In this episode of Travel Market Life, I bring together top hospitality experts to explore the crucial role of technology in modern hotel operations.

We explore how guest expectations are shifting, with 40% of travellers now expecting seamless, contactless experiences. Yet, as a recent ResDiary report reveals, many hospitality venues are still behind the curve. Nick Pilbeam shares how Queensway Hotels navigates the crowded tech landscape with a strategic approach, balancing guest experience and brand needs.

Niels Mekenkamp dives into the power of data, showing how centralised systems can transform guest information into personalised services that drive loyalty. Jo Cook addresses payment tech, highlighting secure, integrated solutions that smooth the guest journey while keeping compliance in check. Finally, Jenna Oakenfall explains the importance of ongoing staff training to maximise the impact of these tech tools.

With an interactive Q&A with hoteliers to wrap things up, we share actionable insights on tech adoption, integration, and personalisation in hospitality.

Travel Market Life is created by Urban Podcasts.

Is the focus on average daily rate (ADR) helping or hurting hotel profitability? In this episode of Travel Market Life, we unpack the financial realities of today’s hotel industry, recorded live at the Independent Hotel Show 2024.

How much financial leakage are hotels experiencing? Is a focus on ADR detrimental to overall profitability?

In this episode of Travel Market Life, we unpack the financial realities of today’s hotel industry, look at financial performance throughout the business and how to improve revenue opportunities – including making growth in F&B and ancillaries

Recorded live at the Independent Hotel Show 2024 with

• Scott Turner, MD, Auden Hospitality reveals challenges in hotel food and beverage profitability, suggesting operational changes like outsourcing to combat high costs.
• Jonny Siberry, Group Revenue Officer, Sarova Hotels addresses evolving guest expectations, emphasising the need for hotels to adapt their marketing and pricing to attract cost-conscious travelers, especially post-Brexit.
• Nathan Pick , Director of Finance, Zetter Hotels, promotes in-house financial managementusing data-driven strategies to enhance profitability and create unique guest experiences.
• Vineeth Purushothaman, Consultant, White Sky Hospitality, highlights the impact of hidden costs from OTAs and loyalty programs on brand health, recommending data analytics to improve distribution strategies.
• Jutta Moore, MD, Moore Hotel Consulting advocates for dynamic pricing to optimiseoccupancy and revenue based on real-time demand.

Profitability in food and beverage (F&B) dropped by over 30% in the last five years. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) is up by 17% in Europe compared to January 2020, F&B revenue increased just 5%. In 2018, hotels’ F&B profit margin stood at an average of 32%, but fast-forward five years and this fell 10 percentage points to 22%.

Discover more https://www.audenhospitality.com/fb-report-h1-2024

Travel Market Life is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, we explore the upcoming HOSPACE 2024, HOSPA’s flagship conference, happening on 14th November at the Royal Lancaster, London. This annual event promises to be a powerhouse of insights, networking, and cutting-edge discussions, bringing together leaders and experts to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges.

Expect fascinating panels and workshops covering hospitality trends and challenges, including:

• 2024 Performance Metrics from BDO, Hot Stats and Venue Performance
• People Priorities with leaders from the Dorchester and Be Inclusive Hospitality
• Innovation through Design with Nicola Rohn of SHR Group discussing the synergy between design and tech in boosting guest experiences
• Collaboration and consultation - with Ruckus Networks’ Steve Johnson on making successful technology buying decisions

Nicola Rohn and Steve Johnson join me in this episode to share why HOSPACE is a must for hoteliers. Nicola talks about adapting to the rise of OTAs and the need for direct booking strategies, while Steve delves into the growing demand for personalised digital experiences and sustainability.

Travel Market Life is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.