Just like any other sector, the hospitality industry has its own challenges. However, people set a higher standard when it comes to its various facets, that a single poor performance can have drastic results on a business. Stressful much? Yes. Avoidable? ABSOLUTELY! Hang on as we go through the different challenges and opportunities the hospitality industry faces.
Retaining new staff
Finding deserving employees is one of the most essential difficulties because they usually are the face of a company. However, there sometimes might be a qualification and skills gap in the business as many staff working in it have only a high school diploma or are education-house graduates with very little to no experience. What to do about it? Simply, providing constant training and creating an environment of belonging and shared values to instil a sense of responsibility within.
Ever-evolving trends
In an era where tech development has become a daily norm, experts in the industry often find difficulties keeping up with the latest trends. With higher customer expectations regarding digitised services, increased and longer stays, sustainability, the provision of local experiences, and much more, hoteliers have a responsibility of fulfilling these new criteria. Engaging customers on social media and other online platforms works wonders and yields results earlier than expected; therefore, using consistent, patient, and efficient digital marketing techniques is a powerful answer to such a problem.
Increased competition
With a tremendous increase in the number of competitive offers, guests now have countless options to choose from and are not bound to a particular brand. Alternatives are everywhere. In case they don’t immediately connect with a brand, they are most likely to look for another competition that fulfils their needs better. As its name indicates, a loyalty program is one of the most affordable strategies for a solid loyal customer base. Who doesn’t like extra facilities, reward points, and discounts? They are mainly used for retargeting purposes or to motivate new customers to keep coming back for more.
Online reputation
Having a look at star ratings, reviews, and feedback has become a crucial step before a customer decides to further learn about a business or search for another. No one would trust a hotel rated two stars by visitors. That’s why it is always important to trace customers’ feedback online and communicate with them to make them feel heard.
Sustainability
Due to people’s increased interest in and concern for the environment, sustainability is now propelled to the top of every business’s agenda. For a long time, industry experts allocated a significant portion of their ongoing cost to energy and electricity bills. As for now, they are adopting new AI technologies, limiting food and general waste, as well as water consumption and the use of unrecyclable materials. Luckily for hoteliers, customers, and the environment, this is not the case anymore. By going green, businesses are not only saving the environment but also lowering their spending and gaining people’s trust; thus, making much more profits and returns.