Change is a constant in the universe and in many ways, it can be the antithesis of the “status-quo” and “Business As Usual”. In today’s world, change occurs at a seemingly ever-increasing rate.
XoMoX has been consulting clients on a number of emerging future realities. We often utilize and illustrate trends such as “Localization”, “Authentic Experiences” and “Multi-Purpose Spaces”. So, we decided to create a list of Focal Points that decision makers in the hospitality, F&B and travel and tourism industries might want to keep in mind for the foreseeable future. Here they are…
Experience & Integrity:
Guests are looking for something different from the “cookie cutter” approach. It is essential to give them an experience they will remember fondly, and this is more important than getting obsessed with design details.
Members / Clubs:
Look out for a proliferation of members’ clubs incorporated in to boutique hotels and F&B establishments, particularly in key urban markets such as London and New York.
Caring For the Environment:
There is a small but growing band of environmentally customers who are increasingly concerned with their carbon footprint. Businesses can cater to them in a variety of ways — from serving locally sourced, seasonal food to allowing guests to control their energy usage. It is also important not to force the green agenda down people’s throats.
Boutique Goes Budget:
Until now boutique hotels have been operating at the upper end of the price scale, but there is huge scope for budget hotels to offer a more distinctive, less homogenised experience.
In-Room Technology:
It’s important for establishments to offer technology that is at least as good as the guest would expect to have in their home, but it must be user friendly and practical. The technology must also sit comfortably if installed in heritage buildings, and not jar with its surroundings.
Authenticity:
Boutique hotels and non-chain restaurants are particularly suited to conversions of historic or interesting buildings. By doing this with sensitivity to the materials used and the original structure, they can be among the most sustainable and authentic hotels in terms of the built environment.
Variety:
Boutique hotels can capitalise on their flexibility and independence by providing individually designed guestrooms rather than standardised offers.
Location, NOT Brand:
Guests are looking to interact with the hotel / venue itself, and the passionate people who drive it and provide great service, not a company or an international brand.
Boutique B&B:
There’s a significant move towards offering B&B in distinctive, design-led properties with a range of added service and experiences available, such as visiting chefs, wine tastings, etc.
Lifestyle Hotels:
While the multinationals will struggle to replicate the true boutique experience, they will increasingly focus on the lifestyle model of 100 to 200 room hotels, using their economies of scale and management experience.
