Hotelier: Focus on a profession that is much more essential than you think

At a time of debate on the carbon impact of hotels, on the difficulties of recruiting and retaining employees and on competition from Airbnb, it is useful to take a step back on the role of hoteliers in society. Key players in the tourism industry, they have been able to withstand the health crisis and the explosion in the number of vacation rentals. How does this profession as old as the world fared? 📌

The hotelier offers much more than room and board

Are you content with meeting only the physiological needs of sleeping and eating? 🛌🍽️ Of course not! You offer much more than that to your hosts. Let's go back to Maslow's pyramid and the hierarchy of human needs to fully understand it.

1 ️ The need for security : the vacationer is not just looking for a simple place to sleep. He is looking for a clean, comfortable place where he can get help quickly and efficiently.

2 ️ ※ the need to belong : you are often the first point of contact for travelers arriving in unknown countries. Your sense of welcome helps him feel welcome in your city.

3 ️ ※ The need for esteem : by paying attention to each host and rewarding your loyal customers, you are giving them recognition and self-esteem.

4 ️ The need for self-actualization : thanks to the care you take to offer quality services, you help travelers have a memorable experience.

😮 In order to meet all of these needs, many hoteliers are innovating. Take a look at the establishments The Social Hub where tourists, businessmen and women mingle, travelers in transit, workers settled for the day, residents coming for a drink, students renting by the month, etc.

The hotelier reinforces the tourist attractiveness of his destination

What are the components of an attractive territory? In addition to the magnificent landscapes, tourist regions attract vacationers thanks to a variety of sites and activities, good restaurants, entertainment and, of course, accommodations.

In this ecosystem, you represent a sector of activity that generates significant financial benefits for the territory. 💰 Thanks to the large reception capacity of your establishments, you attract flows of people who will then spend their money in museums, shops, restaurants, etc.

Beyond the economic benefits, the hotel industry contributes to the influence of the region. ☀️ As you know, customers satisfied with the quality of your services are more likely to recommend your destination to their loved ones or to come back themselves. You also contribute to strengthening the positive image of your region by providing impeccable services and exceptional hospitality.

Perhaps you are also playing the less expected role of destination animator? 🎉 It is becoming common to attend local events (tastings of regional products, concerts, art exhibitions...) in hotel establishments.

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The hotelier contributes to the economic and social development of its territory

1,072,000: this is the number of jobs recorded in the hotel and restaurant industry in February 2021 (source: Ministry of Labor). In 2023, 100,000 positions are still to be filled according to Pôle Emploi. 🧑 ‍ 💼

The hotel industry is undoubtedly an important provider of jobs. You have probably had to recruit staff for maintenance, cleaning, reception, catering, or communication or management. You offer numerous opportunities to beginning or more experienced candidates. In general, they benefit the local population in the first place, thus reducing the unemployment rate in the territory.

If you have no employees, you use external service providers that promote indirect employment. This allows cleaning companies, chefs, masseurs, sports coaches... to generate turnover.

You also support the suppliers who supply you with food, drinks, drinks, household linen, cleaning products, furniture, communication solutions, etc.

Finally, as meeting places, you promote social interactions and cultural exchanges between visitors and the local community. 🧑 ‍ 🤝 ‍ 🧑

The hotelier acts in favor of sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism is an approach to travel based on 3 pillars: economic, social and environmental. We saw previously what the positive impacts of your job are from an economic and social point of view. Let's now focus on looking at your role in the preservation of natural resources. 🌏

As a collective accommodation manager, you have the power to act. Here are a few examples:

• waste management and the reduction of plastics by removing plastic water bottles and installing water fountains,
• the use of renewable energy sources, the installation of energy-efficient lighting and heating systems,
• the reduction of water waste by minimizing its use and by recycling rainwater,
• the supply, preferably, of local and seasonal products to support farmers and reduce the carbon footprint due to transport,
• raising customers' awareness of sustainable practices such as the reuse of towels and bed linen, the use of public transport or the discovery of eco-responsible actors in the destination,
• staff training in environmentally friendly actions,
• the use of sustainable materials for the renovation of your establishment.

The hospitality sector has existed since ancient times and seems to still have a bright future ahead of it. The hotel business has always been able to adapt to changes. There is no doubt that it will continue to evolve to attract future generations looking for meaning at work 🙂

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