Podcast - April Hospitality Review: Challenges in Service & Delivery, IHTF 2024 and Booking.com's Cancelled Sustainability Programme

Navigating the Future of Hospitality: Insights from Industry Leaders

In our April 2024 edition, we had the pleasure of hosting a panel of experts who shared their invaluable insights on the pressing issues facing our industry today. From sustainability to marketing strategies and the digital transformation of hotels, we covered it all. Let's dive into the key takeaways from this enlightening discussion.

Embracing Sustainability: More Than Just a Buzzword

Sustainability is no longer a concept; it's a critical component of modern hospitality. Jonny Siberry from Sarova Hotel Group shed light on their "green key" initiative, which is revolutionizing their operations to meet sustainability goals. But it's not just about the environment; it's also about the bottom line. Daniel Simmons, CCO of HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts, highlighted how sustainability certifications can lead to better rates and a larger market share, particularly from eco-conscious corporate clients.

Thibault Catala, CEO of Catala Consulting, pointed out the direct impact of sustainability accreditation on pricing and guest decision-making. In today's market, guests are more informed and selective, often choosing accommodations that align with their values. This is where the marketing prowess of online travel agents can be turned to a hotel's advantage, leveraging their reach to highlight sustainable practices and attract a broader audience.

The Online Travel Agent Conundrum: Competing with Giants

The marketing muscle of online travel agents (OTAs) like Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb, and Trip.com is formidable. Our panel discussed the challenges hoteliers face in competing with these global entities. The key is to optimize our own marketing channels while also making the most of our presence on meta search platforms. The acquisition of CW by Amex GBT was also a hot topic, as it has significant implications for corporate and business travel.

Service & Delivery: Rebranding Hospitality

Harpreet Singh Saluja from AG Hotels shared his experience of the ongoing evolution of hospitality service and delivery among changing expectations and staff recruitment. Looking at some of the key aspects to retain talent and find the right skills.

We explored the evolving guest expectations and the necessity for rebranding the hospitality sector. Our goal is to promote it as a rewarding career choice, attracting fresh talent and retaining seasoned professionals. Leadership, training, and development programs are crucial in addressing these challenges, ensuring that our workforce is equipped to deliver exceptional service.

The Digital Leap: Technology Transforming Hotels

At IHTF, of which we at Travel Market Life are media partners, we’ll hear from some of the sponsors including Carlos Calvo of Proposales, Carsten Wernet of SIHOT, and Philip von Ditfurth from Apaleo, emphasizing the efficiency gains from new tools. They also stressed the importance of industry events like the International Hotel Technology Forum (IHTF) for networking and learning from peers.

Listen to the podcast here.

About Haynes MarComs

Haynes MarComs supports businesses with strategic brand marcomms and digital and PR campaigns by taking an holistic approach to sales, marketing and customer delivery. Our aim is to make your business more efficient and productive in your go-to-market strategy to secure the confidence from the market that drives lead generation to meet your commercial goals.