Updated: July 2026, 1

DX conversion is a great opportunity to grow the hotel and inn business

In this article, we will explain the DX transformation of the accommodation industry, especially inns and hotels.
　
Recently, major hotel chains have introduced guest room management systems using IoT technology, greatly increasing efficiency and reducing management costs.

Furthermore, robots are automating reception tasks and are helping to increase customer satisfaction.

Inns in tourist areas in particular have introduced personalized services using AI, allowing them to provide services that are perfect for each customer.

Thanks to this shift to DX, the operational efficiency of the lodging industry has been greatly improved and the business foundation has been strengthened.
However, introducing things like IoT, robots, and AI into your business requires a considerable amount of initial investment.
Therefore, we will also introduce subsidies that can be used for these introductions.
This is a must-see as it is useful information for manufacturers to succeed in their sales promotions!

Now[Limited time]We have compiled materials that summarize the necessary preparations for applying for labor-saving investment subsidies, as well as procedures after the grant decision has been made, and materials that summarize the eligible projects and how to use the subsidies.FreeWe offer it at.

A complete guide to the labor-saving application process and practical procedures

Eligible projects and subsidy utilization guide

First of all, what is digital transformation (DX)?

You've been hearing the word DX a lot lately.
But do you know what exactly it refers to?

What is DX?Utilizing digital technology to innovate the business processes, products, services, and business models of companies and organizations and increase their competitiveness.Refers to.
In other words, it is not just a matter of introducing new technology, but an initiative that aims to restructure the entire business and improve efficiency and create new value.

In the accommodation industry, for example, by digitizing traditional front desk operations, check-in and check-out procedures can be automated and customer waiting times can be significantly reduced.
You can also improve customer satisfaction by leveraging AI to analyze customer preferences and provide personalized services.
　
IoT technology can also be used to automatically adjust temperature and lighting in guest rooms, reducing energy waste.
This allows us to reduce operating costs and achieve environmentally sustainable management.
Furthermore, by introducing robots, tasks such as room service and luggage transportation can be made more efficient, reducing the burden on staff.
This allows staff to focus on more important customer service tasks and improves the quality of service.
　
In this way, DX is not just about introducing technology, but aims to revolutionize the entire business.
To this end, important factors include not only technology selection, but also a review of business processes and employee education and training.
Especially in the accommodation industry, where there are many points of contact with customers, there is a high possibility that the effects of DX will directly lead to customer satisfaction and profits.
Although initial investment is required for implementation, the effects are immeasurable from a long-term perspective.

Benefits of promoting DX in the accommodation industry

In this way, digital transformation (DX) has become an important theme in the lodging industry.
Particularly for business owners and managers, introducing DX brings many benefits, such as improving business efficiency and customer satisfaction.

From here, we will explain the specific benefits of promoting DX in the accommodation industry.

➀After-corona countermeasures can be taken

Due to the influence of the coronavirus, infection control measures have become essential in the lodging industry.
Utilizing digital transformation (DX) is the key here.
　
For example, contactless check-in can help avoid contact between guests and staff.
Introducing online reservation confirmation and digital keys will give guests peace of mind and improve reliability.
In addition, by introducing a real-time hygiene management system, we can understand the cleaning status and respond efficiently.
This helps maintain cleanliness throughout the property and provides a safe stay for guests.

②Capture inbound demand

Now that the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan is increasing, being able to capture inbound demand will have a direct impact on increasing sales.
DX is also effective here.

For example, implementing a multilingual website or app is essential to providing a smooth reservation experience for overseas customers.
This creates an environment in which even customers who are unfamiliar with different cultures can use the service with peace of mind.

By using AI chatbots to automate interactions with reservation customers and guests, you can provide support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This is especially useful when dealing with language and cultural differences, and can help you gain customer trust.

③ Can combat labor shortages

DX is a powerful tool to compensate for labor shortages as a measure against the decline in the working population.
　
Automation and efficiency improvements are particularly effective in routine tasks.
For example, implementing a reservation management system or an inventory management system will reduce manual work and significantly reduce tasks that require human intervention.
This allows staff to focus on higher value-added tasks.

Furthermore, by introducing a demand forecasting model that uses AI, it will be possible to predict future demand based on past data, which will allow us to optimally allocate the necessary personnel and increase utilization rates even during peak times. can do.

Introduction of DX requires initial investment, but in the long run it not only leads to efficient operations but also improves financial standing by reducing personnel costs.
It is also possible to reduce implementation costs by taking advantage of subsidies provided by the national and local governments.

④ Improved safety

DX can also be used to improve the safety of accommodation facilities.

For example, by introducing a facial recognition system, we can quickly and reliably identify visitors and prevent fraudulent activities.
By incorporating a contactless security system, we can create an environment where guests can stay with peace of mind.
This greatly reduces the risk of intruders.

Furthermore, by remotely monitoring equipment using IoT technology, it is possible to detect equipment abnormalities early and prevent problems from occurring.
Specifically, by monitoring temperature, humidity, and air quality using sensors, it is possible to maintain a comfortable living environment while also ensuring safety.
　
Incorporating these technologies will improve overall facility safety and provide guests with peace of mind.
It will also lead to improved customer satisfaction and increase the number of repeat customers.

⑤ Leads to a better customer experience

DX (digital transformation) also greatly contributes to improving customer experience.

For example, by making full use of personalization technology, we can provide services tailored to the needs of each customer.
The added value is to analyze the customer's past stay history and preferences and provide special offers and customized services based on this.

DX example in the accommodation industry

DX (digital transformation) is underway in many industries, but the lodging industry is seeing particularly notable changes.
This is thought to be due to the fact that the accommodation industry has many points of contact with customers, and there are many points where DX can be effective.

The introduction of DX is required in a variety of situations, including efficient business operations, improving customer satisfaction, and sales promotion strategies.
Here, we will explain in detail how and where IoT, robots, and AI can be incorporated into the lodging business, based on specific examples.
By effectively implementing DX, you can expect to improve customer satisfaction and improve operational efficiency, leading to an increase in the value of the accommodation facility as a whole.

*Here, we are not introducing cases in which our company was actually involved, but cases that are expected to be used in general.

➀ Utilize accommodation management system for reservations and front desk operations

Property Management System (PMS) is a tool that allows you to centrally manage accommodation reservations, room management, cleaning schedules, front desk operations, etc.
This reduces manual errors and improves operational efficiency.

Specific features include automatic room availability updates and collaboration with online reservation sites.
This reduces the risk of overbooking and increases transparency in inventory management.
Furthermore, by leveraging past reservation data, we can analyze trends among repeat customers and help provide personalized services.

For example, if you have repeat guests who stay at a particular time of year, you can understand their trends and offer special promotions.
This will improve customer satisfaction and can also be expected to increase the repeat rate.

②Smart check-in

Smart Check-in is a system that automates the check-in procedure.

By using smartphones and tablets, you can significantly reduce waiting time at the front desk.
Check-in using QR codes and NFC technology is particularly popular, and its implementation is progressing mainly at business hotels and city hotels.
This system reduces the burden on front desk staff and provides a smooth check-in experience for customers.


Introducing smart check-in can also help address labor shortages and improve customer satisfaction.
By improving the efficiency of front desk operations, it becomes possible to increase communication with customers and create a system that is more responsive to non-front desk operations and problem solving.
It also contributes to long-term business cost reduction.

③Cleaning and serving robots

By entrusting cleaning and serving tasks to robots, it is possible to compensate for the lack of manpower and enable efficient business operations.
It has already been piloted in the hotel industry and has proven to be effective.

Cleaning robots are especially effective at large hotels and resort facilities.
It is possible to perform cleaning work efficiently based on a certain algorithm and maintain a constant cleaning quality.
The introduction of robots will reduce the burden on cleaning staff, allowing them to focus on other important tasks.

Food serving robots are increasingly being used in restaurants and room service, but of course there are also many opportunities for them in the hospitality industry.
Robots provide services with consistent speed and accuracy, reducing mistakes.

Introducing robots as part of this digital transformation will not only significantly improve operational efficiency, but also provide a competitive advantage in sales promotion strategies.

④Customer support using chatbots

Chatbots are extremely reliable at accommodations as digital concierges available 24 hours a day.

For example, by responding immediately to customer questions and requests, you can provide timely support and dramatically improve customer satisfaction.
In addition to answering general questions, we can also provide a wide range of support, including confirming reservations and providing information on in-house activities.
This reduces the workload on front desk staff, allowing them to focus on providing high-level customer service that only humans can provide.

Furthermore, by introducing a multilingual chatbot, you can provide smooth and effective services to tourists from overseas.
Even facilities that primarily speak Japanese can support many languages ​​such as English, French, and Spanish, which is very effective for internationalization.

Although there is a certain initial cost to deploying a chatbot, the value of the investment is immeasurable when you consider long-term operational costs and workforce efficiency.

⑤AR (Augmented Reality)/Guest app

Guest apps that utilize AR technology are part of the digital transformation in the lodging industry, and can be applied to various scenes of the lodging experience.

For example, guests can use their smartphones to visually check details about the property's rooms, amenities, and local attractions in real time.
This feature allows guests to quickly obtain information and enrich their stay experience.
　
AR technology can also be used to display restaurant menus.
Improving guest satisfaction by providing visual images and detailed descriptions of dishes.

You can also receive timely information about events and special offers at your property through the Guest App.
This increases engagement with guests and leads to repeat customers.

I mentioned the check-in procedure at the front desk earlier, but using a guest app is also one way to implement smart check-in.
This not only reduces inquiries from guests, but also reduces the workload of staff.

Guest apps that utilize AR technology are becoming a new standard among advanced hotel and inn operators.

Points to note when converting to DX in the accommodation industry

DX (digital transformation) in the lodging industry is an unavoidable process that aims to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.
However, there are some important points to keep in mind for successful DX transformation.

First,Proper planning to ensure smooth integration with existing systemsIs required.
Sudden changes in business flow can cause problems and may have a negative impact on management.

next,Human Resource DevelopmentIs also important.
Simply introducing new digital tools will only be half as effective.
Set up an education program to help your employees take full advantage of the tools.
This greatly improves operational efficiency and, as a result, increases customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, Customer data protectionalso requires careful attention.
With digitalization, personal information is treated as digital data, so it is necessary to take sufficient security measures.
By taking appropriate security measures, you can gain the trust of your customers.

Finally, from a management perspective,We will also consider the cost reduction effects of digitalization.It is important.
Carefully evaluate the initial implementation and operational costs of digital tools to determine their long-term economic benefits.

Summary｜Increase customer satisfaction through DX conversion

DX in the lodging industry not only improves operational efficiency, but also directly leads to improved customer satisfaction.
The DX implementation examples introduced so far have actually contributed to improving customer satisfaction at many accommodation facilities.
In addition, by utilizing data analysis, it is possible to understand customer preferences and behavior patterns and provide personalized services.

As professionals in the lodging industry, we are required to make full use of these technologies to improve customer satisfaction.
However, when promoting DX, there are issues such as cost and securing human resources.
By using the DX support subsidy system provided by the national and local governments, the burden of initial investment can be reduced.

Looking ahead to the future, let's actively promote DX and strive to provide accommodation services that satisfy our customers.

Now[Limited time]We have compiled materials that summarize the necessary preparations for applying for labor-saving investment subsidies, as well as procedures after the grant decision has been made, and materials that summarize the eligible projects and how to use the subsidies.FreeWe offer it at.

A complete guide to the labor-saving application process and practical procedures

Eligible projects and subsidy utilization guide

A strategic approach for equipment vendors to drive sales success

In the lodging industry, DX (digital transformation) is essential as a driving force for modernization.
Especially for equipment vendors, implementing an effective promotional strategy is the key to success.
　
In order to improve customer satisfaction, it is important to improve services by DXing your company's service flow itself.
Examples include moving the reservation system online and understanding customer needs through data analysis.
　
However, since each company is taking similar measures, it may not be enough on their own.
　
there,Utilization of subsidiesbecomes important.
Subsidies are useful for equipment vendors as a means of cutting the actual selling price.
By covering part of the expenses required for purchasers to purchase products through subsidies, we are able to offer competitive prices to our customers..

What is the "Small and Medium Enterprise Labor Saving Investment Subsidy" that is currently attracting attention?

In this area, the subsidy that is currently attracting particular attention is “Small and Medium Enterprise Labor Saving Investment Subsidy".
This system is a subsidy for capital investment by small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-enterprises to resolve the shortage of human resources.

IoT, robots, AIBy promoting simple and immediate labor-saving investments using artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence), etc., the aim is to improve the added value and productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises, etc., and to achieve sustainable wage increases in rural areas.

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Reasons why it is difficult to utilize subsidies

Subsidies are very effective for promoting sales of your company's products, but it is not easy to incorporate them into your sales scheme and make full use of them.

➀Complicated documents to prepare

First of all, applying for a grant requires preparing a number of documents.
In addition, these documents must not only be created, but must be accurate and specific, and must be finished in a way that will receive high praise from the judges.
Incomplete documents or inconsistencies in content may put you at a disadvantage in the screening process, so you must proceed with caution.

② Must pass screening and be adopted

Applying for a subsidy does not guarantee that you will receive it.
Submitted application documents will be subject to a rigorous review to determine whether or not they will be accepted.

③ It takes a long time to receive benefits.

One of the drawbacks is that there are many subsidies that take a long time from the time you apply until you actually receive them.
It can take several months, or even more than a year, from submitting the application to being notified of the screening results and receiving the subsidy.
Therefore, if you try to manage it yourself, you will be deprived of a lot of resources.

④Specialized knowledge and latest information regarding subsidies is required.

Subsidy types and application requirements change frequently, so it's important to keep up to date with the latest information.
Also, when preparing documents, if you do not have a track record of applying for various subsidies in the past, you may be at a disadvantage in terms of know-how.
For companies without this expertise, applying for grants can be a daunting challenge.

⑤When a large number of subsidy applications are received, normal companies cannot allocate human resources.

As we have seen, applying for grants takes a lot of time and effort.
It is extremely difficult to carry out these application tasks at the same time as carrying out normal business operations.
In particular, if a large number of subsidy applications are submitted, normal operations may be disrupted.

How to smoothly increase sales by utilizing subsidies?

The key to success as an equipment vendor is to make effective use of subsidies as part of your sales promotion strategy.
However, if you try to apply on your own, you will face various obstacles.

In order to win a grant application and receive the grant without delay, know-how and extensive experience are required.
there,We recommend that you seek professional support.
　
Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation provides subsidy application support nationwide, mainly in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
To ensure the satisfaction of vendors and grant applicants, we carefully select professional staff who have high business plan writing skills and extensive experience.
Furthermore, we constantly strive to improve the acceptance rate by providing business planning guidance and holding regular study sessions by administrative scriveners with extensive experience in applying for subsidies.

Advantages of requesting subsidy application support from us

➀Overwhelming consultation record

Our office handles subsidy consultations regardless of industry.More than 1000 cases every yearWe are proud to be among the top administrative scriveners that provide application support nationwide.

② Consisting of a team of dedicated consultants with extensive experience

The consultants who deal with customers are made up of members who have practical experience in applying for subsidies.
With approximately 10 members, we have a system in place that allows us to flexibly respond to large-volume projects and applications as early as 3 days before the application deadline.

In addition, all subsidy members are consultants affiliated with our company and do not use outsourcing.
All services can be completed by our office staff only.High quality/non-stopWe make it possible to provide this.

③ Application form double check by experienced administrative scrivener

At our office, after a dedicated consultant creates a business plan, an administrative scrivener with a track record of supporting more than 1000 subsidies will make corrections before delivery.
We believe that providing value to our clients is by creating an application that increases the chances of being selected, even by 1%, without compromising on any project.

④Thorough date management

Subsidies have fixed application deadlines, and if you fail to apply in time, your business plan may be significantly delayed.
At our company, we use progress management tools to monitor the progress of each client in real time, helping them meet their application deadlines.

⑤ Regularly holding in-house study sessions

The application guidelines for subsidies change every year, so it is essential to collect information.
At our office, all of our consultants, who are primarily certified administrative scriveners, thoroughly read the manual, understand its contents, identify changes from the previous version and key application points, and brush up on their knowledge through study sessions.
By sharing this kind of subsidy knowledge and know-how, we strive to improve ourselves every day.

If you want to increase the success rate of your application, or if you are an equipment vendor looking to use subsidies to increase sales, please contact us!

Now[Limited time]We have compiled materials that summarize the necessary preparations for applying for labor-saving investment subsidies, as well as procedures after the grant decision has been made, and materials that summarize the eligible projects and how to use the subsidies.FreeWe offer it at.

A complete guide to the labor-saving application process and practical procedures

Eligible projects and subsidy utilization guide

Consultations regarding hotel/inn business and minpaku procedures are also available.

At Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation, we also provide application support and highly specialized consulting regarding business licenses, from those newly entering the lodging industry to existing businesses.

Our staff has a track record of applying in all prefectures across the country. Please contact us by all means.
Our dedicated staff handles cases nationwide.

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