Top Hospitality Trends Driving Customer-Centric Innovation
Covid-19 caused seismic shifts in consumer behaviour when it upended lives and livelihoods across the globe through extended lockdowns. While not all changes are proving to be permanent, there are specific trends driving customer-centric innovation within the retail, hotel and hospitality industries that seem here to stay.
Evan Schiff, Portfolio Director of Food, Hospitality and Trade at dmg events says: “With margins tightening across the hospitality market, hotel and restaurant operators should rethink all aspects of their operations in order to identify areas of innovation and improvement that align with latest global consumer trends, so that they can make the necessary changes to drive greater operational efficiency and return on investment.”
Digital Guest Experiences
Although the hospitality industry has been trying for many years to incorporate technology to enhance the customer experience, the pandemic served as a catalyst to accelerate digital transformation and customization.
“When it comes to digital experiences, guests now expect only the very best,” says Schiff. “From frictionless, touchless F&B orders to electronic key room access, technology is beginning to play a starring role across the full timeline of a customer’s experience.”
Shaun Wheeler, General Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton says that digitalisation has enabled the Group to address increasing demand from hotel guests for 24/7 access to staff services and information.
“New technology including the Radisson Hotels App, Oaky and online-check in and check-out features/or capabilities offers guests a personalised, interactive and convenient experience, as it simplifies the customer journey from initial booking to any other special requests they may have.”
Saul Mervis of The Grillhouse restaurant adds that many restaurateurs were able to use the forced down time during lockdown to get to grips with the very core of their businesses.
“As a result, antiquated systems of administration have been re-evaluated, and better technology implemented that promote a more personalised customer experience.”
As with technology, the concept of sustainability may not be new, but has regained substantial momentum since the start of the pandemic, with consumers today placing increased focus on creating create a better, healthier world, and seeking to understand if a brand aligns with their personal values.
Research from Mastercard reveals that 58% of adults are more mindful of their impact on the environment, while three in five also expect companies to behave in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way.
“The pandemic has given our industry time to reflect and research,” says Schiff. “It has been reported that today and tomorrow’s travelers are among the most powerful and influential customer ever. No matter the scale of your operation, making sustainability a key aspect of your brand management throughout your value chain is imperative.”
Radisson Blu’s Wheeler adds that more and more hotels are committed to decreasing their impact on the environment, by minimising their environmental footprint in terms of carbon emissions, energy use, water consumption, as well as sustainable consumption and resource management.
“The Radisson Hotel Group is no different, having committed to Net-Zero by 2050 and to decarbonizing our business by setting ambitious emission reduction targets, in line with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard,” he says.
The hotel has installed Aerator water saving taps, eco smart hand showers, LED lighting, and key card light activation systems to save on water and energy consumption.
The Conversation Continues at Africa’s Must-Attend Trade Event
Industry professionals looking for further insight and guidance on global consumer trends driving future recovery and growth of the hospitality industry are invited to attend The Hotel & Hospitality Show, taking place between 19 and 21 May 2022 under the theme of ‘Redefining hospitality – Recovering for Future Growth’.
Hosted by dmg events at the Sandton Convention Centre and co-located with Design Joburg, visitors will unpack the latest trends, market analysis, forecasts and realities over a series of collaborative workshops and panel discussions and benefit from numerous unique networking opportunities with leading buyers and brands from Sub Saharan Africa.
Registration is currently open; for exhibitor and visitor information or to register, please visit: thehotelshowafrica.com
The Southern African Housekeepers League of Champions will see housekeeping teams racing against the clock to prepare rooms to the highest standards, while the Global Pizza Challenge will watch passionate, independent pizza makers compete for the best gastronomic masterpiece.
About The Hotel & Hospitality Show
The Hotel & Hospitality Show forms part of a dedicated portfolio of events proudly serving the hospitality industry across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. A carefully curated range of products, equipment, services, and design is showcased for restaurant owners, managers, and operators, as well as cafes, bars, hotels, and foodservice operators.
Renamed the Hotel & Hospitality Show for its fifth year and co-located with Design Joburg, this event provides valuable content, equipment, and products to the hospitality and hotel industries. We provide a 360-degree view of the market and the latest industry trends through our content, features, and speakers.
A must-attend event in sub-Saharan Africa, the Hotel & Hospitality show brings together brands and buyers in the hospitality supply chain. The Hotel & Hospitality Show will be held from 19-21 May 2022, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.