HOSPITALITY SECTOR
Piyush Tyagi
HOW TO THRIVE ON SERVICE
Uplifting Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector through technology and services
Hospitality sector in a sentence
There is significant potential for growth in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector and it’s likely to continue to be a crucial source of foreign currency earnings.
Latest sector trends
Personalisation with digital growth.
An approach to enrich the sector
Investing more resources in sustainability.
Rationale for further investment
To influence the sector significantly and move it forward.
Threats to the sector’s growth
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic still lingers and instability in the global economy poses a significant threat to growth.
Strategies to overcome obstacles
Travel sector promotions such as offering flexible booking policies, innovative digital solutions and building partnerships with healthcare organisations.
Other ameliorative measures
Collaborating with state and tourism bodies, to instigate a recovery and encourage travel.
Hospitality sector’s role in economic recovery
By offering employment opportunities to a large segment of the population, it boosts forex earnings.
Tourist attractions
Sri Lanka offers immense potential for the hospitality sector through diverse attractions including beaches, wildlife, adventure, and spiritual and medical tourism.
Opportunities for growth
A more stable political and economic environment would attract more tourists, as well as investor communities.
Impact of the economic crisis
While it had a significant impact, it also brought out the best in us.
Ramifications of facing a crisis
Sri Lankans have become more creative and innovative in developing new strategies to overcome the challenges posed by the crisis.
Measures to maintain high standards in hospitality
Implementing high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, adopting sustainable practices and investing in innovative technologies.
Upholding high standards
Entails providing excellent customer service and fostering partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
Hospitality sector offerings
Creating attractive promotions and packages, providing unique and memorable experiences, and continuously upgrading and diversifying products.
Evolving customer trends
Greater emphasis is being placed on health, safety and value for money.
Precautions to ensure uninterrupted service
Having a robust contingency plan in place with a focus on maintaining essential services such as power and water supplies.
Maintaining workforce quality
By employing well trained and experienced staff who can handle unexpected situations with efficiency and professionalism.
Other operational fixes
Conducting regular maintenance, and testing of equipment and infrastructure.
Technology and sector growth
Enabling businesses to reach a wider audience through online booking platforms, social media and digital marketing campaigns.
Technical analysis
Technology also enables the collection and analysis of data so that informed decisions can be made, to improve operations and enhance guest experiences.
Benefits of technology
Hotels and resorts can streamline their operations, enhance guest experiences and provide contactless services.
Competition
There is healthy competition among resorts with each leveraging its strengths to garner a larger market share.
Strategies to stay ahead
Consistently providing exceptional service and personalised experiences while aiming to differentiate oneself from the competition.
Sri Lankans have become more creative and innovative in developing new strategies to overcome the challenges posed by the crisis
Noteworthy fact about the sector
Hospitality is one of the fastest growing sectors globally, making a substantial contribution to the world economy.
Focus area for hospitality professionals
They should cultivate a genuine passion for the sector so they can grow and provide exceptional service to guests.
Qualities needed for a career in the hospitality sector
An eye for detail, a positive attitude, transparent behaviour, patience and a love for travel.
Delivering exceptional services
The above mentioned qualities enable the delivery of exceptional services to guests and create memorable experiences – so that they keep returning to Sri Lanka.
Additional qualities
A passion for the hospitality sector can help individuals thrive in the tourism industry and build successful careers.
Mantra for success
Focus on developing self-confidence; and cultivate a creative, innovative and visionary leadership approach to achieve exceptional results.
To be avoided in ensuring success…
Dwelling on the opinions of others.
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