HOSPITALITY CADENCE NEWS
Daniel P. Kipping
CCO Revzers || Sales & Commercial Specialist Partner inPerto || Business Mentor || Hotel Business Optimizer || Startup'er || * Helping hospitality companies realizing and capitalizing on its full potential *
“Turning Vision into Reality: Mastering Change Management in Hotel Projects”
In the dynamic landscape of hotel management, significant project changes are inevitable, often driven by ownership's evolving vision or shifting market dynamics. Effectively managing these transitions is crucial to align stakeholder interests and ensure project success. This essay outlines a strategic approach for hotel project managers to navigate substantial changes, emphasizing professionalism, comprehensive impact assessment, stakeholder realignment, and adaptive planning.
1. Maintain Professional Composure
Change is an inherent aspect of project management. As a project director, exhibiting calmness and professionalism sets a positive tone for the team and stakeholders. An open-minded attitude fosters a collaborative environment, essential for navigating transitions smoothly.
2. Comprehend the Underlying Motivations
Engage in detailed discussions with ownership and key stakeholders to understand the rationale behind the proposed change. Whether driven by financial considerations, market trends, or strategic shifts, a clear grasp of these motivations enables the alignment of project objectives with the overarching vision.
3. Conduct a Thorough Impact Analysis
Assess how the change affects project scope, timelines, budget, and resources. Identify potential risks and opportunities, and prepare a comprehensive report detailing these impacts. This analysis serves as a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
4. Realign Stakeholders and Manage Expectations
Transparent communication is vital. Inform all stakeholders—including internal teams, contractors, and external partners—about the change and its implications. Revisit contractual obligations and procurement processes to accommodate the new direction, ensuring all parties are aligned and expectations are managed effectively.
5. Develop a Revised Action Plan
Collaborate with your team to create a revised plan that reflects the new objectives. Adjust milestones, reallocate resources, and modify timelines as necessary. Ensure the plan balances ownership's goals with realistic deliverables, maintaining project feasibility.
6. Reevaluate Communication and Decision-Making Protocols
With new priorities, reassess communication protocols and decision-making processes. Establish regular check-ins to ensure ongoing alignment and address any emerging issues promptly. Clear communication channels are essential for maintaining momentum toward revised goals.
7. Negotiate Updated Terms
Significant changes may necessitate renegotiating contracts concerning scope and timelines. Engage in discussions with ownership to update terms, including financial provisions and schedules. Effective negotiation prevents future conflicts and facilitates smooth project progression.
8. Address Resistance and Concerns
Anticipate resistance from team members or stakeholders invested in the original direction. Address concerns transparently, providing context and highlighting the benefits of the new approach. Fostering a collaborative atmosphere is key to overcoming resistance and ensuring a unified effort.
9. Monitor Progress and Adapt
Implement continuous monitoring to track progress under the new direction. Be prepared to adapt strategies as new challenges or opportunities arise. An agile approach ensures the project remains on track toward successful completion.
10. Reflect and Document Lessons Learned
Upon project completion, reflect on the change management process. Document lessons learned to inform future projects, enhancing the organization's capacity to handle similar situations proactively.
Case Study: Marriott's Bedding Program
A pertinent example is Marriott's Bedding Program, where the company undertook a comprehensive initiative to transform the look and feel of all its brands to create a more comfortable hotel experience for guests. The project team, composed of Project Management Professional (PMP?)-certified project managers, conducted extensive market research and managed the program through Marriott’s Lodging Program Management Office (PMO).
Conclusion
Managing significant changes in hotel projects demands a structured approach encompassing clear communication, flexibility, and strong leadership. By understanding the underlying motivations, conducting thorough impact assessments, realigning stakeholders, and adapting plans, project managers can navigate transitions effectively, ensuring alignment with ownership's vision and achieving project success.
"Rural Gems Redefined: How UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages 2024 Are Shaping the Future of Sustainable Hospitality"
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has unveiled its Best Tourism Villages for 2024, highlighting 55 rural destinations that exemplify sustainable tourism and community development. This fourth edition saw over 260 applications from more than 60 UNWTO Member States, underscoring the growing recognition of rural areas as pivotal players in the global tourism landscape.
Elevating Rural Tourism: The Best Tourism Villages Initiative
Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages initiative aims to harness tourism as a catalyst for rural prosperity. It focuses on preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions, thereby fostering development and inclusion in rural areas. The initiative addresses challenges such as depopulation and promotes innovation and value chain integration through tourism. With the addition of 75 new members this year, the Best Tourism Villages (BTV) Network now comprises 254 villages, forming the world's largest community of rural destinations.
Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria
·???????? Villages are assessed based on nine key areas:
·???????? Cultural and Natural Resources
·???????? Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
·???????? Economic Sustainability
·???????? Social Sustainability
·???????? Environmental Sustainability
·???????? Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
·???????? Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
·???????? Infrastructure and Connectivity
·???????? Health, Safety, and Security
This holistic evaluation ensures that recognized villages not only possess significant cultural and natural assets but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Three Pillars of the Initiative
The initiative is structured around three core components:
Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO: This label recognizes outstanding rural tourism destinations that preserve and promote community-based values, products, and lifestyles, with a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Upgrade Programme: This program supports villages that do not fully meet the recognition criteria, providing assistance to address identified gaps and enhance their potential for future recognition.
The Best Tourism Villages Network: A platform for exchanging experiences, best practices, and opportunities among members, including experts and partners from both the public and private sectors engaged in promoting tourism as a driver for rural development.
Recognized Villages of 2024
The 20 villages honored as Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO in 2024 are:
1.?????? Abo Noghta Castles & Historic Tabab, Saudi Arabia
2.?????? Abu Ghosoun, Egypt
3.?????? Aínsa, Spain
4.?????? Amagi, Japan
5.?????? Anogeia, Greece
6.?????? Azheke, China
7.?????? Bo Suak, Thailand
8.?????? Capulálpam de Méndez, Mexico
9.?????? Caviahue-Copahue, Argentina
10.?? Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, Mexico
11.?? El Tambo, Ecuador
12.?? El Valle de Antón, Panama
13.?? Esfahak, Islamic Republic of Iran
14.?? Gaiman, Argentina
15.?? Gharb Suhayl, Egypt
16.?? Grand Baie, Mauritius
17.?? Guanyang, China
18.?? Huancaya, Peru
19.?? Jardín, Colombia
20.?? Jatiluwih, Indonesia
Advancement Through the Upgrade Programme
Notably, seven villages from the Upgrade Programme have achieved recognition this year, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in fostering development. These villages include Capulálpam de Méndez (Mexico), Grand Baie (Mauritius), Kalopanagiotis (Cyprus), Pissouri (Cyprus), Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), and Trevelin (Argentina).
Villages Selected for the Upgrade Programme
The 20 villages selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme this year are:
1.?????? Breb, Romania
2.?????? Campo Ramón, Argentina
3.?????? Cap Malheureux, Mauritius
4.?????? Cascas, Peru
5.?????? Choshuenco, Chile
6.?????? Dhudmaras, India
7.?????? Lens, Switzerland
8.?????? Malalcahuello, Chile
9.?????? Mexcaltitán de Uribe, Mexico
10.?? Mittelberg, Austria
11.?? Pals, Spain
12.?? Piedades Sur, Costa Rica
13.?? Polovragi, Romania
14.?? San Juan Bautista, Chile
15.?? Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala
16.?? Seonhakdong, Republic of Korea
17.?? Shirayama, Japan
18.?? St. Leonhard in Pitztal, Austria
19.?? Yamakoshi, Japan
20.?? Y?rük, Türkiye
Looking Ahead: Fifth Edition in 2025
The call for submissions for the fifth edition of the Best Tourism Villages initiative is scheduled for early 2025. This presents a new opportunity for rural destinations to showcase their initiatives and gain global recognition as champions of rural development.
Implications for the Hospitality Industry
For hoteliers and hospitality professionals, the recognition of these villages underscores the importance of sustainable practices and community engagement in tourism. It highlights the potential for rural destinations to offer unique experiences that align with the growing demand for authentic and responsible travel. Engaging with these recognized villages can provide opportunities for collaboration, investment, and the development of tourism products that benefit both the community and the hospitality sector.
In conclusion, the UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages initiative not only celebrates exemplary rural destinations but also sets a benchmark for sustainable tourism development. It encourages the hospitality industry to adopt practices that preserve cultural and natural heritage while fostering economic and social well-being in rural communities.
"Revolutionizing Hospitality: How Robotics Are Redefining Efficiency, Consistency, and Profitability in Restaurants"
In the dynamic landscape of the restaurant industry, operators are continually seeking innovative solutions to enhance guest experiences while maintaining profitability. The integration of robotics into restaurant operations has emerged as a transformative approach, offering tangible benefits that address current challenges and position businesses for future success.
The Strategic Advantage of Robotics in Restaurant Operations
The adoption of robotics in restaurants is not merely a trend but a strategic move to address critical operational challenges:
Real-World Applications and Financial Implications
The financial benefits of integrating robotics into restaurant operations are substantial:
Implementing Robotics: A Strategic Approach
For operators considering the integration of robotics, a structured approach is essential:
1.?????? Process Assessment: Identify labor-intensive and repetitive tasks within your operations that are prone to human error. These tasks are prime candidates for automation.
2.?????? Technology Partner Selection: Collaborate with reputable technology providers to design and implement robotic solutions tailored to your specific operational needs.
3.?????? Staff Training and Integration: Ensure that your team is trained to work alongside robotic systems, fostering a collaborative environment that maximizes the benefits of automation.
The Future Outlook
The trajectory of the restaurant industry indicates a growing reliance on technology and automation. Operators who proactively embrace robotics are likely to experience enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, and improved guest satisfaction. As the industry evolves, the integration of robotics will become a defining factor in achieving sustainable growth and maintaining a competitive edge.
In conclusion, the strategic implementation of robotics in restaurant operations offers a pathway to address current challenges and capitalize on future opportunities. By leveraging automation, operators can transform their business models, ensuring resilience and profitability in an increasingly competitive market.