The concept of a non-fungible token, or NFT, is still relatively new and brands are exploring the various ways they can capitalise on this trend. This article will give you some of the ways NFT technology is likely to be used by hotels in the years to come.
What is a Non-Fungible Token (NFT)?
A non-fungible token, or NFT for short, is a cryptographic asset, which cannot be replicated, and which provides a user with proof of ownership of a unique digital asset, such as an image, an audio file, or a video. NFTs are recorded using blockchain technology, ensuring that each item is one of a kind and can be verified as genuine.
The fact that an NFT is a unique construction offers a number of advantages for owners and content creators alike. The most significant benefit is the ability to use digital files in a similar way to physical assets. So, for example, a buyer could own an original piece of artwork, and that artwork could be sold to them in digital form.
A non-fungible token differs from cryptocurrency, which is fungible because it cannot be traded or exchanged at equivalency. While one Bitcoin can be traded for another Bitcoin, each NFT is completely unique. The growing popularity of NFTs has encouraged businesses to explore opportunities and this includes NFT hotel offerings.
NFT Hotel Opportunities as a Part of the Metaverse
The metaverse refers to the creation of digital worlds, where meaningful social interactions can take place, and aside from virtual and augmented reality, blockchain technology plays a major role. While this most commonly refers to cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, it also includes the Ethereum blockchain and, increasingly, NFTs.
In this context, NFT hotel opportunities become possible, as long as hotels offer digital items that have real value in these virtual worlds. This could include game items, such as cosmetic items for an in-game avatar, along with digital images, music files, video content, and even property or land sold within the virtual worlds.
Reasons for Leveraging NFTs for Marketing
NFT hotel opportunities are growing, and offer marketing professionals a new and unique way to reach their target audience, while also serving as a supplementary revenue source for those in the hotel industry.
In truth, the non-fungible token hotel marketing options are almost endless. For example, those who are working within hotel management positions have the opportunity to sell unique artwork, offer exclusive digital content, offer digital souvenirs, or enhance the virtual reality tours and virtual reality spaces they already provide.
Alternatively, hotels could partner with third parties, including local artists, or larger business partners. Aside from providing a target audience with something tangible and unique to hold on to, NFTs can help hotels to build new relationships, expand brand awareness, and improve financial outcomes.
NFT Opportunities Within Virtual Worlds
Video games and the creation of virtual worlds that can be explored using an avatar form an important part of the metaverse, and this technology can provide the ideal platform for NFT hotel marketing techniques to be explored. For example, cosmetic items for a user’s avatar could be made entirely unique and sold as NFTs.
However, another option, which may be more relevant for hotel marketing, is the opportunity to sell digital real estate. In a virtual world, this could mean selling a plot of digital land as an NFT, or selling a property, such as a virtual house, or even a virtual business, like a non-fungible token hotel. Regardless of precisely what is sold, it can also be branded, in order to enhance its value as a marketing tool.
Partnerships and Collaborations with Digital Artists
At present, NFTs are most strongly associated with the sale of digital art, and this could be photographs, 3D art, videos, animations, music, digital sketches, and more. With this in mind, one of the most interesting hotel marketing strategies to explore involves partnering with digital artists in mutually beneficial ways.
This could involve working with a local artist, to create NFTs for your hotel’s target audience. Both the artist and your hotel gain exposure, and the artwork can be designed so that it connects to your brand. Alternatively, your hotel might opt to enter into a working partnership with an established artist, or musician. You pay them for their work, and then sell that work to customers as exclusive NFTs.
Example: Marriott International NFT Hotel Marketing Strategy
NFT Hotel Marketing: Blockchain Technology and Its Uses in Hospitality
NFT hotel marketing opportunities are just one way in which the hospitality industry can utilise blockchain technology. However, blockchain can also be used to facilitate secure payments, authenticate identifications, power baggage tracking, and provide the foundation for customer loyalty programmes.
NFT Hotel Opportunities and Emerging Hotel Technology Trends
NFT hotel offerings are an example of the way in which hotel brands are capitalising on new technology. However, for hotels to make the most of all of the technology at their disposal, they need to keep up with all of the latest trends. This means investing in the right technology and understanding how it can be used to the greatest effect.
Non-fungible tokens are among the very biggest technology and marketing trends across a variety of industries, and hotels are waking up to the potential on offer. NFT hotel marketing campaigns have the power to provide customers with something tangible while allowing hotels to achieve marketing goals and make additional income.
