Ahead of the upcoming Hotec Europe conference, which is scheduled for Oct. 26–29 at the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal, several industry insiders will be sharing their insights on how the hotel sector is adjusting to new normals. Hotec is sponsored by Questex Hospitality (parent company of Hotel Management).
Liviu Raulea, director international procurement from Marriott International, shared insights on how hotels have adapted to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and what trends will last beyond the downturn.
How has your segment of the industry changed in the past 18 months?
Due to the travel restrictions, the hospitality industry started focusing more on local travel, staycations and urban tourism. Technology was already one of the main focuses even before COVID but recently it was also adopted to help with social distancing. New cleaning strategies were put in place to stop the spread of the virus and ensure guest safety.
What kind of new strategies have you developed to adjust to the new normal?
We updated the cleaning process and equipment. We upgraded family facilities in the existing city and business hotels. We implemented contactless technology in food and beverage as well as in rooms, and trained employees on multi-tasking and adaptability.
What are some new trends in the industry that you think will have staying power?
The development of individual guest houses operated by hotel companies, and of hotels designed for both leisure and business. There will be an increased focus on local travel and an increase usage of contactless technology. Hoteliers will continue to develop the sustainability strategy.
Where do you look for inspiration? Do you look inside or outside of hospitality?
Inspiration can come from inside as well as outside hospitality industry. It can come from a hospitality entrepreneur who successfully created a new restaurant or a guest house but it could also come from individuals who created their own habitat in a way that could be inspirational for developing a hospitality complex.
What is the most valuable thing you learned over the last 18 months?
Be always open to the unexpected.
Applications for Hotec Europe are still open for buyers and suppliers.
Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders ahead of Hotec Europe.