Navigating through the Changing Hospitality Sector

Challenges and Trends Impacting the Hospitality Sector

The hospitality sector has been significantly impacted by various challenges and trends, recently labor shortages. It continues to be a struggle to find and retain qualified staff, particularly in areas such as housekeeping and food service. Labor shortages have led to increased labor costs and reduced service quality in some cases. Some businesses have struggled to keep up with the rapid changes in technology leading to potential gaps in service offerings and competitiveness. Now more than ever, increasing environmental awareness is a top priority for most organizations that are putting pressure on the hospitality industry to adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste, and minimize carbon footprints. Lastly, competition with more OTAs and alternative forms of entrants disrupting the traditional hotel markets, competition is tough. The new ways to book travel and rooms mean we have to consider their pricing strategies and compression before we price traditional rooms.

Major Predicaments in the Hospitality Sector

I live in a constant state of hospitality PTSD. Of course, the pandemic left so much uncertainty for the future. Are we vulnerable to another outbreak or other health crises, will I still have a job tomorrow? Uncertainty regarding travel restrictions, lockdowns and changing consumer behavior continues to be a significant concern. Regulatory changes, economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, Consumer Expectations and meeting the ever-evolving and changing needs of the new modern travelers. Keeping up with digital marketing and its rapidly changing landscape. While these predicaments can pose significant challenges to the hospitality sector, they also present opportunities for innovation, adaptation, and growth. Effective risk management, strategic planning, and a commitment to meeting guest needs can help businesses navigate these concerns and thrive in the face of adversity.

Technological Trends That Excite You for the Future

As a business travel manager, I am most excited about data analytics, Advanced analytics tools enable hotels to gain insights from guest data, leading to improved personalization, marketing strategies, and operational efficiencies. I am also looking forward to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), AR and VR applications can offer immersive experiences for guests, from virtual tours of hotel rooms to interactive dining menus and entertainment options. Personalized marketing animation like AI-driven marketing tools can analyze guest data to deliver highly targeted promotions and offers. I also have grown an appreciation for Contactless Technology, like mobile check-in & out, digital room keys, and mobile payments, which improve guest safety and convenience.

It's essential to recognize that no amount of AI or virtual meetings can replace the value of human interaction and relationships.

Brief Overview of Your Career Path

Hospitality is in my blood, I was encouraged by my mother who has been in the industry since 1984 to apply for a sales manager role at a hotel in 2016, without any prior sales experience, I got the job and I have never looked back. In 2018 I traded my group title for a business travel role and that’s where I truly fell in love with what I do. Working for independent properties and putting them on the map in downtown Houston, I was eager, hungry and excited for all things travel. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit the hotel hard, forcing us to close our doors and apply for bankruptcy, I lost my dream job and could not find work for over a year. Luckily, I was contacted by a head hunter in early 2022 for the position I proudly hold now at the C. Baldwin Hotel, a Hilton Curio Property in downtown Houston, named after the mother of Houston Charlotte Baldwin. Coming back to hospitality after a year of not working in the industry was a complete shock. Everything I had learned before was out the window, we were learning how to sell in a different market, with new challenges every day, and new obstacles to overcome, you truly had to be an out of the box thinker and doer to make a lasting impression for your clients.

Adapting to Rapid Changes

I closely monitor trends to enhance my ability to make data-driven decisions. I place greater emphasis on collaboration within my team, seeking opportunities for cross-marketing or working together to benefit our clients. It's essential to recognize that no amount of AI or virtual meetings can replace the value of human interaction and relationships. I am grateful for the ongoing expansion of my network, connecting with travel professionals and travelers. Adapting to new technology, procedures, opportunities, and ways of conducting business has been a significant part of my growth. I have learned to listen more and talk less, to ask the right questions and to understand the core needs of our clients. Additionally, I have become excited and open to letting others learn, gain experience, and ask questions. My enduring passion is and always will be in the field of hospitality.