Page 30 - CIJ Aug 2024 - Digital Edition
P. 30

INNOVATION



                                               and transitioning from plastic to   for water tablets connected to the
                                               recyclable glass bottles can make a   tap, eliminating the need for plastic
                                               substantial impact. Bulk dispensers   or glass bottles. This not only
                                               for toiletries further reduce plastic   saves resources but also enhances
                                               waste, and using metal instead of   convenience for guests.
                                               glass for trays and ashtrays also   Moreover, the shift from
                                               contributes to sustainability.  bathtubs to shower stalls reflects
                                                 Guest involvement is key to   the preference of business
                                               these efforts. Some properties have   travellers who prioritize efficiency
                                               started changing bed sheets on   over luxury. Similarly, in-room
                                               alternate days or offer incentives,   amenities like self-press stations
                                               such as membership points, for   for jackets save guests’ time
                                               guests who choose sustainable   and provide added convenience.
                                               options. This creates a win-win   Today’s travellers, especially
                                               situation for both parties.     business ones, prefer exploring
                                                                               the city over spending time in
                                               Enhancing guest                 the hotel, so the practicality and
                                               experience                      efficiency of the hotel become
                                                                               more critical than its luxuries.
                                                 Today’s guests are very vocal
                                               and equipped with smartphones   New Products
                                               and tablets, allowing them to     Being savvy in the
                                               instantly share feedback and    housekeeping industry includes
                                               experiences on social media.    staying informed about
                                               This reaction demands that we   local developments, nearby
                                               be meticulous in our approach to   competitors, and emerging
                                               guest experiences, considering that   trends.
                                               every individual has unique needs
                                               and preferences.                  We have established a routine
                                                 Creating bespoke experiences   of regularly monitoring systems,
                                               is key, tailored not just by age   networking with industry peers to
                                                                               identify new opportunities, and
                                               but also by cultural background.   carefully evaluating potential pilot
                                               For example, a 19-year-old      projects. Before implementation,
                                               from India may have different   we conduct thorough discussions
                                               expectations compared to a peer   with our team to assess feasibility,
                                               from the Middle East or Europe.   considering that what works
                                               Personalized touches, such as   for one hotel may not translate
                                               providing a yoga mat, gym       seamlessly to another.
                                               equipment, or a bottle of wine, can
                                               greatly enhance a guest’s stay.   Our focus is on practicality and
                                                 Guest participation in initiatives   ensuring that any new initiative
                                                                               enhances guest satisfaction without
                                               like linen reuse or towel-changing,   compromising sustainability or
                                               also varies. Some guests appreciate   experience quality. Comprehensive
                                               these efforts, while others prefer   training is key; it ensures our
                                               daily changes. Educating guests   team can effectively educate
                                               and keeping them engaged in these   themselves, colleagues, and guests,
                                               initiatives is essential.       which is particularly important as
                                                 Modern innovations, such as   international travellers may have
                                               express check-ins, mobile room   varying levels of familiarity with
                                               keys, and central control panels   new technologies or practices.
                                               for room amenities, cater to the   In the past, guests might have
                                               needs of today’s time-conscious   been unfamiliar with room card
                                               travellers. For example, a new   systems controlling lights, but
                                               innovation involves a small station   today’s guests are generally more


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