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Top 7 QR Code Use Cases in the Hospitality Industry 

Last Updated: June 7, 2024

Who would’ve thought that QR codes, a means to implement health and safety protocols during the  2020 COVID-19 pandemic, would peak in popularity in business? This question reflects the  QR code use cases in the hospitality industry—it wasn’t merely for safety but also for offering convenient and contactless services. 

Even when everything has gone back to normal, this industry continuously maximizes the use of this advanced tool.

It further develops QR code menu software and solutions to assist businesses in streamlining operations and management, revolutionizing the experiences of customers. 

In this article, we shall delve into these QR code use cases and how this technology shifts traditional operations into modernized functions. 

What’s a QR code: A rundown 

A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional barcode that consists of black squares arranged on a square grid with a white background. 

These QR codes were invented in Japan in the 90s by a company called Denso Wave, initially intended to track automotive parts during manufacturing. 

Since then, they have become widely popular due to their versatility and ease of use, expanding to various industries. 

What is the use of QR codes in various industries? 

To give you an overview, here’s a list of how QR codes expanded and are being used in different industries. 

Retail and marketing

This advanced tool is used for product promotion, advertising campaigns, and providing additional product information. 

Customers can scan these codes on packaging or advertisements to access discounts, coupons, or product details. 

Hospitality  

In this industry, QR codes are useful for contactless menus, allowing diners to access offerings directly on their smartphones in a quick scan. 

It’s also used for making reservations, accessing hotel amenities, or providing guests with information about local attractions and services. 

Logistics and inventory management

Managers can easily track and organize inventory in warehouses, distribution centers, and supply chains using QR codes. 

Each product or package can be assigned a unique QR code, enabling efficient inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and product authentication throughout the supply chain. 

Healthcare 

Medical professionals can now have access to their patients’ identification, medical record management tracking, and medication tracking through a QR code, avoiding misinformation and lapses in the healthcare setting, especially when they’re handling a significant number of patients. 

These codes are printed on patient wristbands or medical documents that can quickly provide healthcare professionals access to critical patient information. 

Education 

QR codes are also used for accessing digital learning materials, interactive quizzes, and multimedia resources. 

Teachers use these to share assignments, readings, and supplementary materials with students and utilize them to submit assignments and other tasks. 

7 QR code uses cases in the hospitality industry you should know 

Hotels using QR codes
A QR code on the reception counter

If you’re planning to enter the hospitality industry with QR codes in mind, these cases may help you visualize how to maximize them. 

And eventually, decide which sector you’re going to explore. 

Resort and hotel QR code use case

QR codes offer hotels and resorts a versatile and efficient solution for enhancing guests' experiences, streamlining operations, and embracing digital innovations. 

One prominent example of this is room service ordering. 

Guests can scan a hotel QR code menu placed on bedside tables through their smartphones to access your offerings, place an order, request extra amenities, and complete payment. 

They can browse, select the items, and place orders directly from their devices, streamlining the ordering process. 

This self-service option using the hotel menu QR code reduces wait times, minimizes errors, and enhances customer satisfaction. 

Restaurants and cafes

QR Code for fine dining
Restaurants use QR codes for their menu

One of the primary uses of QR codes in these establishments is for contactless menus. 

Instead of the traditional printed menus, customer can simply scan a food menu QR code with their smartphones to access the items digitally. 

This not only reduces physical contact between your staff and customers but also allows for easy updates to menu items and prices. 

Additionally, QR codes facilitate mobile payments, allowing patrons to settle their bills conveniently through their devices. 

By integrating e-payment platforms into your QR codes, your business can offer a seamless and secure dining experience that does not need cash or physical cards.

Event venues

If you are an event organizer, using QR codes is a wise choice to improve the overall operations of your events. 

You can use this advanced tool for registration, where guests can simply scan a QR code on their mobile devices to register their attendance.  

This eliminates the need for lengthy physical registration forms or attendance sheets, speeding up the check-in process. 

You can also make use of QR codes for venue navigation and information dissemination. 

Place these strategically on tables, bar counters (if you have drink stations), or posters so the attendees can easily access maps, schedules, speaker bios, and menus. 

This helps guests navigate the venue efficiently and stay informed about the agenda and activities. 

Bars and nightclubs

QR codes for bars
Partygoers order through a QR code

You can revolutionize how your bar operates and interact with your patrons through QR codes. 

By placing these QR codes on table tents, bar counters, and table tops, your customers can effortlessly access an extensive selection of beverages in your digital menus. 

These digital menus provide detailed descriptions, pricing information, and even food and drink pairing ideas and recommendations, offering a dynamic and engaging browsing experience that enhances customer satisfaction. 

Not to mention its pivotal role in event ticketing, allowing bars and nightclubs to manage entry during special events, live performances, or VIP sections effortlessly.

Customers can purchase their seats or spots at the event online and receive digital tickets via email or SMS, which can be easily scanned at the door for swift and hassle-free entry.

Tourist attractions and destination QR code use cases in the hospitality industry 

QR codes are often incorporated into self-guided tour materials, such as brochures, maps, or signages. 

Tourists can scan these at specific points of interest to access audio guides, videos, or additional information about the attraction. 

This allows them to explore at their own pace while learning about each site's history, significance, and features. 

Not only that, but you can also use this for promotions, special deals, and discounts for upcoming events or tour packages that can encourage visitors to engage further with the attraction and plan future visits. 

Cruise line and airline QR code use cases in the hospitality industry

These businesses in the hospitality industry have also integrated QR codes into various aspects of their operations to streamline processes and improve passengers' travel experience. 

These codes have become the standard for mobile boarding passes, allowing passengers to check in online and receive boarding tickets on their devices. 

These digital passes are scanned at security checkpoints and boarding gates, enabling a seamless and paperless travel experience. 

It also provides passengers with digital itineraries containing important travel information such as flight or cruise details, departure and arrival times, gate or terminal information, and seating arrangements. 

Moreover, a digital menu QR code is also used on cruise ships and aircraft to facilitate onboard purchases of food, beverages, amenities, and merchandise. 

It can be displayed in cabins or seatback screens to view menus, make selections, and complete transactions using their mobile devices. 

Spas and wellness centers

This health and wellness business can simplify its daily operations by using QR codes for appointment booking, accessing treatment menus, promoting special offers or packages, and providing health and safety information. 

All they need to do is scan these on their mobile phones and choose what kind of services they want. 

With this versatile tool, business owners can enhance their guest experience, eliminating the hectic and stressful processes when they visit.

5 benefits of using a QR code menu in the hospitality industry 

Contactless ordering and payment processes 

QR code for ordering
A Customer scans a QR code men

QR code menus allow guests to access offerings directly on their smartphones by scanning them. 

This gets rid of the need for physical menus and minimizes contact with staff, enhancing safety and hygiene, particularly in a post-pandemic environment. 

Upselling and cross-selling opportunities

Recent restaurant marketing statistics indicated that approximately 60% of customers use restaurant menu QR codes to access special deals and offers.

This means that maximizing digital menus with QR codes can present upselling and cross-selling opportunities by prominently showcasing high-profitable items, chef’s recommendations, or special promotions.

This is made possible due to its highly editable feature, where hospitality businesses like yours can strategically promote add-ons, upgrades, or premium items to increase revenue per customer and maximize profitability.

Data collection and analysis

Businesses can gather valuable insights such as customer preferences, popular menu items, peak dining times, and more using QR code generator software or restaurant menu software like MENU TIGER. 

This data can inform strategic decisions about menu optimization, pricing strategies, and marketing efforts, ultimately helping businesses improve their overall performance and profitability. 

Space optimization with digital menu QR code 

A digital menu QR code can offer a streamlined solution for space optimization in the hospitality industry. 

By replacing traditional printed menus with QR codes, restaurants can significantly reduce clutter on tables and countertops, creating a more spacious and inviting dining environment. 

This free-up space can be used for additional seating, decorative elements, or customer amenities that enhance overall comfort and satisfaction for your customers. 

Customization features for better branding 

customizable QR code designs allow businesses to incorporate their hotel and restaurant branding.

This creates a cohesive and visually appealing presentation for brand recognition and customer engagement. 

Adaptability to trends

Smart menus demonstrate remarkable adaptability to evolving trends in the hospitality industry. 

As consumer preferences shift towards contactless experiences and technology integration, having these at hand provides a seamless solution that aligns with these trends. 

The versatility of this technology allows businesses in the industry to easily incorporate new features and updates, such as interactive elements, multimedia content, personalized programs, and online ordering platforms. 

These make menu QR codes valuable assets to stay relevant and competitive in a dynamic industry. 

MENU TIGER: The best QR code menu technology for your first F&B business 

MENU TIGER digital menu software
Smart menu software for the hospitality industry

Suppose you’re considering expanding your business prowess in the hospitality industry, particularly the food & beverage sector. 

In that case, you’ll probably need a digital menu provider that is easy to use, reasonably priced, and responds to your needs to simplify your management and operations. 

The best QR code for restaurant menu creation, MENU TIGER, is here to give precisely that—an all-around innovative menu software. 

Here’s a list of what it can offer to you: 

Online menu and website builder

You can create, edit, and refine your menu anytime with our feature-rich and user-friendly online menu builder. It is easy to use and navigate for various businesses. 

You can also design the website for your restaurant to boost its engagement with its target audience. Incorporate promotional materials and social media platforms to connect with your potential customers. 

To attract more visitors, you can improve the usability of the ordering process on your website. 

Efficient order-taking process 

One of the benefits of QR codes is guests can order and pay without waiting in line at your counter.

All they need to do is learn how to scan the QR code for menu access, and they will automatically be directed to your digital menu.

You can also manage orders and link the program to your point-of-sale system from your admin panel. 

Language options

Since you’re about to run a business in the hospitality industry, expect to have diverse customers who potentially speak different languages. 

With the menu translation feature, you’ll be able to break the obstacle of miscommunication and improve the accessibility of your menu. 

Generate sales report

Make data-driven decisions based on valuable insights about your customer purchasing behavior, demands, and preferences by having your order analytics. 

With MENU TIGER, you can generate a comprehensive, valuable report for improving your business. 

Customer feedback collection 

You can conduct a survey for food and overall management of your restaurant using QR codes without requiring staff to ask them personally. Your customers can scan them at their convenience. 

Jumpstart your hospitality business using a digital restaurant menu and  QR code generator software 

Take a step forward by streamlining your management and operations using MENU TIGER. 

This QR code menu software offers features that can assist you from customer service to promotion and marketing. 

To give you ideas on how you’re going to use these codes, we’ve collated a list of QR code use cases in the hospitality industry that you might want to check and somehow benchmark. 

Are you ready to take your business to the next level?

Visit the website, create an account and let’s set this venture to new heights. 

FAQs

Chevy

Before joining MENU TIGER's Content Team, Chevy has been dabbling in literary arts for five years, specifically creative writing in a theatre company. She loves exploring her creativity through painting, photography, and contemporary dancing.