Cordiality Net - Industry News - What Was The Year That Is? By J. Ragsdale Hendrie
They analyse tirelessly; they assess vigorously. They note laboriously the trends, the title-holder and the losers. But, the big Hospitality secret is nothing really changed and has not changed dramatically since HO JO"s and Holiday Hotel restaurant represented the Hospitality landscape.
Everything is still homogenized, service is still faulty and uneven, the output undergoes mutations and even "wars", but much is mediocre. And, sadly, the poor Consumer sucks it up, satisfied to have a bed, a warmish meal and perhaps a blink from the Front Desk. Who is kidding whom.
We corner made very little progress, and bazaar events are further constricting our opportunity to excel as an Industry, something we are loathe to undertake. This is not a total denunciation of the industry, for many companies have made great strides in their march to Extraordinary Hospitality. However, the majority have perpetuated the status quo, neither embracing the realities nor the actions to advantage change.
We use our publicists and trade organizations to herald our advancements, but they pale in contrast to what needs to be "right-sized". Other industries, such as automotive and technology, have undergone vast transitions to produce themselves more innovative, competitive and Consumer aware.
We accept 100% turnover, close our eyes to Immigration matters, ever dependent upon a disenfranchised assistance pool, which will invite unionization.
The biggest challenge for Hospitality will not be the search through examine championing talent; it will be the search representing able bodied employees from that shrinking availability pool. Are we talking approximately that issue? Are we addressing that future?
Shot ourselves in the foot, again!
We had a rush to prosper in the last uncommon years, particularly the condo fractional market, where immediately in some cities we have a good fewer Hotel rooms for rent and condo sales are now begging - "I"ll launch in native land club memberships, dog walking, and weekly massages, if you just sign here".
Large corporations are readjusting their property portfolios and creating new sub-Brands. This becomes such a crowded landscape, that Brand specification is minor and any differentiation within these Brands becomes neutralized. Most of these "collection" properties are focused upon the upper end Consumer.
That demographic is growing (Baby Boomers), but they are also very, too savvy, and will not be swayed near smoke and mirrors and stretched marketing. You can fool me once,. Our product survived the Amenity and bedding wars, and, perhaps we have improved mattresses, body lotion and hook-ups for our distinct gadgets. Amen for upgrades.
So, if you do not accept a coffee maker, an iron, herbal soaps or a plasma TV, you might as well close the doors of the joint. Those costs obligated to be absorbed.
We move past some on to the Guest; we cut back on hours and our staff; we also lay out in technology, creating less paper and actually less features to face, personal interplay era with our Guest.
You would deem that from all we have learned and know about the Experience, that Service would be emphasized rather than diminished. What in the world are we doing? As an Production we have never fully invested in our Ambassadors - seeking talent, developing our people, compensating them and respecting them.
They assemble the Experience work; they are the difference. There is a mystique about "Hospitality". Other Industries be after those ingredients to improve their Customer"s Experience.
Enhanced care, treated specially, abundant attention, prompt action to make up one's mind any issue, satisfied senses.