The Contactless Stays Market is estimated at USD 48.1 billion in 2024 and is on track to reach approximately USD 412.4 billion by 2034, implying a strong compound annual growth rate of about 27.5% over 2025–2034. Rapid adoption of digital check-ins, biometric authentication, IoT-enabled room controls, and automation-led guest services continues to reshape the hospitality landscape. As travelers increasingly prioritize safety, convenience, and frictionless experiences, hotels and short-term rentals are accelerating investment in AI-driven concierge tools and app-based property access systems.
This shift is redefining global travel expectations—contactless stays are no longer a pandemic-era trend but a core pillar of next-generation hospitality. With smart hotels expanding across the U.S., Europe, and APAC, the category is set to dominate premium guest engagement strategies and remain one of the fastest-scaling segments in the travel-tech ecosystem.
The contactless stays segment has shifted from a niche accommodation model to a fast-scaling global preference. Initially driven by the operational disruptions of COVID-19, demand accelerated as both travelers and providers prioritized safety, efficiency, and convenience. What began as a pandemic workaround has matured into a competitive necessity across hotels, serviced apartments, and short-term rentals. Adoption has deepened in North America and Western Europe, where over 65% of large hotel chains introduced mobile check-in and digital room access by mid-2024. At the same time, Asia-Pacific is seeing double-digit year-on-year growth in smart hospitality infrastructure, particularly in urban and resort corridors.
Key drivers include rising traveler expectations for autonomy, labor shortages in hospitality, and cost-reduction imperatives. Digital key systems now support over 50 million room nights annually, reducing front desk staffing needs by up to 40% per property. Operators report operational savings of 12–15% after deploying self-service platforms. Yet challenges persist. Capital expenditure on integrated property management systems can be high for mid-sized players. Data privacy regulations remain fragmented, limiting seamless tech deployment in markets like the EU and South Korea.
Technology adoption continues to shape differentiation. Biometric verification, AI-based guest messaging, and IoT-enabled room controls are shifting the service model. In 2024 alone, smart lock installations grew 34%, while over 70% of new hotel builds in the U.S. included digital concierge functionality. Material innovation also plays a role; antimicrobial surface coatings and touchless sensor systems reduce hygiene concerns while supporting operational compliance.
Investor interest is tracking with regional momentum. Dubai and Singapore have emerged as active development hubs, backed by regulatory support for smart tourism. In the U.S., major hospitality REITs are redirecting capital toward retrofit programs for contactless systems across aging portfolios.
As the sector evolves, contactless stays are no longer a feature—they are fast becoming a baseline expectation. Providers who fail to meet this shift risk disintermediation from digital-first platforms and traveler defection to tech-enabled competitors.
Vacation rentals remain the highest-performing segment within the global contactless stays market, contributing an estimated 38.5% to total market revenue in 2022. This category continues to gain momentum in 2025, supported by a projected CAGR of 26.2% through 2032. The operational model of vacation rentals—typically run by individuals or small-scale property managers—allows for quicker implementation of digital systems such as self-check-in, smart locks, and automated communication. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have invested heavily in mobile-based access solutions and cleaning protocols, reinforcing guest confidence and streamlining property turnover.
Apartments represent the fastest-growing accommodation segment in this market. With an estimated market share of 24.5% in 2022, apartment-based stays have surged due to rising demand for private, low-contact environments. These properties often feature in-unit amenities such as kitchens and laundry, aligning with guest preferences for autonomy and hygiene. As of 2025, mid-tier serviced apartments in urban centers are increasingly integrating app-based access and automated checkout systems to meet growing traveler expectations and maintain competitive differentiation.
Keyless entry systems accounted for the largest share of revenue in 2022, contributing 48.6% to the global contactless stays technology market. These systems—enabled via mobile phones, RFID cards, or Bluetooth—allow guests to access their rooms without front desk interaction. By 2025, adoption is accelerating, particularly among hotel chains seeking to cut labor costs and reduce guest wait times. Property managers report improved operational efficiency and higher guest satisfaction scores following keyless system implementation, with some reporting a 15% reduction in overhead tied to staffing.
Mobile check-in and check-out services are the fastest-expanding segment within the technology category, recording a CAGR of 26.6% from 2022 to 2031. These tools enable guests to manage their arrivals and departures via smartphone apps, reducing the need for physical touchpoints. By 2025, over 70% of new hospitality developments in North America and Europe have embedded mobile check-in options into their booking infrastructure. This shift aligns with broader consumer behavior trends favoring speed, autonomy, and minimal contact.
Online travel agencies (OTAs) continue to dominate the booking landscape for contactless stays, with a 51.2% share in 2022 and an expected CAGR of 27.8% through the forecast period. OTAs have been quick to integrate contactless technologies, including seamless payment gateways, mobile check-ins, and digital guest communication. Their platforms cater to a broad customer base seeking convenience and real-time availability, making them a preferred channel for both independent travelers and business users.
Direct bookings are gaining ground as the fastest-growing channel, with a projected CAGR of 26.3%. By 2025, this segment accounts for an estimated 26.8% of market value. Hotels and vacation rental hosts are increasingly investing in their own websites and reservation tools to reduce reliance on third-party platforms. Direct bookings allow operators to control the end-to-end guest experience, offer flexible pricing, and establish more personalized relationships—all while reducing commission costs. As mobile responsiveness and integrated tech improve, this channel is expected to capture a larger share of repeat customers.
North America led the global contactless stays market in 2022, accounting for 40.6% of total revenue. The region continues to hold its lead in 2025, driven by widespread tech infrastructure, high mobile penetration, and aggressive investment in smart hospitality. Major hotel chains and rental operators across the U.S. and Canada have retrofitted existing properties with digital locks, self-service kiosks, and automated messaging systems. The early influence of the COVID-19 pandemic further catalyzed adoption, and contactless service is now seen as a standard offering across urban and leisure travel markets.
Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, posting a CAGR of 25.8% and a projected market value of 25.5% by 2025. Demand is being fueled by a rising middle class, growing domestic tourism, and strong government support for smart infrastructure. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are expanding hotel and vacation rental footprints, with high adoption rates of mobile-first platforms. In Japan, for example, over 60% of new hotel developments in 2024 integrated contactless guest entry and voice-assisted room controls. This momentum is expected to continue as digital solutions become embedded in standard hospitality operations across the region.
Market Key Segments
By Type of Accommodation
By Technology Used
By Booking Channel
By Regions
By 2025, contactless stays will have changed from a temporary response to the pandemic into a lasting and expected standard in the hospitality industry. Demand continues to grow due to operational convenience, improved guest safety, and the development of digital personalization tools that simplify the entire guest experience. Travelers are increasingly choosing to manage bookings, check-ins, room access, and payments entirely through mobile devices. As of 2025, over 65% of mid-to-large hotel groups worldwide have adopted mobile check-in and keyless entry systems, reinforcing the shift toward smooth, guest-led interactions.
For operators, adopting contactless systems has led to noticeable improvements in efficiency and service delivery. Many hospitality providers report up to a 40% drop in front-desk traffic and around 15% savings in staffing costs due to automation of routine tasks. These efficiencies result in faster service, shorter wait times, and higher guest satisfaction scores. Consequently, digital-first service models are increasingly recognized as not just enhancements but also as long-term operational assets that boost competitiveness and create lasting value for technology-enabled hospitality businesses.
Despite strong demand, the broad adoption of contactless stay technologies faces financial and operational challenges, especially among small and independent businesses. Installing secure digital systems, like keyless entry, integrated PMS platforms, and automated payment tools, can cost between USD 15,000 and 30,000 per property, creating hurdles for budget-conscious operators. In areas with limited broadband infrastructure, unreliable connectivity can disrupt essential functions, causing service failures that negatively affect guest experiences.
Consumer hesitancy regarding data privacy also limits adoption. In 2024, over 20% of travelers in Europe expressed discomfort with sharing biometric, geolocation, or identity-linked data needed for fully automated stays. System downtime, cyber vulnerabilities, and inconsistent user experiences heighten trust issues, potentially harming brand reputation if not proactively addressed. Providers that cannot guarantee strong security, clear consent, and dependable digital functionality may see slower adoption rates and higher turnover among travelers concerned about privacy.
There is a significant opportunity to extend contactless technologies beyond traditional hotels into emerging accommodation types. Vacation rentals, serviced apartments, and co-living spaces represent rapidly growing segments where contactless systems boost safety, operational efficiency, and guest control. This wider adoption is expected to support a market CAGR of about 26.5% through 2032. As operators diversify their offerings, digital key systems, remote access management, and automated guest communications will become important differentiators for scaling multi-unit property networks.
Smart home-style features are opening new avenues for differentiation and revenue growth. App-controlled lighting, AI-driven climate control, and in-room wellness technologies appeal to younger, tech-savvy travelers looking for personalized environments. At the same time, energy-efficient contactless systems align with increasing ESG priorities, offering both environmental and operational benefits. As sustainability and health-conscious travel trends grow, properties that invest in innovative, contactless, and eco-friendly technologies are set to capture premium demand and enhance their competitive edge.
By 2025, self-service hospitality models will reshape global market dynamics. More than 70% of new hotel developments in North America now include digital key technology as a standard feature, allowing guests to skip traditional reception desks entirely. Contactless payments have become the norm, with adoption exceeding 80% across major online travel agencies. This shift supports faster transaction cycles, smoother check-in/check-out processes, and greater operational agility for hotel operators coping with labor constraints.
Mobile apps now serve as complete guest engagement platforms, enabling hotels to provide personalized recommendations, upsell on-site services, and manage real-time interactions. Combined with the 18% year-over-year increase in demand for short-term rentals, this creates a broader ecosystem of autonomy-driven travel experiences where guests expect full control and minimal human interaction. As digital habits evolve, contactless travel increasingly reflects a lifestyle choice rather than just a convenience feature, fostering sustained adoption across all hospitality sectors.
Airbnb.co.in: Airbnb continues to lead the vacation rental segment in the global contactless stays market, operating as a key disruptor in traditional hospitality. Its platform-based model enables direct-to-consumer bookings and rapid deployment of contactless features, including smart lock integration, self-check-in tools, and automated messaging. As of Q2 2025, over 80% of Airbnb listings in top urban markets offer contactless check-in, reflecting strong host adoption. The company has expanded its Airbnb-friendly apartment program in India and Southeast Asia, aligning with urban rental growth and rising digital travel preferences. Airbnb’s AI-driven personalization engine—launched in late 2024—allows tailored recommendations and predictive pricing, enhancing both guest retention and booking frequency.
Marriott International: Marriott positions itself as a global leader in integrating contactless technology within full-service hospitality. The company has deployed its "Mobile Key" service across 5,000+ properties globally as of early 2025, supported by its Marriott Bonvoy app. Marriott has invested in AI-powered service automation and real-time personalization features, including room selection, digital concierge, and on-demand housekeeping. In 2024, Marriott expanded its smart property infrastructure in the Middle East and North Africa through a $600 million tech-focused renovation program. This positions the brand competitively in tech-enabled premium stays while reinforcing its regional footprint in high-growth tourism corridors.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.: Hilton remains a challenger with strong digital adoption across its portfolio. The company’s Hilton Honors app, integrated with Digital Key and contactless booking tools, saw a 28% increase in active users in 2024. Hilton’s "Connected Room" initiative, now rolled out in 60% of its U.S. properties, allows guests to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems via mobile. Hilton has also emphasized sustainability, using contactless systems to reduce energy use and paper-based processes. Strategic partnerships with property tech firms in Europe have accelerated the group’s retrofit program, enabling older assets to align with evolving guest expectations in the contactless segment.
Booking.com: Booking.com acts as a dominant aggregator and a technology partner for small-to-mid-sized hospitality providers adopting contactless systems. With over 28 million listings, it offers the largest inventory of properties with mobile check-in and keyless access features. In 2025, the platform’s Smart Hotel Tools suite expanded to include automated guest messaging, room access APIs, and payment integration for independent operators. Booking Holdings reported that 62% of total bookings in 2024 were processed via mobile, underscoring the shift toward mobile-first travel. Its strategic push into Asia Pacific and Latin America includes region-specific enhancements and localized app features, positioning it as a key enabler of digital transformation in emerging markets.
Market Key Players
Dec 2024 – Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.: Hilton expanded its Connected Room technology to 500 additional properties across North America, bringing total deployment to over 60% of its U.S. portfolio. This move enables mobile-based control of room settings and further supports the company’s push toward contactless guest experiences. It strengthens Hilton’s positioning in the mid-to-premium smart stay segment.
Feb 2025 – Airbnb: Airbnb launched its AI-powered “Smart Host” feature across India, Japan, and Brazil, enabling automated guest communications, check-in instructions, and personalized local recommendations. The tool has seen 35% host adoption in key cities within the first 60 days. This enhances Airbnb’s competitiveness in non-hotel accommodations and scales automation across emerging markets.
Apr 2025 – Marriott International: Marriott entered into a USD 420 million partnership with a leading property tech firm to retrofit over 1,200 properties across Europe with mobile key and voice-enabled room controls by 2026. The initiative accelerates Marriott’s technology rollout in regulated markets while reducing reliance on front desk labor.
Jul 2025 – Booking.com: Booking.com introduced its "Smart Stay Toolkit" for independent hotels and short-term rentals, bundling digital check-in, keyless entry integration, and real-time guest messaging. The company reports a 22% increase in partner adoption across Southeast Asia since launch. It reinforces Booking.com’s role as a key enabler of digital transformation for small-to-mid-sized operators.
Sep 2025 – Accor: Accor announced the rollout of biometric-enabled check-in kiosks across 200 premium properties in the Middle East and Asia Pacific, supported by partnerships with regional identity verification providers. Pilot properties in Dubai and Singapore reported a 48% reduction in check-in times. This positions Accor at the forefront of biometric adoption in high-traffic urban travel hubs.
| Report Attribute | Details |
| Market size (2024) | USD 48.1 billion |
| Forecast Revenue (2034) | USD 412.4 billion |
| CAGR (2024-2034) | 27.5% |
| Historical data | 2018-2023 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2034 |
| Report coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Market Dynamics, Growth Factors, Trends and Recent Developments |
| Segments covered | By Type of Accommodation (Vacation Rentals, Apartments, Hotels, Resort, Hostels), By Technology Used (Keyless Entry, Mobile Check-In and Check-Outs, Touchless Payment, Other Technologies), By Booking Channel (Online Travel Agencies, Direct Bookings, Travel Agents, Other Channels) |
| Research Methodology |
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| Regional scope |
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| Competitive Landscape | Booking.com, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., OYO Rooms, AccorHotels S.A., Agoda.com, Expedia Group, Airbnb.co.in, Marriott International, Other Players |
| Customization Scope | Customization for segments, region/country-level will be provided. Moreover, additional customization can be done based on the requirements. |
| Pricing and Purchase Options | Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License, Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), Corporate Use License (Unlimited User and Printable PDF). |
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