Drones seem to be taking over the world, with a projected 420,000 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to be made commercially available in the U.S. by 2021, up from 42,000 in 2016, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
As these devices grow in popularity, the hospitality industry is taking note. Here are three ways hotels are creatively using drones in today’s meetings world.
Aerial Photography & Videos
Photography is one of the top industry’s taking advantage of drone technology because it’s a handy tool to promote a destination, resort or even a massive event. By using a drone to take aerial photography and video for marketing purposes, it cuts costs that would be required to take a photographer up in a helicopter. Plus, the drone can fit into tighter places and get into closer proximity of a specific object needing to be photographed.
Room Service by Drone
While room service delivered via drone is still very uncommon, it may change the second Amazon makes drone delivery mainstream. That said, if your group has the money, hotel’s such as Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa in Sausalito, Calif., have been known to deliver champagne and other room service items using the technology.
Lifeguard Drone
Using the literal definition of “drone,” which includes unmanned ships or water vehicles, the lifeguard drone is becoming popular at resorts with lots of pools. The latest: Seadust Cancun Family Resort announced this week that it will be the first property in Cancun, Mexico, to use a lifeguard drone when the technology is introduced in August. The U SAFE drone is a lightweight float that is remote controlled and can be used to aid struggling swimmers. The world’s first ocean rescue by lifeguard drone occurred earlier this year off the coast of Australia, saving two people who were stranded.
