In honour of the Barcelona Mobile Congress (25-28 February), Elba Hotels tells you how our habits have changed when it comes to planning our holidays, from inspiration, to searching for information or booking the trip.

Today, one of the most important technological events worldwide kicks off in Barcelona. The Barcelona Mobile Congress is an opportunity to learn about the latest technological developments that are about to be released.

Barcelona is ready to welcome thousands of professionals and users, and present tools that can improve the way you entertain yourself, travel or keep up a healthy lifestyle. Technology has also changed the tourism sector, both when searching for information and booking trips.

Consumer habits for online purchasing

Consumer habits have changed and the data are clear: the younger the customer, the more they buy online and are inspired by social media. This translates into an enormous increase in the demand for tourist products online, as well as more information on the destination and the conditions of hotels prior to a trip.

Online booking often offers special discounts, an incentive for online purchasing. In this sense, it is clear that direct communication between the hotel and the guest is highly supported thanks to social networks.

Technology in our hotels

If mobile phones and technology have helped us plan our getaways, we are increasingly looking for a hotel with the latest technology, as we also want to find technological ease at our destination.

Many hotels, such as the Elba Madrid Alcalá, have focused their efforts on renovating and adapting their spaces: internet services that support an enormous amount of data, digital signage in public and private spaces, and greater accessibility to the hotel's programme of activities, as well as monitoring flights and timetables for those guests needing it.

Technology helps us travel more frequently and easily!