For the last decade, the emergence of new innovations and disruptions within the hotel industry are changing consumer preferences. In tandem, hoteliers have started adopting innovative solutions to ensure their businesses thrived.
Innovations such as online booking platforms, mobile apps, virtual reality tours, and AI-powered customer service are transforming hotels’ operations. Unfortunately, these changes can be overwhelming for hoteliers who don’t know where to start and how to reap the benefits.
Along with new innovations, there have also been several disruptions such as the rise of platforms like Airbnb which now has over 2.9 million hosts in 220 countries and regions with an additional 14,000 new hosts joining each month. Another major disruption the hotel industry faced recently was the COVID-19 pandemic, which set the hotel industry back ten years.
Nonetheless, adapting to new innovations and disruptions is paramount to enjoying continued success. In this article, you will learn about the key innovations and disruptions that are taking hold of the hotel industry and how you can find opportunities to leverage new technology. Ultimately, you’ll have insight into using technology to drive growth and create a competitive edge in your market.
With numerous innovations in the hotel industry, keeping up with them can be daunting. However, since you can’t implement each simultaneously, focus on the ones that will best impact your company.
Here are the top innovations in the hotel industry that you should know about:
This is a relatively new technology that allows hotel guests to leave digital tips without the need for cash. Hotels can now offer guests an easy and efficient way to reward service providers, such as housekeepers or porters.
Digital tipping also benefits hotels by eliminating the costly process of collecting, counting, and transferring cash tips. In addition, it offers unprecedented transparency for employees, who can track the number of tips they’ve received and even compare them to other colleagues.
The hotel industry is increasingly embracing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power to reduce carbon footprint and energy costs. In addition, innovations like solar panel installation and energy management systems decrease environmental impact and make hotels more cost-efficient.
Hotels such as the Bawah Reserve in Indonesia now use recycled rainwater for landscape irrigation, pool filling, cooling towers, laundry machines, and even to flush toilets. This helps significantly reduce water consumption.
AI- powered chatbots are being used to automate customer service, allowing guests to get quick answers to their queries and requests. AI-based technology can also empower hoteliers to offer personalized services such as customized recommendations and dynamic pricing.
Hotels can use AI-based algorithms to increase revenue by analyzing consumer behavior and predicting trends. This technology also enhances the efficiency of operations, such as automated check-ins and ordering systems for guests.
For example, the Hilton hotel and Radisson Blu Edwardian in London and Manchester are two hotels that embraces the use of AI by utilizing concierge robots to provide guests with directions and answers to their questions.
Beyond the concierge services, some hotels are also using AI-based tools to detect threats and block malicious attacks. Innovations in this space can help protect your data from potential cyber-attacks and, keep sensitive customers information secure.
As the demand for AI solutions within the hotel industry rises, there are several providers to choose from. Hoteliers can shop for solutions at startups in addition to well-established companies such as Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), IBM, and Alibaba.
One of the easiest ways to dampen the customer experience is through a delayed check-in. Innovations, such as contactless check-ins, have allowed hotels to drastically reduce waiting times.
This technology allows you to provide a contactless experience by eliminating the need for physical contact at reception desks. In addition, by leveraging this technology, you can offer guests an entirely digital check-in process, allowing them to check in quickly and securely.
For example, Flowcode helps hotels achieve contactless check-ins by offering QR codes that directs guests to a hotel portal.
Cloud computing is revolutionizing how hotels carry out operations by providing a platform for data management and sharing. It helps hoteliers store large volumes of customer data in one place, making accessing and analyzing insights easier.
Moreover, cloud computing enables hoteliers to improve customer service by leveraging automation and AI. Hotels can use cloud computing technology to streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver a better customer experience.
When it comes to cloud computing solutions for hotels, innQuest is one of the leading providers. The brand offers solutions that specifically address the needs of hoteliers.
A key thorn in hotel operations is managing workflow and personnel. Innovations such as sophisticated task management and employee tracking systems can help you streamline processes, track the progress of tasks, and manage staff more efficiently.
These tools make it easier to assign tasks to the right people, coordinate shifts, and monitor activities. They also help reduce manual paperwork by eliminating errors associated with traditional paper-based systems
The sharing economy is becoming increasingly popular in the hotel industry, allowing hotels to share resources with other establishments and save costs. And beyond this sector, the sharing economy is lauded for the benefits it offers consumers including making life more affordable.
Innovations in this space will enable you to leverage technology to optimize resources and offer a better experience for your customers.
For example, some hotels offer guests access to luxury amenities such as spas, gyms, and pool areas from nearby establishments for a fee. This enables hotels to provide more services without investing in costly infrastructure or staff.
When guests book a hotel room they want to be sure it fits their needs while providing a good stay. While photos are great, they’re not enough to make your rooms stand out from what other hoteliers offer.
This is why hotels like the Atlantis in Dubai and the Holiday Inn Express Adelaide are now using virtual reality (VR) technology to provide immersive experiences for guests. For example, innovative VR tours allow customers to get a first-hand look at the hotel before they book a room.
These tours provide an engaging, interactive experience for potential customers, allowing them to explore the hotel’s amenities and facilities easily. In addition, this technology gives customers more confidence in their booking decisions and helps hotels stand out from the competition.
One of the companies enabling hotels to achieve this is Inspace. The brand prides itself on offering a platform that can be leveraged to create immersive virtual reality experiences. With its robust built-in tools, it’ll only take you a few clicks.
Innovations and disruptions are transforming the hotel industry, allowing hoteliers to deliver a better customer experience and streamline operations. By leveraging such solutions, you can optimize your hotel’s operations and stay ahead of the competition.
With so many innovative technologies available, there has never been a better time for hoteliers to capitalize on the opportunities in the industry and deliver an unforgettable experience for their guests.
At NewGen Advisory, we have a team of expert advisors and consultants who can help you find the right innovations for your hotel. Contact us today and get the advice you need to capitalize on the latest disruptions in the hotel industry.
Jourdyn leads the strategic marketing initiatives for NewGen Advisory, overseeing brand development, market positioning, communications, and business growth efforts across the firm.
With more than a decade of experience in marketing and business development, Jourdyn specializes in building brands, creating demand-generation strategies, developing thought leadership programs, and executing integrated marketing campaigns that drive measurable business results. Her expertise spans digital marketing, public relations, content strategy, events, social media, lead generation, and corporate communications.
At NewGen, Jourdyn is responsible for shaping and executing the firm’s marketing strategy, ensuring consistent brand visibility across all channels while supporting advisors, clients, and strategic initiatives nationwide. She works closely with leadership to develop campaigns, elevate industry presence, strengthen client engagement, and position NewGen as a trusted advisor within the hospitality investment sector.
Jourdyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from Grand Canyon University.
Most mornings you’ll find Jourdyn in the gym before sunrise and spending time with her husband and children.
Allysia Howerton joined NewGen Advisory in 2026 as a Pipeline & Transaction Assistant, relocating from St. Louis, MO to Arizona to take on the role. She brings a background spanning property management, client services, sales, and administrative leadership, with a track record of managing complex workflows and keeping transactions moving efficiently from inception to close.
Known for her organization, attention to detail, and relationship-driven approach, Allysia supports transaction management, pipeline coordination, and day-to-day brokerage operations — and is passionate about growing her career within the hospitality real estate industry.
Outside of work, she enjoys discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, traveling to experience new cultures, and spending time with her dogs.
2 years
Josie Numedahl joined NewGen Advisory in July 2024 as a Real Estate Assistant (REA). Originally from Iowa, she relocated to Arizona to pursue her education, graduating from Grand Canyon University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertising.
Josie began her professional career as a recruiter in the finance and accounting sector, and brings that client-facing, detail-oriented background to her work at NewGen.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with friends.
X years
Anthony is the Staff Accountant for NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC, working directly under CFO Michael Lepore to handle day-to-day accounting functions across all NewGen operations.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.
Prior to joining NewGen, Anthony completed coursework at Paradise Valley Community College before co-founding a family business that produced custom-wrapped die-cast model cars for corporate clients — handling vehicle customization, display stands, and branded packaging. Serving as Director of Operations, he gained hands-on experience in management, production workflows, and running a business from the ground up.
Outside of work, Anthony is a lifelong ice hockey player with a passion for motorsports — particularly motocross and classic cars. Among his favorites: the 1963 C2 Corvette Sting Ray, the 1965 Shelby Cobra S/C, and the 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda. He hopes to one day own and operate a bookkeeping firm serving small businesses.
X years
Nick serves as Director of Operations for NewGen Worldwide and NewGen Advisory, bringing a detail-oriented, forward-thinking approach to supporting the company’s continued growth. A Minneapolis native, Nick studied at Denison University and the University of Minnesota before making his way to Arizona, where he now lives in Mesa.
He spent a decade in the hospitality industry as a server, bartender, and restaurant manager — hands-on experience that gave him a strong operational foundation and a natural fit within NewGen’s hospitality-focused business.
Outside of work, Nick is an avid writer with a passion for art, photography, and travel, and enjoys documenting his experiences through the lens.
X years
Nycole serves as Chief of Staff at NewGen Advisory, where she trains and manages the Real Estate Assistant (REA) team. She works closely with REAs to ensure agents receive consistent, high-quality support throughout every stage of a deal — from contract to close.
Alongside the Office Manager, Nycole leads onboarding for new agents, REAs, and team members across NewGen Worldwide’s subsidiaries, and has developed a training library to streamline the process for incoming staff. She is also actively involved in evaluating and implementing new platforms to improve agent and REA workflows, while providing leadership with the data needed to monitor KPIs and track revenue goals.
Her background in franchise operations management — spanning startups to scaling franchises — makes her a versatile and valuable member of the NewGen team.
20+ years
Michael is the Chief Financial Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Michael and his team oversee day-to-day accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling across all NewGen operations.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.
Prior to joining NewGen, Michael built over 20 years of experience in accounting, tax, and operations management serving small to mid-sized businesses. He holds active CPA licenses in both New York and Arizona. His career spans public accounting — including a role as Audit Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers — as well as private accounting and business ownership, giving him a broad, hands-on command of accounting and management functions. That dual perspective allows him to bring both tax strategy and business strategy to bear when evaluating financial decisions. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA).
A proud Italian-American, Michael lives in Scottsdale with his wife, Patty, and their three children, Alyssa, Anthony, and Joey. Outside of work, he coaches ice hockey and has a passion for cooking Italian food.
X years
Kyle is a co-founder, Principal, and Chief Executive Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Beyond his broad responsibilities as CEO, Kyle’s primary focus is leading Green Card Fund, developing and implementing capital solutions domestically and internationally, and identifying attractive investment opportunities.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on business partners Girish Patel and Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Kyle’s financial acumen and creative approach to structuring deals help NewGen Advisory clients identify and secure profitable opportunities.
Kyle earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State University with a focus in Business and Urban Planning. He has long been involved with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s (GPEC) International Leadership Council, and in 2016 was elected to the Board of Directors of Invest in the USA (IIUSA), the national EB-5 trade association, where he actively contributes to legislative reform efforts and the permanent reauthorization of the EB-5 program.
Kyle splits his time between company offices in Phoenix, AZ and Washington, D.C. Outside of work, he is an avid reader, global traveler, and snowboarder — and after logging over a million miles as a passenger, he has recently taken to the cockpit, learning to fly himself.
20+ years
Girish Patel is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions across hospitality and healthcare. Among his core responsibilities are leading strategic initiatives, overseeing financial management, and driving real estate investment acquisitions.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, grounded in Girish’s and business partner Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Having grown up in his family’s hotel business as an immigrant, Girish developed a bottom-up understanding of hospitality — mastering operations before becoming an investor, lender, and consultant. That ground-level perspective, tested across multiple economic cycles, underpins his 20+ years as a successful business owner and brings a distinctive depth of insight to NGA’s clients and investors.
Committed to continuous learning and giving back, Girish established the RC Patel Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing careers in real estate investment. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Global Ties Arizona, an organization that strengthens international relationships by making exchange programs more impactful.
X years
Dan is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. His primary role is leading NewGen Advisory and serving as its Designated Broker in Arizona.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on Dan’s and business partner Girish Patel’s lifetime experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Dan has been involved in the disposition of over $600 million in hospitality assets, advising clients on acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures across the United States.
Dan began his career as a hotel operator and owner in 1994 following his studies at the University of Arizona, going on to build a portfolio as a franchisee of Red Brick Pizza, Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, and Comfort Suites. He holds General Manager Certifications from Holiday Inn, Motel 6, and Days Inn, and is a Certified Hotel Owner (CHO) with a Certification for Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA).
Beyond his company responsibilities, Dan is an active industry voice. He serves as an Ambassador with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) — the largest hospitality owners association in the U.S. — and previously served as its Southwest Regional Director. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AZLTA).
Dan lives in Gilbert, AZ with his wife, Chetna, their son Suraj, and their daughter Sonya. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and cheering on the Denver Broncos.
15+ years
Suraj is the Chief Legal Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and a member of its senior leadership team, where he contributes to the operational management and strategic planning of the company and its subsidiaries — including Green Card Fund and NewGen Advisory. NewGen Worldwide is a diversified firm engaged in real estate investments, creative capital solutions, and advisory services for the entrepreneurial investor.
Suraj first served as outside counsel for Green Card Fund and NewGen Worldwide from 2008 to 2014 before joining the organization as Chief Legal Officer. In this role, he leads the company’s legal, regulatory, and corporate governance functions, with responsibility spanning real estate, risk management, contractual relations, and investment strategies. He also oversees the business administration of NewGen Advisory, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.
Prior to joining NewGen, Suraj was Managing Partner of Bhakta & Associates, PLLC, a full-service business law firm where he represented a broad range of clients across acquisitions and sales, corporate structuring, contracts, franchise law, development and construction, and equity and debt financing.
A native of Ohio, Suraj graduated from The Ohio State University in 1999 with a B.S. in Business Administration and earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University in 2002. He resides in Peoria, AZ with his wife, Neena, and their two sons, Shiv and Soham.
