How endless are the opportunities in the hospitality industry! This field has everything — from welcoming guests at a cosy hotel to serving delicious meals in a bustling restaurant and planning memorable events.
Recent trends in the Indian hospitality industry project the industry has grown to approximately US$ 24.61 billion in 2024. It is forecasted to reach US$ 31.01 billion by 2029 with a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.73% between 2024 and 2029.
As the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for skilled hospitality professionals has also increased. With travellers seeking unique experiences, the industry is growing rapidly. From luxury resorts to boutique hotels, each establishment has its own story to tell, and those in hospitality play a vital role in shaping that narrative.
In this detailed blog, we will explore major trends in the hospitality industry over the last decade, along with educational implications for hospitality grads. Let’s get started!
The Hospitality Landscape: A Decade Ago
A decade ago, delivering a basic level of comfort and satisfaction was the prime focus of the hospitality industry. Clean, comfortable accommodations and quality food services symbolised good hospitality. The customer experience revolved around these core offerings, along with factors like location and cost.
Below are some of the trends in hospitality industry a decade ago:
1. Rise of Boutique Hotels
Rising in popularity around 2010, boutique hotels offered a more personalised and unique experience than large hotel chains. These smaller hotels had distinct identities, and their designs were inspired by local art and culture.
2. Growth of Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs became a key strategy for hotels to build customer loyalty, allowing guests to earn rewards for frequent stays. Larger chains benefited the most, encouraging repeat visits by offering points and exclusive perks to frequent travellers.
3. Technology: A Convenience, Not a Necessity
Technology was a toddler in the hospitality industry a decade ago. Its role included free Wi-Fi and online booking systems that gained popularity, reducing reliance on travel agents.
4. Increased Focus on Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction has always been one of the most important trends in the hospitality industry. Businesses have always aimed to meet guest expectations through friendly staff, clean rooms, and quality food. Earlier, the guest experience focused on meeting immediate needs, rather than offering personalised or tech-driven services.
Latest Trends in Hospitality Industry
Fast forward to the present, and the hospitality industry has seen a significant shift in its operations. Technology has revolutionised hotel and hospitality management. Customer expectations have evolved in response to changing societal values, health concerns, and environmental issues.
Here are some of the latest trends in the hospitality industry:
1. Digital Transformation: A Game Changer
Digital transformation has caused the biggest shift in the hospitality industry. Today, customers expect more than just online booking. Digital technology is embedded in every aspect of the guest experience, including:
- Mobile check-ins and keyless entry
- Voice-activated services
- AI and chatbots
- Data analytics and personalisation
2. Sustainability: An Increasing Priority
Sustainability has moved from a trend to a necessity in the hospitality industry. As environmental awareness grows, many hotels and restaurants are adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint by adopting:
- Energy-Efficient Systems
- Reduction of Plastic Waste
- Sustainable Food Sourcing
3. Health and Safety: Post-Pandemic Changes
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the hospitality industry, forcing it to prioritise health and safety protocols. These changes have continued even after the pandemic’s peak, becoming a permanent aspect of hotel operations. Some of the prominent practices include:
- Enhanced Sanitisation
- Contactless Services
- Wellness Tourism
4. Experiential Travel and Personalisation
A comfortable stay is no longer enough. Modern travellers want unique and personalised experiences. This shift has led hotels to offer various customised experiences based on guest preferences, like:
- Local Experiences
- Personalised Services
5. Rise of Staycations
Staycations are vacations spent locally or nearby. This concept captured travellers’ imagination during the pandemic when international travel was restricted. Hotels responded with special packages for nearby guests, which comprised the following:
- Spa treatments
- Gourmet dining
- Leisure activities
Educational Outcomes of Trends in the Hospitality Industry
For students enrolled in Hospitality and Hotel Management courses, understanding these trends is crucial. They help shape the operational aspects of the hospitality industry and develop skills required for a promising career.
Students who want Hotel Management admission must be open to learning hospitality technologies, sustainability practices, health protocols, and personalised customer experiences. Courses covering AI, data analytics, eco-friendly operations, and customer relationship management are essential to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
Now, what’s next after deciding to build a career in the hospitality industry?
Choosing the Right Institution
Yes, choosing the right and best place to study Hotel Management is the next step. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, with a clean and green campus, Shoolini University is the best university in North India to study BSc Hotel Management. The university is ranked as the top private university in India by the QS and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
BSc Hospitality and Hotel Administration at Shoolini University
The School of Hospitality and Hotel Management at Shoolini offers a growth-oriented curriculum for students. The three-year BSc Hospitality and Hotel Administration program equips students with skills that are based on trends in the hospitality industry. The curriculum equips hospitality students with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed and secure job opportunities in the industry.
The faculty and industry experts come from top companies like PwC and McKinsey, as well as institutions like ISB, NIH, Berkeley, UPenn, and Columbia University. They train students and share valuable insights to prepare them for successful careers in the hospitality industry and solve real-world problems. The university’s strong industry connections in India and worldwide expose hospitality grads to various customer-centric sectors.
The university runs its live hospitality lab, Shoolini Chalet and Yogananda Ville. Here, students play a central role in managing a small hotel with four rooms and two suites for university guests. This practical experience helps them learn front office tasks, housekeeping, communication skills, and more.
The Chalet also has a fully equipped kitchen where students get practical experience in food preparation, service, and basic accounting. They prepare delicious lunches for guests with reservations, giving them hands-on practice. University dinners are also hosted at the Chalet, allowing students to learn the catering process from scratch.
Another added benefit for hospitality students at Shoolini is skill development. The university offers SPRINT, ATP and other leadership programs to mentor students for a promising career. These programs provide networking opportunities to students as top-level executives, CEOs, CHROs, CLOs visit the campus for conferences, lectures and talks.
In addition, the placement cell at Shoolini holds a track record of 100% placement for Hospitality students. Students go for three to six months of paid internships at five-star hotels across the globe. All these facilities at Shoolini University ensure that students are fully prepared for BSc Hospitality and Hotel Management jobs.
Conclusion
The trends in the hospitality industry over the past decades show the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the sector. From digital transformation and sustainability to personalised experiences and enhanced health and safety, the industry meets new challenges and customer expectations.
Whether you’re seeking hotel management admission or preparing for a successful career, keeping up with the latest trends will ensure you are well-prepared for the future of hospitality.
Gain practical skills and connect with industry professionals to begin your exciting career with Shoolini University.
