The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on Thursday announced a raft of initiatives that focuses on business transformation, job redesign and a shift towards smart hotels.

These initiatives, in the coming year, are part of STB's ongoing efforts with industry partners to transform Singapore's hotel industry for sustainable growth.

Called the Smart Hotel Technology Roadmap, it will identify next-generation system capabilities such as facial recognition at check-in and e-payment wallets to help hotels become "smarter", the STB said in a news release on Thursday

Home-grown hotel and serviced residences operator Far East Hospitality Management has partnered with STB to implement an integrated programme across the entire hotel group, STB said.

Some of the ideas being explored include use of smart technology and artificial intelligence in hotel operations, e-housekeeping solutions, self check-in processes, and an in-house talent grooming programme.

"The hotel industry must continue to innovate and transform itself to keep up with emerging trends in businesses and technologies, as well as consumers' changing preferences," said Albert Teo, President, SHA.