The Hotel and Restaurant Sector has been experiencing tremendous growth in Asia over the past decade. As countries continue to grow, tourism is also growing. This trend can be attributed to the increase in middle class incomes.
Travelers are looking for unique, creative and innovative experiences. Luxury accommodation appeals to affluent travelers who want over-the-top experiences. Hotels need to cater to their needs by offering more vegetarian options on their menus, using alternative methods for cleaning their facilities, and offering eco-friendly products.
Asian hotel groups are gaining global visibility. Many are developing new concepts that blend aspects of vacation rentals and hotels. A few are even launching co-working spaces.
Sustainability will play a greater role in hotel operations in the future. Hotels can take steps to conserve energy by installing solar panels, using motion sensors to reduce water consumption, and replacing plastic with environmentally-friendly alternatives. In addition, guests are looking for hotels that provide healthier, organic, local food.
In order to cater to these demands, hotels need to understand the trends that will impact their business. These include changing consumer behaviour, technological advances, and societal changes. Some of these trends can be incremental, while others will reshape the industry. Understanding which trends will affect your business can help you make smart business decisions.
Among the most important trends affecting the hospitality industry today is the rise of the “Generation Z” workforce. Young, millennial travelers are looking for fun, creative, and experiential stays. There is a strong focus on “gig” work, or off-property employment. With the rise of technology, hotel staff can connect with each other, collaborate on projects, and communicate real-time.
Asian brands are also integrating more international service into their guest experiences. For instance, Shangri-La recently launched an app that allows guests to explore their properties’ video tours and receive instant feedback. Guests can also earn loyalty points when they book through the brand’s Golden Circle program.
Technology will have a larger role in hotel operations in the next decade. Hotels can implement new technologies to help reduce costs, streamline their processes, and improve efficiency. By incorporating virtual meetings, remote work, and real-time communication tools, hotels can better manage their operations.
Social media is also a key driver of hotel trends. Hotels need to be aware of the way their guests use social media and how this can impact their bookings and overall brand image. To engage with these travelers, hotels can offer free WiFi at all their properties, send helpful pre-arrival emails, and promote their properties through social media.
Staying true to the values of the hotel brand is a top priority for Asian hotel groups. They must find ways to engage their target consumers and infuse iconic Asian heritage into their brand. However, this isn’t enough. It is also critical to ensure that guests are satisfied on their first visit to a particular property.
Another major trend in the hospitality industry is the increase in vegan and meatless options. Most guests are looking for healthy, organic, and locally-sourced food. While hotels can’t replace the benefits of traditional, processed meals, they can create an authentic dining experience.
