Like many service-oriented sectors, the hospitality industry is under constant pressure to reinvent itself in response to consumers’ needs. Midway through 2015, many trends have become obvious even to casual observers, although other, more subtle changes are also underway. One of the easier shifts to spot is an increasing focus on health and wellness. Many hotels have begun to distinguish themselves through excellent gyms or exercise programs, such as RunWESTIN, which leads guests on guided runs through destination cities, or Kimpton’s emphasis on health via its in-room yoga mats. Other changes are more modest. Many hotels, for example, are responding to guests’ desires for greater comfort for their furry friends with amenities like complimentary welcome packages or room service options for pets.
One of the biggest trends hospitality industry experts have noted is the emphasis on mobile technology and bookings. While hotels have long tried to reach guests with the latest technology, yesterday’s in-room flat screens have given way to complimentary iPads or smartphone apps. Given that some 75 percent of travelers in the United States own smartphones, mobile booking applications have become especially important, especially as last-minute booking becomes a more popular option for deal-hungry travelers. These changes are frequently being driven by the increasing number of millennial travelers, the fastest-growing demographic segment. Many of them are motivated by novel experiences, in addition to the typical consumer’s focus on reliability and quality.
One of the biggest trends hospitality industry experts have noted is the emphasis on mobile technology and bookings. While hotels have long tried to reach guests with the latest technology, yesterday’s in-room flat screens have given way to complimentary iPads or smartphone apps. Given that some 75 percent of travelers in the United States own smartphones, mobile booking applications have become especially important, especially as last-minute booking becomes a more popular option for deal-hungry travelers. These changes are frequently being driven by the increasing number of millennial travelers, the fastest-growing demographic segment. Many of them are motivated by novel experiences, in addition to the typical consumer’s focus on reliability and quality.