Mr Digital Identifies Common Digital Challenges Facing Hospitality Businesses in 2026

Mr Digital, a strategic digital partner for hospitality operators and growth-focused brands, has released new insights into the digital landscape facing hospitality businesses in 2026.

Key Findings
- Customer Journey Friction:
Even small issues—like unclear calls-to-action or complex enquiry forms—reduce guest confidence and conversions.

- Mobile Performance Pressure:
Guests increasingly rely on mobile devices for discovery, comparison, and booking, making fast, seamless mobile experiences essential.

- Data & Measurement Gaps:
Many operators struggle with inconsistent analytics setups, limiting visibility into guest drop-offs and channel performance.

- Search & Discovery Visibility:
Strong SEO and accessible content are critical as search engines and local platforms shape guest behavior.

Expert Perspective
- Ross Crawford, Founder of Mr Digital, emphasized that these challenges are sector-wide patterns, not critiques of individual businesses.
- He noted: “When the digital journey works smoothly, it not only supports revenue but enhances the guest experience long before they walk through the door.”

Broader Context
- The findings come from Mr Digital’s Digital Performance Review Programme, which offers complimentary assessments to hospitality operators.
- The program aims to help businesses modernize their digital experience, strengthen guest engagement, and meet rising consumer expectations.

✨ In short: 2026 will demand frictionless digital journeys, mobile-first design, and better analytics visibility for hospitality businesses to thrive.