A POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR 2023

Hospitality News Middle East’s editorial team forecasts the trends that will shape the hospitality industry in the new year.

As the business world shifts its mindset to adopt hybrid models and work-from-anywhere policies, companies like PWC and Airbnb are offering the travel industry and hospitality operators the chance of a lifetime. Thanks to these progressive business models, thousands of professionals are being given an opportunity to combine work with international travel, thus ushering a boom in travel and hospitality. A report published by EIU forecasts that global tourism arrivals will increase by 30 percent in 2023, following growth of 60 percent in 2022.

Health and wellness tourism continues to rise in popularity

The popularity of health and wellness tourism will continue to increase, with reports showing that health-conscious guests are bigger spenders. Hotels are responding by following wellness trends, implementing subtle changes such as healthier minibar choices, pillow and mattress menus, meditation channels and sleep and wake-up rituals that are aligned to circadian rhythm cycles.

Increase in job creation

New hospitality roles will be created as the need for spa and wellness services emerges. Non-traditional, technology-based treatments like hyperbaric chambers and cryotherapy will find their place in hospitality, which will demand a skilled workforce.

Tech-based hotels

Hotels are adopting the latest technologies in order to offer personalized service that is not only tailored to guests’ needs but is also able to forecast them. AI will help operators to optimize the use of hospitality data, thereby assisting hotels in anticipating what customers are looking for. For example, if the hotel’s database shows that a guest is a user of its gym facilities, it will automatically offer them a complimentary yoga class.

Creating memories and immersive experiences

A greater number of hotels are shifting their focus toward making sure guests have memorable stays. They are achieving this by investing in personalized experiences that create memories, which lead to repeat visits.

Hotels are now creating the context needed to make sure that their clients seek them out every time they travel. By offering experiences and taking part in the guest’s journey to a healthier and happier version of themselves, hotels are building loyalty. New York’s Equinox, for example, has branded itself as “the fittest hotel on Earth,” promising guests that a stay in the hotel is a step toward becoming healthier, more focused and a better performer.

More hotels will become sustainable

As millennials and Gen-z travelers gravitate toward environmentally friendly hotels, several brands are moving away from a traditional luxury offering to a more accessible, sustainable and affordable one.

The future of hospitality looks bright and exciting, and we can’t wait to deliver more of what’s trending in the industry in 2023.

The editorial team

The demand for technology is increasing in the food and beverage sectors due to digital opportunities and consumers’ focus on health.

Nouhad Dammous (June 11, 2021) Late editor-in-chief Docteur Honoris Causa