Reimagining hospitality growth through tech this new financial year

Earlier this year, we published data that showed the hospitality industry demonstrated a strong sense of optimism, setting the tone for a strong and confident year.

In our latest State of Hospitality report, operators forecasted an average of 31 percent growth in 2025 despite lingering economic uncertainty. This confidence showed up in consumer behaviour too, with Aussies visiting venues 8 percent more in 2024 than 2023.

With both sentiment and spending on the up, the new financial year presents a valuable window for venues to double down on what’s working and rethink strategies and investments that can propel them further.

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A new financial year, renewed opportunities 

With the new financial year underway, it’s a natural time for reflecting on last year’s performance, setting clear goals, and sharpening strategies for the months ahead. As businesses look to hit their growth targets, this is a good moment to turn insights into action and build momentum. For those already seeing uplift, the question is how to maintain or accelerate that trajectory. For others, it’s about identifying what needs to evolve, whether that’s operational processes, staffing models, or service delivery.

Technology is emerging as a key area of investment. Far from being an afterthought or quick fix, it’s increasingly seen as a way to unlock new capacity across the board. According to our data, operators could save between one and a half to almost two hours each day by using any of the tools like POS systems, inventory management apps, reporting tools, and kitchen display systems.

That reclaimed time can be incredibly valuable: 47 percent say tech improves operational efficiency, 41 percent credit it with enhancing customer service by freeing staff to focus on guests, and 37 percent say it’s offering insights that help improve overall business performance.

Many are planning to allocate a portion of their budgets toward technology, and with budgets resetting in the new financial year, now could be an opportune time for operators to invest in the technology they need to sharpen the guest experience and build more capable, confident teams.

Purposeful tech adoption is taking shape

The kinds of tools hospitality operators are prioritising today tells a clear story. It’s tools that blend efficiency, consistency, and guest-centricity. At the heart of this purposeful tech adoption are solutions that free up time, reduce operational friction, and ultimately create more capacity to focus on what really matters: delivering great experiences.

Contactless payment terminals are a clear example. With most Australians now paying using cards or digital wallets, these terminals not only meet customer expectations but help teams move faster and focus on more human elements of service. Because they can integrate directly with the POS, there’s no manual entry or reconciliation required which cuts down on end-of-day admin and reduces the risk of human error. This results in faster service, smoother shift closeouts, and more time for floor staff to stay guest-facing.

Workforce management and employee scheduling software is another area gaining traction. These tools allow operators to align rosters to forecast demand and give employees more control and clarity over their schedules. It supports better coverage during peak periods which can help avoid burnout and make day-to-day operations more sustainable while lifting team morale.

In the kitchen, smart equipment is able to ease pressure on chefs by automating tasks like temperature control and batch timing. That consistency is crucial during busy service, especially for multi-venue operators. Not only does it reduce errors, but it also lets teams redirect energy toward quality and creativity.

Finally, online ordering and delivery platforms are helping venues unlock new revenue streams while bringing all service channels, from dine-in to takeaway and delivery, into a single and cohesive workflow. When paired with inventory systems, these platforms can help manage stock in real-time, reducing waste and protecting margins.

Together, these tools are giving operators the structure and insights they need to scale with confidence without compromising the human element that makes hospitality unique.

Smarter systems for sustained growth

Bringing in new systems comes with its own set of challenges, from cost, to integration complexity to staff training. However, for operators eager to drive meaningful returns, a thoughtful, phased approach can go a long way. The key lies in investing in tools that address immediate pain points while also setting the stage for scalable, long-term growth.

As the new financial year unfolds, innovation is best approached as a deliberate and essential part of business strategy. Something that drives focus, efficiency, and growth with clear intent. Whether it’s streamlining daily operations, opening new service channels, or empowering teams to deliver better guest experiences, the right tech can unlock real value for operators, particularly when external pressures are high. For venues looking to turn the new financial year into one to remember, technology can be a strategic lever for growth.