#AHC2014: Top 5 hotel sector trends

Hotel experts met last week at the Annual Hotel Conference in Manchester to discuss the future of the sector. Here is BigHospitality's round-up of the top five trends that will shape the industry.

Mobile technology

having a mobile-optimised website has become vital in order to reach consumers, but mobile technology also allows hotels to streamline the booking process.

Free Wi-Fi

Offering complimentary Wi-Fi to your guests will be almost mandatory in the near future, as consumers turn away from venues that charge extra for the service.

Direct marketing

The OTAs' domination could be challenged by hotels embracing smart and direct digital marketing.

Multimedia content

Rich content will make successful marketing strategies, particularly for hotels targeting video-hungry millennials.

Informal dining

Hotels are replicating the success of high-street restaurants in moving away from tablecloths and formal dining.