Ventajas del proceso de digitalización hotelera: un estudio de caso experimental

The digitization process in the tourism sector and, specifically, in the hotel sector, has been carried out for some years, although the quantification of the benefits derived from it is not usual in scientific environments. Most hotel chains, and also independent hotels, have evolved from a manual and analog management system to a centralized software that optimizes all operations, reducing workload and errors. The hotel industry is increasingly prone to this improvement in operations as a result of digitization, which includes broadband access and management programs. This research uses an exploratory methodology (case study), experimental (real implementation of digitization processes) and the qualitative technique of in-depth interviews and content and quantitative analysis of the survey (secondary data from the hotel establishment). The impact of digitization in a hotel located in Tarragona (Spain) is analyzed. Data is collected through interviews with staff members, as well as using data from customer surveys and analysis of hotel financial records. The results reveal that the digitization of operations leads to more efficiency, cost reduction and improved customer satisfaction. The centralized system allows staff to manage reservations, inventory and billing in real time, improving decision making and control over operations. It is concluded that the operational and financial improvements are significant, and that digitization is the way forward for the hotel industry to improve operations and financial performance. Keywords: Broadband Society, digitization, tourism, connectivity, management, operations, efficiency, hospitality. El proceso de digitalización en el sector turístico y, específicamente, en el hotelero, lleva realizándose desde hace unos años, aunque la cuantificación de las ventajas que se derivan de ello no es habitual en entornos científicos. La mayor parte de cadenas hoteleras, y también hoteles independientes, han evolucionado desde un sistema de gestión manual y analógico a un software centralizado que optimiza todas las operaciones, reduciendo la carga de trabajo y los errores. La industria hotelera es cada vez más propensa a esa mejora de las operaciones da raíz de la digitalización, que incluye acceso a banda ancha y programas de gestión. En esta investigación se utiliza una metodología de carácter exploratorio (estudio de caso), experimental (implementación real de procesos de digitalización) y la técnica cualitativa de las ent