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Staying Ahead: 6 Trends Shaping the Hotel Industry

By Tony Dierckens, Senior Relationship Manager Belgium

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest hotel trends is crucial for attracting and engaging guests.

Today’s travellers are seeking more than just a place to stay; they crave experiences, personalisation, and a focus on sustainability and well-being.

Tony Dierckens, Senior Relationship Manager Belgium, highlights ways to differentiate your hotel, enhance guest satisfaction and thrive in the ever-changing hotel landscape:

Create a haven for wellbeing

Amidst growing competition from holiday rentals, prioritising guest well-being is one way for hotels to stand out. Offering on-site spas, yoga classes, healthy dining, and sleep-focused amenities creates inviting sanctuaries for relaxation and rejuvenation, enticing guests who seek holistic experiences.

Sustainability takes centre stage

Eco-conscious travellers continue to be drawn to sustainable practices. Hotels are embracing “Green Tech” like smart thermostats and LED lighting to reduce their environmental impact and attract environmentally conscious guests.

Social sustainability measures, such as collaboration with local suppliers, further reduce your hotel’s carbon footprint and foster meaningful connections with guests. Certifications from HARP, Green Tourism and Green Key can showcase a hotel’s commitment to sustainability.

Cater to generational preferences

According to Olivier Minne of Foodservice Alliance, Gen Z and Millennials are driving growth in the hospitality industry by favouring premium experiences and visiting hospitality channels and hotels for leisure and business. Convenience is a big factor for them.

He shares, “In Belgium, we’re seeing the rise of lifestyle hotels catering to both travellers and locals. These hotels offer various services like co-working spaces, making it essential to have food and beverage options available from early morning until late at night. One interesting trend is the emergence of ‘restobars’, where guests can enjoy premium drinks, cocktails, and a range of tasty dishes and snacks.”

Embrace technology for a seamless experience

Hotels are embracing automated kiosks and contactless check-in (mobile keys, QR codes) to streamline operations and boost efficiency. This not only frees up staff for personalised interactions but also empowers guests to check in quickly at their own pace, enhancing the overall arrival experience.

Personalisation is key

In today’s hospitality scene, personalised hotel experiences are in high demand. Hotels leverage data analytics to meet this expectation, analysing guest preferences to offer tailored services, from room adjustments to customised dining options. This strategy not only boosts guest loyalty but also enhances spending.

Enhanced services & local collaboration

Similar to the airline model, hotels are transforming into one-stop travel hubs by incorporating additional services like transfers, car rentals, and even curated local experiences.

These partnerships with local attractions and businesses provide guests with unique and memorable activities and contribute to the local economy, creating a win-win situation for both the hotel and the community.

We’re here to help.

Interested in learning more about how our suppliers can help you stay on top of the latest trends? Get in touch with us at news@trinitypurchasing.com.