Daniel H. Lesser writes the Hotels Briefing column for GlobeSt.com.

Significant technological advancements of the last decade have dramatically impacted the worldwide lodging industry in both positive and challenging ways. As the technology innovation continues to evolve, the magnitude of this phenomenon will continue to influence the sector. From the early days of Holiday Inn through the late 1970s, the biggest technological advances in the hotel industry were the color TV; air conditioning in every room; and eventually, in-room movies.

However, over the past 10 years, technological advances have been occurring at breakneck speed. While enjoyed by the traveling public, some of these advances can be at great expense to the hotel owner while providing little or no return on investment, other than “keeping-up with the Joneses.” Some of the more major technology changes to occur recently and their influence on the industry are highlighted below.