The hospitality industry is revitalizing, and the development of new business models is attracting travelers. Updating operations to monetize or otherwise streamline every aspect of a customer experience is becoming more affordable through innovation. New trends in technology and social structures are influencing hoteliers and leisure management to invest in approaches that serve customers and businesses.
Trends in Hospitality Business Development
These are some emerging opportunities for specializing in new aspects of hospitality operations, according to Peter Bowen, renowned hospitality and housing advocate who innovates large-scale organizations from hotel chains to cities.
Sustainability
Protecting the environment is vital. Suppliers continue to adopt more efficient renewable materials and processes, but they can still be expensive at scale. There is an ethical imperative to consider. Environmentally safe options are appealing to some travelers, but by large, they are not their consideration. Peter shared that, although data has shown guests do not often book based upon these factors, some of these options still offer cost savings to the hotel.
Digital Technology
Hotels have begun to embrace digitalized authentication such as QR codes and check-in software such as Mobile Key over the last decade. Digitalized guest experiences allow for opportunities to promote amenities, on-site services, and sister businesses in the community. The investment in contactless payments, biometrics, voice control, and their subsequent savings in labor costs means that the upgrades pay for themselves quickly.
Remote Workers
Remote work is a new way of life. Big tech companies and local office spaces alike employ hybrid workers and digital nomads. The rise of the “bleisure traveler” lifestyle means an opportunity for hospitality venues to serve as offices. Peter believes that, with some more data and time, stronger forecasting in quality revenue management strategies will find ways to generate profitable development of such new, flexible workspaces.
Asset Management
The division between the real-estate assets and the management of operations allows hospitality companies to perform efficiently. Asset managers work to resolve potential complex agency problems. Large companies need skilled asset managers to correct the misalignment of incentives to the management companies when they take their percentage of revenues. Updated asset management strategy and budgeting will prevent these losses.
Customization
Many organizations are using social media management platforms to target customer communications. Millennials and Gen Z now value privacy and control of their data more than signing up for another unique service with another set of emails and notifications. Open-source apps and standards are one solution. Software designed to combine with others for the best user experience will also generate the most business. CRM and CEM software can use data to offer personalization without intrusion. Hotel operations can use integrated middleware to connect customer profiling and analytics with revenue and marketing strategies.
Medical Tourism
The development of holistic hospitality has been thriving, especially in Latin America and countries with alternative and progressive treatment modalities. Destinations, cities, and even some local economies can brand their experience to receive world travelers for health and well-being. Peter Bowen sees a future in partnering with sister health services, offering in-house treatments, specialists, spas, exercise, wellness facilities, and personalized meal options.