotel’s IT department is an interesting team, and there is more to them than meets the eye. Our article today will give you a close-up look at the IT department in hotels, starting from their organizational structure, job positions, and even the salaries. Come take a seat and scroll down our article to learn more!

About Hotel IT Department’s Organizational Structure

An organizational structure makes any task more efficient by distributing duties and optimizing procedures. Just like in other hotel departments, the hotel IT team uses an organizational structure to assign and coordinate tasks among staff members. When creating the structure, there are several aspects that are considered by the management, which include resources, skills, goals, and business objectives.

By applying organizational structure to a hotel’s IT department, several benefits can be gained. Below are some of the advantages of the organizational structure in the IT department:
It can be a working guideline for staff members;

• It helps new employees understand to whom they need to report their work;
• It provides opportunities for development by defining each staff member’s role.
• It provides opportunities for development by defining each staff member’s role.

General Organizational Structure of Hotel IT Department.

Every company has different IT needs, but their organizational structures are usually similar. In general, an IT department’s organizational structure, including the hotel’s IT, covers these areas:

• IT support
• Cybersecurity
• Enterprise architecture
• Network administration
• Development operations (DevOps)

The Crucial Role of Hotel IT Department

An Illustration of a Hotel IT Department Staff Writing a Code.

As the frontline of hotel technology, the IT department shoulders a great deal of responsibility for the implementation and integration of technology in hotels. Their roles involve the installation, configuration, and service of every IT system for employees and hotel guests.

Additionally, the IT team is also responsible for making new software recommendations and overseeing IT system upgrades or installations. In hotels with business centers for guests, an IT employee is also required to provide direct support to solve the guests’ technical problems.

Interesting IT Department Positions and the Salaries

The IT department in hotels has various interesting positions with bright career prospects and is a great choice for those who are looking for a stable job with a rewarding salary. Here, we have compiled some of the most common and interesting IT jobs in hotels, along with their respective salaries!

1. IT Support Specialist

A Hotel’s IT Support Specialist Working on His Duty.

The responsibilities of an IT support specialist cover the planning and delivery of technical support services, which include installation, consultation, troubleshooting, and user assistance. They work hand in hand with fellow IT team members to solve guests’ problems directly or refer them to the appropriate hotel department.

The average base salary for IT support specialists in Thailand is ฿746,391 or around $21,862, with an average annual bonus of $763, which makes the IT support specialist a recommended starter job to enter the IT field in the hospitality industry!

2. Web Administrator

A Web Administrator of a Hotel.

A web administrator develops, maintains, and troubleshoots the hotel’s website. They ensure a safe and efficient user experience by implementing security protocols, creating backups, along with solving website and software problems.

Moreover, web administrators also optimize the website’s performance and online visibility to generate more visitors and revenue! According to Salary Expert, the average salary for this position is $20,990 per year in Vietnam, which is considered high in the country.

3. Programmer

A Hotel’s Programmer in the Middle of Coding.

This position is among the most popular in a lot of industries! Programmers write code for computer programs and mobile applications used by hotels nowadays. Not limited to coding, programmers are also responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting hotel IT systems to ensure that everything is running smoothly.

Such popularity often makes the salary of programmer positions rewarding. In Hong Kong, a programmer can earn an average of $85,688 per year and an annual bonus of around $3,564!

4. Software Engineer

A Hotel’s Software Engineer on duty.

Software engineer is another interesting IT job that makes it to this list. The duties of a software engineer involve designing, constructing, and testing hotel or other hospitality applications that meet user needs by using software programming languages.

Many software engineers also specialize in specific areas, including databases, cloud computing, and operating systems such as iOS and Android. As listed in PayScale, the average annual salary for a software engineer reaches around $27,809 in Qatar, and the payment can go even higher the more experienced you are!

5. IT Director

An IT Director in a Hotel.

Every hotel’s IT department is led by an IT director. Overall, the IT director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hotel’s IT systems, including business systems, office systems, computer networks, and telephone systems running within the hotel.

Moreover, they also provide IT staff training, maintain inventories of hardware devices and software licenses, as well as review maintenance agreements. As a prestigious position within the hotel IT department, an IT director in the United Arab Emirates can earn an average of $117,377 annually, which is a high salary!

Hotel IT Systems Used by IT Departments

Illustration of Hotel IT Systems.

Hotels use information technology (IT) systems to plan and manage their overall operations. The hotel IT systems involve all computerized systems used by hotels to gather data for internal and external purposes, which is a crucial aspect of hotels. There are many IT systems utilized by hotels and operated by the IT department, which we have covered for you to read below.

1. Transaction Processing System

This system collects, retrieves, and modifies transactional data to ensure it is accurate and timely. Some examples of transaction processing system operations in hotels include bill or invoice creation, booking entry, and employee payroll.

2. Point of Sale (POS) System

The POS system’s function is to track merchandise sales within hotels, such as those sales transactions that occur in the hotel’s restaurant, bar, or coffee shop, and generate useful records for accounting purposes.

3. Property Management Systems (PMS)

The use of property management systems allows hotels to automate important tasks, from online reservations to sales and marketing. This means that property management systems covered the operational duties of the staff as well, such as the front office and marketing departments.

4. Decision Support System

The IT department uses the decision support system to ensure all the hotel’s operations are functional and decisions are made in a timely manner. This system is based on the operational model of the hotel establishment, with some examples including price management of food items and demand planning for hotel rooms.

5. Global Distribution System (GDS)

In order to simplify processes for guests and hospitality companies, the global distribution system is used to integrate services, payments, and products into hospitality websites. Additionally, this system is also used to link hospitality products across the hospitality industry.

Wrapping Up

Hotels’ IT department plays a significant role in all administrative and operational activities of hotels. Given its importance, the request for IT professionals in the hospitality industry has been growing throughout the years. The introduction of various IT positions in hotels might be the main reason why the demand continues to rise. Nevertheless, this is a good sign as there will be more opportunities available for those who are chasing a professional career in the industry.

In response to the surge in IT workforce demands in the hospitality industry, RMC Asia provides internship and management training opportunities for young professionals to work in the industry, with IT being one of the available departments.

Since 2014, our team has been committed to carrying out the mission of connecting fresh talents worldwide with prestigious hotels and resorts in Asia. Our programs help participants gain self-development, hands-on work experience, and cultural exposure in international environments that advance their career paths in hospitality!

Join the success of our participants and start climbing to the top of the hotel IT department career with us now!

Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Technology in the Hospitality Industry

The use of technology in our everyday lives has become a normal occurrence in this modern era. Technological advancements allow certain activities as well as tasks to be more efficient and exceed intended results. For instance, technology in the hospitality industry significantly helps the industry adapt to transitions and maintain its relevance throughout the years.

Technology developments in the hospitality industry have progressed ever since the in-room telephone technology was first introduced in the Netherlands Hotel in 1894. Innovations in hospitality continue to advance along with hotels’ evolution and have become an inseparable part of their day-to-day operations.

Needless to say, don’t go anywhere because we will discuss the significance of technology and walk you through the latest technology trends therein along with all the challenges of implementing them as well as examples of successful technology implementations in hotels!

Why Technology is Important to the Hospitality Industry

An illustration of various technology innovations. 

In this modern era of countless innovations, technology is regarded as essential to all industries, including hospitality and tourism. However, that begs the question of what exactly technology does to be an important aspect of the industry. Hence, below are some of the notable benefits of technology to businesses in the hospitality industry that make its contributions exponential.

1. Technology enhances customer experience

The implementation of technology in hospitality services and amenities can help improve the overall customer experience. For instance, online booking technology makes hotel room reservation services easier for guests, and smart TVs in hotel rooms have accessibility features that add to guest satisfaction.

2. Technology streamlines operations

Nowadays, various hotel operations can be streamlined by technology, such as room reservations by using online booking technology or even guest data management through a hotel management system. Thanks to technology, the staff’s workload becomes reduced as well as more efficient.

3. Technology improves the communication quality

To ensure that guests receive accurate assistance and information, well-managed communication is needed between staff and guests or between different hotel departments. The hospitality technology for communications, such as in-room telephones, can help to improve the quality of communication within the hotel and the guest experience.

4. Technology increases revenue rates

By using technology, hotels are able to optimize room pricing and revenue management, as well as identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling. These actions can help to increase the hotel’s revenue rates, resulting in higher income.

5. Technology upgrades the security level

Thanks to technology, guests don’t need to worry when it comes to their security in hotels. Technologies have improved security levels at hotels through innovations like electronic keycard systems to control hotel rooms and area access or security cameras to monitor activities.

Latest Game-Changing Tech Trends in the Hospitality Industry

Many technological innovations in the hospitality industry have resulted in technology trends that gained popularity in recent years Here, we will cover the top and latest hospitality technology trends that are currently in the spotlight.

Internet of Things (IoT)

An illustration of Internet of Things (IOT).

The internet can connect everything and everyone while it also knows better by extending internet connectivity to everyday devices. This process enables devices to collect data and interact with users, turning them into smart devices. In the hospitality industry, IoT can be found in innovations such as smart TVs in guest rooms and hotels’ wireless doorbell cameras.

Cashless Payments

Cashless payment technology.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, cashless payment technology has taken the industry by storm. The technology offers many advantages, including a fast payment process and compatibility with loyalty programs. In addition, the lesser amount of human-to-human contact in this technology makes it more preferable nowadays, as human-to-human contact was one of the triggers for the virus’ spread.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

An illustration depicting artificial intelligence (AI).

Artificial intelligence, or AI for short, is one of the technologies that is trending in many industries aside from hospitality. Artificial intelligence use in the hospitality industry itself has been optimized to assist hotel staff in their day-to-day operations. A great example is AI-powered chatbots that are integrated with the hotel’s app or website where they can respond to guests’ inquiries, making it easier for staff to focus on other tasks and reduce their workloads.

Cybersecurity

Illustration of Cybersecurity.

Artificial intelligence, or AI for short, is one of the technologies that is trending in many industries aside from hospitality. Artificial intelligence use in the hospitality industry itself has been optimized to assist hotel staff in their day-to-day operations. A great example is AI-powered chatbots that are integrated with the hotel’s app or website where they can respond to guests’ inquiries, making it easier for staff to focus on other tasks and reduce their workloads.

Mobile Apps

Mobile apps illustration.

Artificial intelligence, or AI for short, is one of the technologies that is trending in many industries aside from hospitality. Artificial intelligence use in the hospitality industry itself has been optimized to assist hotel staff in their day-to-day operations. A great example is AI-powered chatbots that are integrated with the hotel’s app or website where they can respond to guests’ inquiries, making it easier for staff to focus on other tasks and reduce their workloads.

Hospitality Technology Challenges

Great technological development in the hospitality industry inevitably comes with great challenges too. As long as technology continues to advance and the hospitality industry constantly adapts to every situation, there is no doubt that any challenge can be overcome. Regardless, we have listed some of the challenges in hospitality technology to share insights with you!

• The project management;
• The process of implementing and integrating the technology;
• Support and service of the software or technology;
• Creating a true partnership with the software provider;
• The flexibility in providing both cloud and on-premise solutions.

Sophisticated Hotels and Their High-Tech Implementation

High-technology innovations that might sound like science fiction movies have also been implemented and integrated into the services of these sophisticated hotels! Such top-notch technologies add to the appeal of these hotels, enticing more guests to stay and surely increasing their revenue. Here are a few of the high-tech hotels worldwide that will both entertain and enlighten you!

The NH Hotel in Berlin, Germany

The interior of NH Hotel in Berlin. (via Smart Meetings) 

Regarded as every business traveler’s dream, the NH Hotel provides holographic technology to guests that shows 3D image projections of meeting attendees and work presentations! Other hotels from the NH Hotel chain in Milan and Barcelona are known to utilize this technology as well.

The Yotel in New York, United States

The inside of the Yotel in New York. (via Smart Meetings)

From advanced kiosk check-ins to motion-sensor air conditioning, the Yotel offers a savvy staying experience for its guests! The hotel also implemented a robot service in their operations, known as YOBOT. The YOBOT stores the luggage in locked bins, which can later be retrieved using a special pin code and the guest’s last name!

The Peninsula Hotel in Tokyo, Japan

The Peninsula hotel in Tokyo, Japan. (via Smart Meetings)

Located in Tokyo, the Peninsula is known for its high-tech room amenities, which range from unlimited internet radio with over 3,000 stations to Skype-compatible wireless phones and even mood lighting pads. The hotel also provides a digitally interactive Pokémon hunt, which is an amenity for the kid-friendly game.

Blow Up Hall 5050 in Poznań, Poland

Blow Up Hall 5050 hotel in Poland. (via Uniq Hotels)

A hotel, restaurant, bar, and also a place for various digital art installations, the Blow Up Hall 5050 offers 22 guest rooms and event spaces with a 700-person capacity. Here, guests access their assigned rooms through a digital key sent to an iPhone provided by the hotel for staying guests, which makes the check-in process more efficient and sophisticated!

Hotel 1000 in Washington, United States

A guest room in Hotel 1000 in Washington, USA. (via Smart Meetings)

Using a fully converged IP infrastructure, the Hotel 1000 in Washington is able to provide customization services to further its guest experience. With the technology, guests have the option to choose room temperatures, artwork, and music as they wish. In addition, the Hotel 1000 even provides Microsoft Surface tablets in each guest room, touchscreen VoIP phones, and even a virtually simulated golf room!

Wrapping Up

The hospitality industry continues to evolve along with its technological developments despite challenges that come and go. Through the implementation of technology, businesses in the industry are able to operate efficiently, increase revenue, and provide a positive experience for their customers. Hence, staying up-to-date on the latest tech trends is a must for the hospitality industry and its professionals to remain competitive and keep providing exceptional service for the best of customers’ experiences.

Working in the hospitality sector, especially in its information and technology (IT) section, is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. Opportunities in this field lay open within the hospitality industry, which you can also find through RMC Asia.

Since 2014, RMC Asia has been partnering with 5-star hotels and resorts in Asia to provide internships and management training programs, with IT being one of the hotel departments available. Our program participants will gain access to hospitality expertise through practical work experience with industry experts and enjoy unforgettable cultural exchanges in our program destinations!

Let’s embark on your IT career in the hospitality industry by joining us and other successful participants now!

Recommended: The 100-Year Timeline of Hotel History

Throughout the history, hospitality has been one of the most dynamic industries that underwent significant changes to develop into its current state. There are many positive and negative factors that influenced the course of its development over time such as the introduction of modern technologies or the outbreak of world wars to name a few. When we talk about the hospitality industry through, we tend to overlook the importance of key players that have long contributed to the growth and prosperity of the hospitality industry. Yes, I am referring to women.

There is no doubt that women have always had a crucial part to play in the hospitality industry. However, their contributions became more apparent and recognized starting in the last century as they took on more roles in all aspects of hotel operations. For example, some women worked as “bell girls” in the 1930 and 1940 as most men were recruited for the army.

With the advent of feministic idealogy, the awareness of women’s rights spread across the globe and inspired many to take action toward gender equality in the workspace, especially in the hospitality industry. One of the unique innovations the movement led to was the women-only hotels which we will cover later in this article.

Our article today will show you women’s history and their roles in the hospitality industry, starting from the past to the present. You will also get inspiration from featured successful women hoteliers and get to know the stories of female-only hotels worldwide!

Women’s History in Hospitality

An illustration of a bar maid. (via Brookston Beer Bulletin) 

Since the Middle Ages, women have played a central role in the hospitality industry by providing services like serving meals and making beds for guests at inns. These women were often widows or unmarried, and working at inns was a way for them to support themselves and their families. This tradition continued into the 18th and 19th centuries when women occupied the same roles across hotels and other similar establishments. During World War II, women again made crucial contributions to the hospitality industry by working as cooks and waitresses (mostly in military facilities), while some handled more physically straining tasks to keep hotels running.

Women’s roles in hospitality started to shift after the rise of awareness towards women’s rights and equality, which is commonly known as feminism. This movement aimed to achieve gender equality and improve the lives of women as a social group, putting an end to sexism and discrimination.

Demonstration about feminism movement.

Feminism heavily influenced many industries’ lives, including hospitality as their roles were no longer limited or seen as insignificant. Nowadays, women are equally the driving force of the industry and are given the same opportunities for advancement, leadership, and salaries as men.

Women in the hospitality business undoubtedly still face challenges despite all the positive changes. However, the future of the hospitality industry is promising for people of all genders, races, and backgrounds as it continues to develop and promote equality for all.

Successful Women Hoteliers in The Hospitality Industry

Despite all the difficulties, women continue to advance by becoming successful and gaining recognition for their roles in the industry. The majority of them have also left their marks in the history of hospitality as leaders and creators of their own hotels, and we hope to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage our readers to follow in their footsteps in the dynamic and diverse hospitality industry. Below, we have featured some of the influential female hoteliers and their stories, to inspire our audience with their success!

Alex & Olga Polizzi (Co-Founders of The Polizzi Collection)

Alex and Olga Polizzi, co-founders of The Polizzi Collection. (via Boutique Hotelier)

The mother, Olga, is a renowned interior designer and hotelier, while her daughter, Alex, is the presenter of The Hotel Inspector. They opened Hotel Endsleigh together in 2005. Years later, they acquired The Star hotel, which had been renovated from an old hotel built in 1345. It features a 30-bedroom hotel with Olga’s signature design flair and casual dining space. The release of The Star itself coincides with the launch of The Polizzi Collection, their official joint venture.

Emma Stratton (Owner of Red Hotels)

Emma Stratton, the owner of Red Hotels. (via Boutique Hotelier)

The Scarlet and Bedruthan in Cornwall are part of Red Hotels by Emma Stratton. Emma, who wished to change the traditional hotel model, launched The Scarlet in 2009 with two colleagues after an eight-year planning process and a £12.5 million investment. The hotels continued to promote sustainability in their operations, and for the past five years, they have consistently maintained an occupancy rate between 86% and 89% while leading the industry in terms of sustainable business practices.

Angela Harper (Owner of Palé Hall)

Angela Harper, the owner of Palé Hall. (via Boutique Hotelier)

Angela Harper is a former head teacher. In 2016, she opened Palé Hall in Wales with her husband, Alan. They spent 12 months renovating the Grade II-listed building they acquired into a beautiful 16-bedroom hotel called Palé Hall. One year after its opening, Palé Hall was awarded an AA five-star rating, the first in North Wales to get that award in a decade. Its fine dining restaurant, Henry Robertson, was given a Michelin Green Star due to its eco achievements. Angela’s collaboration with her husband has helped Palé Hall retain its commitment to excellence ever since.

Women-Only Hotels around the World

Since the first women’s hotel opened, the concept of women-only accommodations has become a trend in the hospitality industry. These hotels cater exclusively to women, offering them a welcoming, cozy, and safe place to remain while traveling to new places. Below, we have compiled a list of women-only hotels from around the world that will give insights and that would be interesting enough to be recommended to our female readers!

Bay Hotel

Interior of Bay Hotel in Japan. (via Bay Hotel)

Located in Japan, the Bay Hotel is a “capsule hotel” with compact space. Its contemporary style is perfect for female guests that travel from city to city, and its number of single beds will definitely make the ladies feel at home!

Som Dona Hotel

A pool in Som Dona Hotel, Spain. (via Going Luxury) 

This is the first women’s hotel in Mallorca, Spain! It has 39 rooms with boutique feels and a range of other amenities provided for guests who are women aged 14 and over. A unique thing about this hotel is that it operates a “no men allowed” policy.

Media One Hotel

Media One Hotel in Dubai. (via Media One Hotel)

In 2018, Media One in Dubai opened a women-only floor in their hotel, which was designed with the “girl’s trip” concept. Staying here includes varying perks, from welcome beauty kits and a list of restaurant discounts for women to a collection of books by inspirational female authors! The concept and benefits offered make this hotel a worthy choice for ladies who are traveling solo or in a group around Dubai.

SuperShe Island Retreats

An outside view in SuperShe Island Retreats. (via USA Today)

SuperShe is a privately owned island located off the coast of Finland. It is a small, 8.4-acre island, big enough to house just eight people. The island is used for women’s retreats and networking spaces, complete with wellness retreat activities like spa treatments and dedicated bonding time. Only those lucky enough to pass the application process can enjoy a comfortable stay in this gem of accommodation!

Bliss Sanctuary for Women

A view from Bali’s Bliss Sanctuary for Women. (via Bliss Sanctuary for Women)

If you are looking for a peaceful environment with a lot of wellness, Bliss Sanctuary for Women, which is located in Bali, would be a worthy choice. It offers delicious local cuisines, pools that are surrounded by a captivating jungle, and a variety of wellness options that can help guests unwind while spending quality time.

Wrapping Up

Women have played a vital role in the hospitality industry ever since its early rise by providing comfort to guests during their stay. Despite facing challenges, women continue to make significant contributions to the industry, achieving success across the board.

Beyond this Women’s History Month, we would also like to continue supporting women’s roles in the hospitality industry, and by promoting diversity and inclusivity, we can create a more vibrant, dynamic, and innovative hospitality industry that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of all.

RMC Asia has been committed to the mission of providing inclusive hospitality internships for students and graduates from diverse backgrounds since 2014. Our internship programs are available for candidates all around the world, with destinations in various prestigious hotels and resorts across Asia. The practical work environment, combined with cultural exchange experiences, will give our participants room to grow their capabilities for future careers in the hospitality industry!

Be a part of an unforgettable internship experience and achieve your successful hospitality career with us now!

Recommended: Journey Through Dine-In History: The Birth of Restaurants