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

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

We are highlighting six key ways to differentiate your hotel, enhance guest satisfaction, and thrive in the ever-changing hotel landscape. With the help of your Avendra sourcing experts, embracing and implementing these trends is a breeze.

1. Create a Haven for Well-Being

Amid growing competition from vacation rentals, prioritizing guest well-being is one way for hotels to stand out. Offering on-site spas, yoga classes, healthy dining, and sleep-focused amenities, like weighted blankets and on-staff sleep specialists, creates inviting sanctuaries for relaxation and rejuvenation, enticing guests who seek holistic experiences.

2. Sustainability Takes Center Stage

Eco-conscious travelers 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 like Green Tourism and Green Key can highlight a hotel’s commitment to sustainability.

3. Cater to Generational Preferences

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

Nearly a third of Gen Z traveled to gain new experiences and explore a new destination, according to a December 2023 survey conducted by Datassentials¹. Cater to this group by offering exclusive experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere and make for eye-catching social media content.

4. 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 personalized interactions but also empowers guests to check in quickly at their own pace, enhancing the overall arrival experience.

5. Personalization is Key

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

6. 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 are here to help

Interested in learning more about how our suppliers can help you stay on top of the latest trends? Contact Avendra today to learn more about the benefits of working with the leading hospitality GPO in North America.

[1] Travel & Dining Habits 2023 – Datassentials