incentives for investment in tourism projects offered by national governments as well as the availability of local sustainable capital for the financing of large projects . The first goal is to find ways to operate the hotel according to the idea of a “ triple bottom line ,” which embodies profitable operation combined with attention to the people who use and work in the hotel and a focus on careful stewardship of resources .
While that goal is important , even more vital is the usage of a hotel ’ s position as an industry leader in the nation ’ s capital , and this evidences to the hotel industry , customers , and vendors that sustainable operation is the best strategy to ensure successful hotel operation .
But the sustainability initiative goes beyond such wellknown ideas as reusing guest linen , recycling waste material , and changing to compact fluorescent lamps . The hospitality industry is in the midst of a transformation that will affect virtually every facet of the industry as well as that of its stakeholders . The essence of transformation is in the evolution from a product-focused approach to a more customer – focused and brand intensive one . A product – focused strategy is one wherein products and supporting services are developed around customers ’ studied wants and needs . It then prompts
“ The essence of transformation is in the evolution from a product-focused approach to a more customer – focused and brand intensive one ” these products to customers via sales , marketing and distribution channels . In future , the orientation will be customer-focused to a level which transcends the physical : it will encompass the emotional and psychological needs and wants of a precisely defined set of target customers . A hospitality organisation could then use this insight to market a wider array of products and services through strong brand names designed to garner life-long customer loyalty . This will have a dramatic effect on how operations will be run .
Hotels of the immediate future will undoubtedly see a major transformation . They will either be large self – contained communities or small Boutique Hotels . It is expected that those in the mid range will be absorbed by branded hotel chains ; resorts will be owned by real estate companies that will combine Hotel and Club Management . Technology will play a yet major part in reservations , check-ins , billing and guest histories . Large investments will go into out – of – way properties such as space hotels . Hotels will go green and will work along sustainable tourism . Professionalism will be evident in the growth of dining and food technology will respond to lifestyles amongst other considerations . These factors , amongst others , are what Hospitality Malta aims to project .
HOSPITALITY MALTA SEPTEMBER | 2017
9