HYBRID ROOMS AND VIRTUAL SOLUTIONS ARE TRANSFORMING THE WAY PEOPLE WORK AND STAY IN HOTELS

Virtual solutions in the hospitality industry — particularly through the development of hybrid rooms and hybrid meetings — are becoming an integral part of modern hotel offerings aimed at guests who not only stay in hotels, but also work or live there for extended periods.

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Changes in business models, the rise of remote work, and the constant need for digital connectivity have pushed hotels to take on the role of flexible business hubs rather than serving solely as places for rest and leisure.

What Are Hybrid Rooms and How Do They Work?

Hybrid rooms are multifunctional spaces equipped with advanced audio-visual technology, stable high-speed internet connections, and professional video-communication software. They enable guests to participate in meetings, conferences, and presentations regardless of the physical location of other participants.

At the same time, hybrid meetings connect attendees physically present in conference rooms with those joining online, effectively removing the boundaries between physical and virtual business environments.

Benefits for Hotels and Guests

For hotels, investing in such virtual solutions brings multiple advantages. It increases their appeal to business travelers, digital nomads, and companies seeking flexible spaces for work and events.

At the same time, guest stays are extended, as hotels become places where accommodation, work, and business obligations can be seamlessly combined — without the need for additional coworking spaces outside the property.

Regional Trends

In Serbia, this trend is most visible in larger urban centers, particularly in Belgrade and Novi Sad. Hotels in these cities are increasingly offering technologically equipped conference rooms for hybrid meetings, as well as guest rooms adapted for remote work. Business and upscale hotels have recognized the growing market demand for reliable digital infrastructure, especially among international companies, the startup community, and event organizers.

Across the wider region — especially in Croatia and Slovenia — hybrid solutions are further developed in destinations that combine tourism and business gatherings. Cities such as Zagreb, Ljubljana, and Opatija have positioned their hotels as hubs for conference and corporate tourism. Meanwhile, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, efforts are underway to enhance technical capacities so hotels can meet the demands of modern hybrid events.

What Does This Mean for Guests?

For guests who live and work in hotels, virtual solutions mean greater flexibility and efficiency. The ability to hold meetings, presentations, and team gatherings directly from the hotel environment contributes to a better balance between professional responsibilities and personal time.

For event organizers, the hybrid model offers broader accessibility, reduced logistical complexity, and the opportunity to include participants from different countries without additional travel costs.

All indicators suggest that hybrid rooms and hybrid meetings will soon become the standard rather than the exception in the hospitality industry. Hotels in Serbia and across the region that invest in virtual solutions in a timely manner are not only keeping pace with global trends but are actively shaping the new role of hotels as spaces for living, working, and digital connectivity.