What are the most recent trends in the hospitality sector? The hospitality business has undergone change as a result of events during the past several years. Many firms failed, while others quickly adjusted and persevered. Some emerged from the subsequent turbulence with creative innovations catered to our new norm. Technology has been developing at a quick speed, and in 2023 the hospitality sector will be using technology in many novel and exciting ways.
Consumer trends suggest that travel will once again be a top priority for 2023, but will limited household finances once again compel people to postpone their holidays, meals, and leisure activities? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: hospitality businesses must be vigilant about the most recent advancements in the industry if they want to save costs, increase revenues, and prosper in 2023 and beyond.
So what fresh fashions are appearing? New standards for hospitality businesses have been set by rising consumer awareness of everything sustainable, meaningful, and health and well-being related.
Top 10 trends influencing the hotel and tourism sector in 2023
1. Bleisure travelers & hotel work spaces
Bleisure travelers are people who combine business and leisure travel, often taking advantage of work-related trips to explore new destinations and enjoy leisure activities. Hotel workspaces are areas within a hotel where guests can work, often equipped with amenities such as desks, chairs, and Wi-Fi.
For bleisure travelers, hotel workspaces can be a valuable amenity. Many people who travel for work need to stay connected and get work done during their trip, but they may also want to relax and enjoy the local culture. Having a workspace in the hotel can allow them to easily balance work and leisure activities, without having to spend time searching for a suitable work environment.
Hotels that offer well-equipped workspaces can attract bleisure travelers who prioritize productivity and convenience during their trip. These spaces can also serve as a way for hotels to differentiate themselves from their competitors and offer a unique experience to guests. Overall, hotel workspaces and related amenities are becoming increasingly important for bleisure travelers, who want to make the most of their business trips while still enjoying the benefits of leisure travel.
2. Holistic hospitality, health & well-being
Holistic hospitality refers to an approach in the hospitality industry that focuses on promoting health and well-being for guests, employees, and the environment. This approach involves creating a guest experience that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of guests. Health and well-being have become increasingly important for travelers, and hotels are responding by offering a range of wellness amenities and programs. These may include fitness centers, spas, healthy dining options, and activities such as yoga and meditation.
In addition to offering wellness amenities, holistic hospitality involves creating a healthy and sustainable environment for guests and employees. This can include practices such as using eco-friendly cleaning products, reducing waste, and promoting energy efficiency. By prioritizing health and well-being, hotels can not only attract wellness-oriented travelers but also promote a positive work environment for employees. When employees are encouraged to take care of their own health and well-being, they are more likely to provide a positive guest experience.
Overall, the concept of holistic hospitality recognizes that travel can be stressful and disruptive to health and well-being. By offering amenities and programs that support guests' physical and emotional health, hotels can differentiate themselves and create a more satisfying guest experience.
3. Digitalized guest experiences
Digitalized guest experiences in hotels refer to the use of digital technology to enhance the guest experience, streamline processes, and increase efficiency. The use of digital technology in hotels is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows guests to have a more personalized and seamless experience.
Some examples of digitalized guest experiences in hotels include:
Online booking: Guests can book rooms online, choose their preferred room type, and add on additional services such as spa treatments and dining reservations.
Mobile check-in: Guests can check-in to their room using their mobile device, bypassing the front desk and saving time.
Digital room keys: Guests can use their mobile device as a digital key to access their room, eliminating the need for a physical key card.
In-room technology: Guests can control the temperature, lighting, and entertainment in their room using a tablet or mobile device.
Mobile concierge services: Guests can use their mobile device to request services such as room service, housekeeping, and transportation.
Digital guest feedback: Guests can provide feedback on their experience using digital surveys, allowing hotels to quickly address any issues and improve the guest experience.
Overall, digitalized guest experiences in hotels provide guests with more convenience and control over their experience, while also helping hotels to streamline processes and increase efficiency. As technology continues to evolve, hotels are likely to adopt even more advanced digital solutions to enhance the guest experience.
4. Hyper-Personalization
Hyper-personalization for hotel guests refers to the use of data and technology to create highly tailored and personalized experiences for each individual guest. This approach to guest service goes beyond traditional personalization efforts and takes into account guests' preferences, behaviors, and needs to create a unique experience for each individual.
Some examples of hyper-personalization for hotel guests include:
Personalized room preferences: Guests can choose specific room amenities, such as pillow type, room temperature, and lighting, that are customized to their individual preferences.
Personalized dining experiences: Restaurants can tailor menus and dining experiences based on guests' dietary restrictions, preferences, and past dining history.
Personalized recommendations: Hotels can provide personalized recommendations for local activities and experiences based on guests' past activities and preferences.
Personalized communication: Hotels can use guest data to communicate with guests in a personalized and targeted way, such as sending targeted promotions and offers based on guests' past behavior.
Personalized loyalty rewards: Loyalty programs can offer personalized rewards and incentives based on guests' past behavior and preferences.
Hyper-personalization can provide hotels with a competitive advantage by creating a unique and tailored guest experience. It can also improve guest satisfaction and loyalty by showing guests that their individual preferences and needs are valued and prioritized. However, it's important to ensure that guest data is used responsibly and transparently to avoid any privacy concerns.
5. Experience economy & essentialism
The experience economy is a concept that describes the shift from selling goods and services to selling experiences. This concept recognizes that consumers are looking for unique and memorable experiences that are meaningful and provide a sense of fulfillment. Essentialism, on the other hand, is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of simplifying one's life by focusing on the things that are essential and of greatest value.
In the context of the hospitality industry, essentialism and the experience economy are not mutually exclusive but can actually complement each other. By focusing on creating meaningful and impactful experiences that are tailored to guests' needs and desires, hotels can provide guests with the sense of fulfillment and connection that essentialism advocates for.
For example, a hotel that focuses on providing guests with authentic and immersive experiences, such as local cultural tours or cooking classes, can help guests feel more connected to the destination and create a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By providing experiences that are essential to guests' well-being and values, hotels can differentiate themselves from their competitors and create a loyal customer base.
In addition, hotels can also incorporate essentialism into their own operations by streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary waste and complexity. By simplifying operations and focusing on the essentials, hotels can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and create a more sustainable business model. Overall, the experience economy and essentialism can work together to create a more meaningful and impactful guest experience while also promoting sustainability and efficiency in hotel operations.
6. Hotel asset management strategy
A good hotel asset management strategy is essential for maximizing the financial performance and value of a hotel property. Hotel asset management refers to the process of optimizing the performance of a hotel property by maximizing revenue, minimizing costs, and increasing the property's overall value.
A complete hotel asset management strategy is essential for maximizing the financial performance and value of a hotel property. By focusing on revenue optimization, cost control, guest experience, asset value, and profitability, asset managers can help hotel owners and investors achieve their financial goals and create a sustainable and successful hotel property.
7. Local food & culture
Incorporating local food and culture into hotels is a trend that has become increasingly popular in recent years. By showcasing local cuisine and culture, hotels can create a more authentic and immersive guest experience, while also supporting local businesses and communities.
There are several ways that hotels can incorporate local food and culture into their offerings, such as- local food and beverage menus, cultural experiences and local partnerships.
By incorporating local food and culture into their offerings, hotels can differentiate themselves from their competitors and create a more memorable and impactful guest experience. In addition, by supporting local businesses and communities, hotels can also contribute to the economic development and sustainability of the destination.
8. Renewable energy
Renewable energy in hotels is a growing trend that is becoming increasingly popular due to the increasing awareness of the impact of carbon emissions on the environment. By implementing renewable energy technologies, hotels can reduce their carbon footprint, save on energy costs, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Some of the common renewable energy technologies that hotels can implement include solar power, wind power, geothermal energy, biomass energy and more.
Implementing renewable energy technologies in hotels requires an upfront investment, but can provide significant long-term benefits, such as reduced energy costs and improved sustainability. In addition, guests are increasingly interested in environmentally friendly accommodations, and hotels that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability may have a competitive advantage over those that do not.
Hotels can also take other steps to reduce their energy consumption, such as implementing energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and appliances, and incorporating green building practices in their construction and operations.
Overall, renewable energy in hotels is an important trend that can help hotels reduce their carbon footprint, save on energy costs, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. By taking steps to reduce energy consumption and incorporate renewable energy technologies, hotels can create a more environmentally friendly and sustainable business model.
9. Virtual & augmented reality
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies are becoming increasingly popular in hotels as a way to enhance the guest experience and differentiate themselves from their competitors. These technologies can be used in various ways to create immersive experiences and engage guests.
Some of the ways that hotels are incorporating VR/AR technologies into their offerings include virtual tours, virtual reality games, augmented reality concierge, virtual reality training, virtual meetings and events
By incorporating VR/AR technologies into their offerings, hotels can create a more engaging and immersive guest experience, and differentiate themselves from their competitors. These technologies can also provide operational benefits, such as improving staff training and offering new revenue streams through virtual events and experiences.
However, implementing VR/AR technologies in hotels requires significant investment and expertise, and may not be feasible for all hotels. Additionally, some guests may not be interested in or comfortable with using these technologies, and hotels must ensure that they are not replacing human interaction and hospitality with technology.
10. Minimalist Approach
A minimalist approach in hotels refers to the design and operation of a hotel that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and a lack of clutter. This approach focuses on providing guests with a clean, streamlined, and efficient experience, without the unnecessary extras that can add to the cost of a stay.
Simple and functional room design with minimal décor and furnishings
Efficient use of space with built-in storage and multi-purpose furniture
High-quality, sustainable materials and finishes
Emphasis on technology and automation for guest convenience
Streamlined check-in and check-out processes
Limited food and beverage options, with an emphasis on quality over quantity
Sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting and water-saving measures.
The minimalist approach in hotels is becoming increasingly popular as travelers seek out more sustainable, affordable, and efficient accommodations. It can also appeal to those who prefer a less cluttered and more relaxing environment, and to business travelers who value convenience and functionality above all else.
Comments