A platform for the connoisseurs to indulge with the mesmerizing beverages and lip smacking global cuisines, access the information and review and interact at the same time. This is also a huge support tool for the Hospitality aspirants pursuing any Hotel Management Program or is a beginner with the Hospitality Industry.
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Showing posts with label HOSPITALITY NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HOSPITALITY NEWS. Show all posts
The hospitality industry can cope with a scarcity of competent staff through a combination of strategies aimed at recruitment, retention, and productivity enhancement. Here are some approaches:
Enhance Recruitment Efforts:
Diversify recruitment channels: Utilize online job portals, social media platforms, industry-specific forums, and local community outreach programs to reach a wider pool of potential candidates.
Offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to attract top talent.
Develop partnerships with educational institutions to recruit students and graduates who are seeking internships or entry-level positions.
Invest in Employee Training and Development:
Provide comprehensive training programs to develop the skills of existing staff and prepare them for more advanced roles.
Offer cross-training opportunities to enable employees to gain experience in multiple departments, increasing their versatility and value to the organization.
Implement mentorship programs where experienced employees can share their knowledge and expertise with new hires.
Create a Positive Work Environment:
Foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that values employee well-being and recognizes their contributions.
Offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate employees' personal commitments and preferences.
Provide opportunities for career advancement and professional growth within the organization.
Utilize Technology to Increase Efficiency:
Implement automation and digital tools to streamline repetitive tasks and reduce the workload on staff.
Invest in customer relationship management (CRM) systems and communication platforms to enhance productivity and improve guest experiences.
Adopt mobile applications for scheduling, inventory management, and employee communication to facilitate seamless operations.
Outsource Non-Core Functions:
Consider outsourcing certain functions such as housekeeping or food service to third-party providers, especially during peak periods or when faced with staffing shortages.
Collaborate with staffing agencies to supplement in-house teams with temporary or contract workers as needed.
Employee Recognition and Rewards:
Implement a robust employee recognition program to acknowledge and reward outstanding performance.
Offer incentives such as bonuses, performance-based pay increases, or additional time off as a means of motivating and retaining talented staff members.
Monitor Industry Trends and Adjust Strategies Accordingly:
Stay informed about market trends, labor regulations, and changes in consumer preferences that may impact staffing needs.
Continuously evaluate and adapt recruitment, training, and retention strategies to remain competitive in the evolving hospitality landscape.
By implementing these strategies, the hospitality industry can mitigate the challenges posed by a scarcity of competent staff and maintain high levels of service quality and guest satisfaction.
The hospitality industry is in for a makeover in 2024, with several trends set to reshape the guest experience. Here are some of the hottest ones:
Sustainability in the Spotlight: Eco-consciousness continues to be a major focus. Hotels will strive to become more environmentally friendly by adopting green technologies, using recycled materials, and offering plant-based food options. We can expect to see a shift towards "net positive" practices, where hotels go beyond reducing their environmental impact and actively give back to the planet.
Tech Taking Center Stage: Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize hospitality. Expect chatbots handling inquiries, AI-powered personalization for guests, and automated processes for increased efficiency. Guests will also see more contactless technology, with features like voice-activated controls, digital room keys, and touchless check-in.
Health and Wellness Focus: Travelers are increasingly prioritizing well-being. Hotels will cater to this by offering health-centric amenities like in-house gyms, spa services, and healthy menu options. There might even be a rise in properties specializing in wellness retreats.
Crafting Unique Experiences: Gone are the days of generic hotel stays. Travelers crave unique and authentic experiences. Expect hotels to partner with local businesses to offer cultural immersion activities or curate personalized itineraries based on guest interests.
Locally Sourced, Globally Inspired: People are looking to connect with the places they visit. Hotels will highlight local ingredients in their restaurants and offer experiences that allow guests to explore the surrounding area. This could include partnerships with local farms, cultural events, or tours led by community members.
The Rise of Bleisure Travel: The blurring of work and leisure continues. Hotels will cater to the "bleisure" traveler by offering co-working spaces, meeting facilities, and amenities that support remote work.
Workforce in Focus: The hospitality industry is facing labor shortages. To attract and retain staff, hotels will likely offer competitive wages, better benefits, and opportunities for growth.
There are a number of reasons why the hospitality industry is facing a huge manpower crunch post-COVID-19:
Mass layoffs during the pandemic: The pandemic caused a sharp decline in travel and tourism, forcing many hospitality businesses to lay off employees. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the global travel and tourism industry lost 62 million jobs in 2020.
Workers moving to other industries: Many hospitality workers who were laid off during the pandemic found jobs in other industries, such as retail and healthcare. These industries often offer more stable employment and better pay and benefits.
Safety concerns: Some workers are hesitant to return to the hospitality industry due to concerns about their safety and health. The hospitality industry is a front-line industry, which means that workers are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19.
Changing travel trends: The pandemic has also led to changes in travel trends. For example, more people are now choosing to travel domestically or take shorter, more frequent trips. This has made it more difficult for hospitality businesses to predict demand and staff their businesses accordingly.
The manpower crunch in the hospitality industry is a global problem. However, it is particularly acute in some countries, such as India and the United States. In India, for example, the hospitality industry is facing a shortage of around 350,000 workers.
The manpower crunch in the hospitality industry is having a number of negative consequences. For example, it is leading to longer wait times, reduced service levels, and higher prices for consumers. It is also making it difficult for hospitality businesses to operate efficiently and profitably.
The hospitality industry is taking a number of steps to address the manpower crunch. For example, businesses are offering higher wages and benefits, providing more training and development opportunities, and creating more flexible work schedules. Businesses are also working with governments and educational institutions to develop programs to attract and retain workers.
It is unclear how long the manpower crunch in the hospitality industry will last. However, it is likely to continue for some time as the industry recovers from the pandemic and travel trends continue to evolve.
Customer loyalty programs are highly significant in the hotel industry for several reasons:
Repeat Business: Loyalty programs are designed to reward and retain existing customers. In the hotel industry, repeat business is crucial. Returning guests are not only easier to convert but also often spend more on each visit. A loyal customer who is part of a loyalty program is more likely to book with the same hotel chain in the future.
Revenue Generation: Loyal customers tend to spend more money on various services within the hotel, such as dining, spa, and room upgrades. They may also recommend the hotel to friends and family, thereby contributing to word-of-mouth marketing.
Competitive Advantage: In a highly competitive industry like hotels, loyalty programs provide a significant competitive advantage. Customers are more likely to choose a hotel where they can earn rewards or receive special benefits. This can help hotels stand out in a crowded market.
Data and Personalization: Loyalty programs collect valuable customer data. This information can be used to personalize marketing efforts, tailoring promotions and offers to specific customer preferences. This personalization can enhance the customer experience and increase loyalty.
Brand Loyalty: A well-executed loyalty program can foster brand loyalty. Customers who accumulate points, earn rewards, and have positive experiences are more likely to become emotionally attached to the brand. This can lead to long-term, devoted customers.
Cost Savings: Acquiring new customers is generally more expensive than retaining existing ones. Loyalty programs can help reduce customer acquisition costs, as the focus shifts from attracting new customers to maintaining and nurturing the relationship with current ones.
Feedback and Improvement: Loyalty programs often provide a platform for customers to provide feedback. This feedback is valuable for continuous improvement and refining the customer experience.
Inventory Management: Loyalty programs can help hotels manage their inventory more effectively. By offering exclusive deals and benefits to loyal customers, hotels can encourage bookings during low-demand periods, helping to optimize occupancy rates.
Partnerships and Alliances: Many hotel loyalty programs have partnerships with airlines, credit card companies, and other businesses. This can extend the reach of the loyalty program and offer customers even more ways to earn and redeem rewards.
Long-Term Growth: Customer loyalty programs are part of a hotel's long-term growth strategy. They are not just about immediate gains but building a sustainable customer base for the future.
However, it's essential to note that not all loyalty programs are equally effective. A poorly designed or executed program can be costly and ineffective. Success in the hotel industry often comes from creating a program that genuinely adds value to the customer's experience and builds a strong emotional connection to the brand.
Tripadvisor is a travel guidance platform that helps people plan and book their trips. It is the world's largest travel site, with over 350 million monthly users. Tripadvisor offers a variety of features, including:
Hotel reviews: Tripadvisor has over 800 million hotel reviews, making it the most comprehensive source of hotel reviews online.
Restaurant reviews: Tripadvisor also has over 600 million restaurant reviews, making it a great resource for finding great places to eat.
Attraction reviews: Tripadvisor also has reviews of attractions, such as museums, theme parks, and other tourist destinations.
Price comparison: Tripadvisor allows you to compare prices for hotels, flights, and other travel expenses.
Booking tools: Tripadvisor also offers booking tools for hotels, flights, and other travel expenses.
Tripadvisor works by crowdsourcing reviews and ratings from travelers. When you visit a Tripadvisor page for a hotel, restaurant, or attraction, you will see a list of reviews from other travelers. You can also see the average rating for the property, as well as the percentage of reviews that are positive.
Tripadvisor is a valuable resource for travelers who are planning their trips. It can help you find great places to stay, eat, and visit. It can also help you save money on your travel expenses.
Here are some of the ways that Tripadvisor works:
User-generated content: Tripadvisor relies on user-generated content to power its platform. This includes reviews, photos, and videos from travelers all over the world.
Machine learning: Tripadvisor uses machine learning to analyze user-generated content and provide travelers with personalized recommendations.
Data analytics: Tripadvisor uses data analytics to track trends in the travel industry and identify new opportunities for growth.
Tripadvisor is a constantly evolving platform, and the company is always looking for new ways to improve the user experience. If you have any feedback or suggestions, you can share them with Tripadvisor through its website or mobile app.
Five hotel trends to watch out for in 2023 and beyond
Julia Krebs, Rooms Division Lecturer, at Les Roches Marbella, tells us how the hospitality industry is going from traumatic to triumphant
In this article, Krebs outlines what the next 12 months have in store for the industry, how we can expect to see hotels adapt to stay competitive, and why it’s important to stay on top of the latest developments.
Changing workforce
Possibly the most significant development is the influx of younger people into the industry following the great exodus from hospitality during the pandemic.
Hotels are desperate for qualified people to work for them, which means there has probably never been a better time to enter the hotel industry. And the opportunities are there whether you have the experience or not. Many hotel groups are experiencing such acute labour shortages they are offering on-the-job development and expanding their management in training programs to include not only the traditional food and beverage or rooms division routes but also 360-degree operations as well.
We’re also seeing faster career progression than we had before due to skills gaps in key roles, so it’s going to be really interesting to see how that impacts the industry in the next 12 months and beyond. With more energetic, passionate, and enthusiastic people in higher positions, it’s unthinkable that will not have a significant effect on how hotels develop and the kind of services and technologies they embrace.
Technology trends
Another hangover from the pandemic – increased use of smart technology in hotels – is also set to be a theme throughout the industry in 2023. Where the Covid crisis necessarily saw new technologies such as a hotel app deployed for customers to check in and out, I think we will see that ‘smart hotel’ trend continue but with an increased emphasis on building human interactions back into the mix.
You just don’t get the same level of hospitality with a robot as you do with people, so hotels will increasingly be looking at ways in which they can combine the efficiency of technology with the personal touch. That will be even more of a factor given people are now spending a higher proportion of their income on their travels in the post-pandemic world.
Going green
Boosting efficiency isn’t all about saving money either. As the sector continues its post-pandemic recovery, so the spotlight has turned on the industry’s environmental impact and, as a result, sustainability will be a key trend in the next year and beyond.
Combatting climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today and is a top priority for the hotel industry. That’s why we’re seeing the entire industry adopting more environmentally-friendly approaches in almost every aspect of their operations and this is set to continue in 2023.
Whether it’s demanding more sustainable goods and services from supply chains, striving to reduce waste or designing energy-efficient buildings, hotels have embraced the challenge of reducing their carbon footprints and are aggressively pursuing a greener agenda.
The truth is sustainability is no longer something hoteliers can ignore. It’s increasingly a deciding factor in customers’ hotel choices and it’s important to the new generation of employees who will drive the industry in the future, so I’ve no doubt 2023 will see some big strides in this area.
Giving back to society
While tourism’s impact on the environment is rightly at the forefront of hoteliers’ minds, we are also increasingly seeing them consider how their operations affect the societies in which they have a presence too.
Mass tourism can have a devastating effect if it is not properly managed and hoteliers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential impact opening more and more hotels could have, so I think we will see a growth in the number of socially-conscious initiatives the travel industry develops in the next year and beyond.
In particular, giving back to local communities will be a recurring theme. We are already seeing more hoteliers making conscious efforts to source talent, goods, and services from the areas in which they operate, hiring from underrepresented groups when possible, and investing in their employees’ professional development. It doesn’t stop there.
Hotel companies are, in short, taking more responsibility for the development of tourism in their local communities and stepping up to the plate and I think this will be one of the key trends in the future.
Traveller preference trends
One of the more interesting key trends we have already seen have an impact on revenue management in the hotel industry – and one that’s set to continue for years to come – is the rise in segmentation of guests.
Things have come a long way since we asked whether the purpose of guest visits was business or pleasure. Hoteliers are now separating customer groups into many more categories and tailoring their offering according to the desired customer experience. For example, we have already seen more ‘pet-friendly’ hotels open in response to consumer demand, and niche offers of that type are likely to become more widespread.
Another driver of innovation in the industry – again influenced by the pandemic thanks to the technology behind remote working becoming more commonplace – is the burgeoning ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle. Older-style business lounge facilities are being updated and adapted to become co-working spaces for hotel guests. They provide the essential communications and IT infrastructure but also give guests the opportunity to network, taking away the sense of isolation many people experienced during the Covid years.
Catering for specific guest needs has already driven some of the larger hotel chains into diversifying their offer according to the experience clients are demanding and I think this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. And I’m not just talking about individual hotels – I can see the larger multinational groups creating entire sub-brands that are geared towards catering to a specific niche as they look to compete with boutique offerings in increasingly diverse target markets.
Covid recovery
As we have seen, the far-reaching effects of the pandemic are still having a significant impact on global hotel industry trends and the changes it brought about will define how hotels develop and thrive for years to come. Adapting to the ‘new normal’ is a common theme throughout the top trends in hotels for 2023 and this is evident not just in the way hoteliers have already tweaked their offer to suit changing traveller preferences but also in the very nature of hotel companies themselves, which have experienced an influx of young and passionate employees.
That workforce will be one of the factors driving the adoption of more socially conscious and environmentally sound initiatives and the technological solutions that can facilitate them. But unsurprisingly, it will be customer demand that shapes how hotels emerge from the pandemic and that underpins each of these hotel trends for 2023.
We are beginning to see the effects of what some in the industry have described as ‘pent-up demand’ unfold, with the result more customers are spending more on their travels. To ensure hoteliers benefit from this development, it’s critical they not only react to demand but also monitor and stay up to date with the latest and future trends. While they do not necessarily need to be first to market, early adoption or buy-in to certain trends can lead to significant business exposure, brand awareness, and customer loyalty.
There are several key trends driving the global beverage alcohol industry. However, please note that the industry is dynamic, and new trends may have emerged since then. Here are some significant trends that were shaping the industry at that time:
Premiumization: Consumers were increasingly willing to pay more for higher-quality and premium alcoholic beverages. This trend was driven by factors such as a growing middle class in emerging markets, increased disposable income, and changing consumer preferences toward craft and artisanal products.
Health and Wellness: The focus on health and wellness was influencing consumer choices in the beverage alcohol industry. There was a rise in demand for low-alcohol or alcohol-free options, as well as products with natural ingredients, organic certifications, and reduced sugar content.
Craft and Artisanal Products: Craft beer, craft spirits, and artisanal wines were gaining popularity worldwide. Consumers showed a strong interest in unique, locally produced, and small-batch alcoholic beverages that offered distinct flavors, stories, and experiences.
E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Sales: Online platforms were becoming increasingly important for the beverage alcohol industry. E-commerce allowed producers to reach a wider consumer base, particularly in regions with limited retail access. Additionally, the DTC model enabled producers to establish direct relationships with consumers and offer personalized experiences.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Consumers were placing greater importance on sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility. They sought out brands and products that demonstrated environmentally friendly production processes, fair trade practices, and community engagement.
Innovative Packaging and Branding: Unique packaging and branding played a significant role in attracting consumer attention. Companies were leveraging creative designs, storytelling, and interactive elements to differentiate their products and create memorable experiences for consumers.
Global Market Expansion: The beverage alcohol industry was experiencing growth in emerging markets, including regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. Rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing lifestyles in these regions were driving increased consumption and presenting new market opportunities.
It's important to stay updated with the latest industry reports and news to identify any new trends and shifts in consumer preferences in the global beverage alcohol industry.
World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is an international celebration of music that takes place on June 21st every year. It is a day dedicated to promoting the art of music and its cultural diversity worldwide. The history of World Music Day dates back to 1982 and has its origins in France.
The concept of World Music Day was introduced by the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, and the musician Joel Cohen, who worked for the French national radio station France Musique. They proposed the idea of a day-long celebration of music that would be free and open to the public, both amateurs and professionals, to showcase their musical talents in various public spaces.
On June 21, 1982, the first World Music Day was celebrated in France. The date was chosen to coincide with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. The idea behind this choice was to allow musicians to perform outdoors, taking advantage of the longer daylight hours.
The inaugural World Music Day in France was a great success, with musicians and bands of different genres performing in streets, parks, and public squares across the country. The event aimed to break down barriers between different musical styles and create a sense of unity through the power of music.
Word about the event spread quickly, and World Music Day started to gain recognition and popularity worldwide. Over the years, it has been embraced by musicians, music lovers, and cultural organizations in numerous countries, leading to its establishment as an international celebration of music.
The core principle of World Music Day is that all musicians, regardless of their background or skill level, are encouraged to participate. The event promotes the idea that music is a universal language that can bring people together, transcend boundaries, and foster harmony and understanding.
On World Music Day, concerts, music festivals, and street performances take place in various cities and towns worldwide. Musicians of all kinds, from amateurs to professionals, perform in public spaces, parks, streets, and even in unconventional locations, sharing their music with the public. The event encompasses a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, rock, pop, folk, traditional, and experimental music.
World Music Day has become an important annual event for music enthusiasts and a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent. It continues to celebrate the joy of music, the cultural richness it represents, and its ability to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures through the power of sound.
Father's Day is a holiday celebrated to honor fathers and father figures for their contributions to their families and society. The exact origin of Father's Day is a subject of some debate, as there are various theories and historical events associated with its beginnings.
One widely accepted origin of Father's Day can be traced back to the United States in the early 20th century. The credit for establishing Father's Day as a national holiday is often given to Sonora Smart Dodd, a woman from Spokane, Washington. In 1909, she proposed the idea of a day to celebrate fathers to a local church after hearing a Mother's Day sermon. She wanted to honor her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children by himself.
The idea gained traction, and the first official Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane on June 19, 1910. However, it wasn't immediately recognized as a national holiday. Over the years, the celebration spread to other parts of the country, but it faced initial resistance and struggled to gain widespread popularity.
In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Then, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law, officially establishing Father's Day as a national holiday in the United States.
It's worth noting that there are earlier examples of celebrations honoring fathers in different cultures. For example, in ancient Rome, there was a festival called "Festival of Parentalia" that honored fathers and ancestors. In Catholic Europe, there was a tradition of celebrating Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, on March 19th. These historical celebrations might have influenced the concept of Father's Day in some way.
Today, Father's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, typically on different dates, but with a similar purpose of expressing gratitude and love towards fathers and father figures.
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), the global leader in digital payments, and EY, the leading professional services organization, have launched a comprehensive report titled ‘Charting the Course for India – Tourism Megatrends Unpacked’.
The report reveals that India’s tourism industry is on track to reach US$1 trillion by 2047, with data-led tourism set to be a key driver of growth. It takes a long-term view of India’s tourism industry, beyond the pandemic’s impact, and identifies the megatrends expected to shape the sector over the next decade.
The report was unveiled in the presence of Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, and former CEO, NITI Aayog, and Alfred F Kelly Jr, Executive Chairman, Visa, at the ASSOCHAM India Tourism Conference in New Delhi.
The report identifies Sustainability, Enabling Technologies, and Evolving Tourist Preferences as the main disruptive forces driving tourism. Sustainable tourism experiences and offerings are in high demand worldwide, and this trend is likely to continue in the future.
At present, the global sustainable tourism market is valued at US$180 billion. In India, this is valued between US$26 million- US$2.5 billion and is expected to grow at 15% CAGR. Another key trend identified is evolving tourist preferences, driven by the presence of Gen Z, which constitutes 24% of the global population and 27% of this is in India.
The report offers detailed insights into the segments that will play a critical role in driving tourism industry growth and the Indian economy at large.·
Spiritual tourism will play a key role since 60% of domestic tourism in India is spiritual in nature, and 30.5 million international travellers are expected to visit India by 2028 for this purpose.·
Medical and wellness tourism will witness growth with a potential for 24 million jobs to be created by 2032. In 2021, 21% of international travellers sought medical treatment in India .·
Adventure and sports tourism has the potential to create 6 million jobs by 2032. Globally, an average adventure tourist spends US$2,900 per trip.·
Business travellers and MICE – India’s share in the global MICE market will more than double from 2019 to 2025. In 2021, 12.1% of foreign tourists visited India for business purposes.·
Travel mobility – Airports in India will increase to 220 by 2025 with US$1.5 trillion worth of investments through the National Infrastructure Pipeline Scheme (2020-25).
Nirav Akshay Oza, CEO, Efcee Hotels - A Leela Worldwide Venture, speaks about how the Indian luxury hotel industry is striving for continued growth and innovation through AI and technology
Here are some ways AI is transforming customer experience in the hotel industry:
● Personalized recommendation’s
AI-powered algorithms analyze guest data to offer personalized recommendations, such as room preferences and dining suggestions. As personalization becomes increasingly important to customers, hotels that provide tailored experiences can improve customer satisfaction. A recent report revealed that 60% of customers expect personalized experiences from hotels, and 50% are more likely to return to hotels offering such experiences.
● Streamlined check-in processes
Facial recognition and chatbot technologies can significantly reduce check-in times for guests. For instance, a Chinese hotel has implemented facial recognition technology to expedite the check-in process. A study by Oracle Hospitality found that 89% of hotel guests would prefer using their smartphones to hasten the check-in process, and 64% would opt for facial recognition technology for identification purposes.
● Predictive maintenance
AI-powered predictive maintenance helps hotels detect potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This technology enables hotels to identify malfunctioning equipment before it breaks down, reduce downtime, and minimize repair costs. According to a recent report, predictive maintenance can decrease maintenance costs by up to 30% and reduce downtime by up to 45%
● Chatbots for customer service
Chatbots have gained popularity in the hotel industry, providing 24/7 customer service and assisting guests with queries and complaints. Additionally, chatbots offer recommendations and personalized promotions. A recent survey found that 73% of customers prefer using chatbots for customer service, and 55% would be willing to book a hotel room through a chatbot.
● Voice assistants in hotel rooms
Voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home are increasingly being integrated into hotel rooms. Guests can use voice commands to control room temperature, lights, and even order room service. A recent report indicated that 73% of hotel guests would like to use voice assistants in their rooms, and 63% would be more likely to book a hotel room equipped with voice assistants.
● AI-powered pricing strategies
AI-powered pricing strategies help hotels optimize room rates and maximize revenue by analyzing market trends, demand, and other factors. Additionally, these strategies enable hotels to adjust room rates in real time. A recent report found that AI-powered pricing strategies can increase revenue by up to 15% and reduce the time spent on pricing by up to 90%.
