In recent years, accommodation reservation systems and information services have been rapidly moving online due to the widespread use of smartphones and advances in high-speed communications. While the use of major online travel agencies (OTA) and comparison sites remains mainstream, there is also a growing trend to encourage direct bookings through accommodations official websites.
Advanced features are being introduced, such as personalized search and recommendation functions using AI, instant responses using chatbots, and dynamic pricing that adjusts prices based on demand. Furthermore, reviews and social media posts have a significant influence on accommodation choices, and there has been an increase in the use of video and VR to introduce facilities and provide local tourism information. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a growing emphasis on free cancellations, flexibility in date changes, and clear health and safety information, creating a demand for measures to increase customer peace of mind.
Furthermore, services that combine convenience and added value, such as multilingual support, cashless payment, and location-based local experience suggestions, are key to competitiveness.