What are the top hospitality trends that are shaping 2023 so far?
The hospitality industry, like many others, has undergone huge changes in recent times, driven by shifting consumer behaviors after the global pandemic and emerging technologies.
From the fusion of work and leisure to sustainable practices, here are some of the top hospitality trends that are taking center stage.
Hotel Technology
The pandemic has propelled technology into the forefront of guest experiences. But this isn’t just a phase; it’s a transformation that’s here to stay.
From contactless check-ins to AI-powered personalized service, technology is redefining how guests interact with hotels. Smart devices in rooms, voice-controlled lighting, and intuitive apps are set to elevate convenience and personalization to new heights.
What Hotels Can Do:
- Implement mobile check in options and keyless entry systems to enhance convenience and reduce waiting times.
- Enable contactless payment methods to provide a secure and hassle-free payment experience for guests.
- Integrate smart technologies which allow guests to control lighting, temperature and other room features using voice commands or a mobile app.
- Utilize guest data to provide personalized experiences such as customized welcome messages, room preferences and customized offers.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements by consistently upgrading and integrating new technologies into your hotel operations.
Top Hospitality Trends: Sustainability
Sustainability has shifted from being a trend to a core value that defines hospitality in 2023. It was one of the big travel keywords emerging during the Global pandemic as pent-up travelers searched online and dreamed and fantasized about where they would go once they could travel again.
Hotels are embracing eco-friendly practices, from minimizing their carbon footprint to developing waste-reduction strategies. Using biodegradable materials, implementing energy-efficient solutions, and harnessing renewable energy sources are becoming the norm, making each stay a responsible choice that resonates with guests’ values.
What Hotels Can Do:
- Invest in energy-efficient lighting, systems and appliances to reduce energy consumption and lower operational costs.
- Establish a recycling and waste-management program, and educate staff and guests about proper waste disposal practices.
- Phase out single-use plastics by providing reusable alternatives for items like water bottles, straws and toiletries.
- Consider offering OJT and employment opportunities to people in the local community, particularly indigenous people, young people who haven’t had the privilege to attend college, and people with disabilities.
- Partner with local businesses offering sustainable products and services
Some eco-friendly hotels in the country that are doing extremely well in terms of sustainability are Atmosphere Resort and Spa in Negros Oriental, Eco Hotel in Tagaytay, Nature’s Village Resort in Bacolod, El Nido Resorts in Palawan and Bohol Bee Farm Resort.
Need guidance on drawing up a Sustainability Plan for your business? Check out our comprehensive Sustainability Workbook.
Part 1 offers steps and ideas for assessing how well you are achieving sustainability goals. Part 2 expands on this and delivers ideas for communicating your achievements to staff, guests, stakeholders and the community.
Cater to Nomadic or Remote-Working Travelers
The boundaries between business and leisure have become blurred like never before.
During the pandemic many businesses introduced flexible work policies which allowed employees to work from home. Post pandemic pressures from employees has seen many businesses continuing to employ these policies.
With remote work becoming the norm, many travelers are extending the normal length of stay for vacations, combining their holiday and work time. Others are taking the flexibility as an opportunity to live and work in other countries for a period of time.
Savvy hotels are transforming their hotel and guest rooms to accommodate this new BLeisure traveler. Offering remote working hubs and amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspaces in their rooms, and stylish meeting rooms.
Accor, an international hotel chain, has recently launched Wojo, an innovative venture to incorporate flexible office spaces and work environments right within the hotel premises.
This trend not only caters to a new wave of travelers but also redefines the hospitality experience by providing a seamless blend of productivity and relaxation.
What Hotels Can Do to appeal to this new type of traveler?
- Ensure you have a reliable, high-speed internet connection throughout, including in guest rooms and common areas.
- Design guest rooms to include ergonomic workspaces with comfortable chairs and spacious desks to create a conducive work environment.
- Equip rooms and public spaces with ample power outlets and USB ports.
- Consider improving the soundproofing in guest rooms, to minimize noise and distractions from neighboring guests.
Top Hospitality Trends: Personalization
Guests are no longer content with cookie-cutter experiences. They are seeking personalized service that cater to their unique preferences and needs.
People searching online for travel and hotels are the least likely to block cookies, use AdBlockers or go incognito. They want a personalized service even at the point of searching and booking their holiday.
This is where technology once again plays an important role. With the power of CRM systems and data analysis, hotels are curating experiences that go above and beyond.
From customized room amenities to personalized dining experiences, this hospitality trend is transforming guests into loyal advocates, each journey etched with a touch of exclusivity.
What Hotels Can Do:
- Collect and store guest preferences, special occasions, and past interactions to create comprehensive guest profiles for tailored experiences.
- Send pre-arrival surveys to understand guest preferences for room settings, amenities, and special occasions they might be celebrating.
- Offer a selection of room amenities that guests can choose from before arrival, such as pillow options, room fragrances, or welcome snacks.
- Capture dietary restrictions and preferences to provide customized dining recommendations and in-room dining experiences.
- Analyze guest feedback and reviews to identify trends and areas for improvement in personalization efforts.
- Regularly update guest profiles and preferences as their preferences may evolve over time.
Health and Wellness
The pandemic brought health and wellness into the forefront of everyone’s mind, sparking a transformation in how hotels approach guests’ well-being.
In 2023, hotels are becoming sanctuaries for rejuvenation, offering yoga classes, meditation sessions, and healthy dining options.
Guest safety remains a priority for travelers, who expect hotels to implement stringent cleaning protocols and contactless experiences.
What Hotels Can Do:
- Design wellness-focused amenities, such as yoga mats, resistance bands, and guided meditation resources, available in guest rooms.
- Equip fitness centers with a variety of exercise equipment, and offer fitness classes or personal training sessions for guests.
- Organize on-site wellness activities like yoga classes, meditation sessions, and nature walks to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Revisit menus and revamp them to include healthy and nutritious dining choices, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Create wellness-focused packages that include spa treatments, fitness classes, and healthy meals to provide a holistic experience.
- Implement and communicate hygiene protocols, such as regular disinfection, mask requirements, and social distancing measures.
- Offer contactless check-in, mobile room keys, and digital menus to minimize physical interactions between staff and guests.
These hospitality trends collectively shape an evolving landscape for industry in 2023 and beyond. Prompting establishments to adapt and innovate to meet the changing demands of guests.
From finding the harmony between work and leisure to embracing technology’s embrace, advocating sustainability, customizing experiences, and putting health and wellness at the forefront, the hospitality industry is not just keeping pace with change – it’s setting the standard for guest-centric excellence.
One thing is clear: successful hotels are those that not only recognize these hospitality trends but embrace them wholeheartedly.
By doing so, they are not only providing unforgettable experiences but are also contributing positively to the well-being of their guests and the planet.
The future of hospitality is bright, dynamic, and brimming with possibilities, all centered around making every guest’s stay exceptional, meaningful, and truly remarkable.
