Fall is here, which means hotels are prepping for the holiday season. Then comes the new year when hoteliers will face new challenges and changes. Staying ahead of guest expectations will ensure you provide the best experience.

Here are a few hospitality trends that should be on your radar for 2019:

Minimalist and Natural Designs

Renovations cost a lot of money. This often discourages hotel owners from improving the interior of their buildings. Even if you have fast Wi-Fi and free breakfast, if the interior design of your hotel doesn’t fit the times, people aren’t going to want to visit again. They may even depart your website before booking a room.

Minimalist and natural designs will be a hot trend in 2019. Clean lines and deep color pallets will pop against bedding or furniture. Ditch the wallpaper for painted walls instead, and don’t forget to add plants. Fake floral arrangements and potted plants create a sense of home for visitors and make them more comfortable during their stay.

Cloud-Based Management Software

Technology needs to be embraced in 2019 in all aspects of hotel management. Hotel chains around the world have already switched, with 62 percent reporting they did so because their current software just doesn’t cut it anymore.

There are many benefits to cloud-based management software. For example, you can streamline activities between shifts, plus gain features and tools that can’t be used by non-cloud software. As a result, you’ll save your staff time and money, leading to higher productivity rates and happier employees. It’s easier to transition now and train your team before 2019 gets going at full speed.

Maximized Local SEO Results

If you’re not located in a major city with lots of tourism, your business depends on people visiting family and friends. Those locals will give recommendations. This is where local SEO results come in.

People should see your hotel at the top of their search results when they’re looking for places for family and friends to stay. Your marketing team can maximize your SEO results by having a profile on sites like Google My Business or even Yelp. SEO results take time, so it’s good to start now to amp up your rankings for 2019.

Partnerships With Local Transportation

Many hotels have airport shuttles which ensure travelers have an easy time between the airport and hotel. But, after they get to their hotel, they have to find a way to get around.

Local transportation companies often partner with hotels. Hotel management should look into transportation like limos and rental cars. Taking that extra step for your guests will increase repeat visits and better online reviews.

Mobile Ads and Access

Smartphones make it easy to access anything a person could want or need. As a result, your website should be programmed to be friendly with mobile platforms.

Take that mobile access to the next step by paying for ads on mobile apps. According to a 2017 report, bookings on mobile devices increased from 13 to 20 percent in one year. Inspire your customers’ interest with ads on popular mobile apps to encourage them to learn more about where they can stay on their next trip.

Reimagined Rewards Programs

If your hotel isn’t part of an international chain, it can be an advantage. Use the next few months to consider your current rewards program if you offer one. Change things up to be more guest-friendly and better engage with customers.

Many independent hotels are doing just that. Most places offer points to use on future stays, but you can provide incentivized loyalty programs for members when they book a stay or provide feedback on their recent visit. Anything that changes the game to spark their interest while providing useful information on the current mindset of the consumer will benefit your hotel.

Green Hotel Buildings

The focus on reducing carbon emissions and “going green” is critical. If potential visitors find out that your hotel doesn’t provide green alternatives or watch its carbon footprint, it could discourage them from staying.

In late 2017, the International Tourism Partnership published the Hotel Global Decarbonisation Report. It let people know how hotels specifically impact the total carbon emissions released around the world. They devised a plan to lower carbon emissions as an industry. You can join by integrating green products into your hotel.

Consumers needs are always changing. There will always be needed updates and overhauls. This process can be an expensive one, but when the consumer sees they’re being heard and their needs are being met, it will result in more repeat stays and referrals that will gain your hotel additional future business.

These 2019 trends will help launch your hotel to success in the coming year. Keep them in mind so you won’t experience any surprises or need last-minute changes to ensure that guests are happy. See what trends you can start preparing for now so that the new year begins on a successful note.

Author Bio: Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more.