As the hotel industry rebounds from pandemic lows, leaders discuss sustainability initiatives and the evolving workforce dynamics that pose new challenges.
The hotel industry, which experienced a significant downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, is on a marked path of recovery. Projections for travel in 2024 indicate a robust upturn, potentially surpassing pre-pandemic levels, signifying a broader economic resurgence for the tourism sector. With hotels operating at heightened capacity, stakeholders are navigating a landscape that is far from traditional, as they adapt to evolving workforce challenges and a drive towards sustainability shaped by broader economic and cultural trends.
To explore these trends, Facility Cleaning Decisions engaged with key executives from three notable hospitality facilities: Jeffrey Nagata, regional general manager at the Shoreline and Coconut Hotels in Waikiki, Hawaii; Joel Moore, vice president of hotel operations at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort in Lincoln, California; and Mark Grover, director of hospitality, alongside Scott Nash, hospitality manager, at Feather Falls Casino & Lodge in Oroville, California. Collectively, these industry leaders bring over a century of experience within the hospitality sector.
One dominant theme highlighted by these executives is the prioritisation of sustainability within their operations. The transition to bulk shower amenities—such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap—has been identified as a critical move towards reducing plastic waste and streamlining restocking processes in guest rooms. Joel Moore remarked, “Everyone is trying to be more ecologically friendly. We were an early adopter of bulk amenities, getting away from individual bottles. We found the guests really like that.” This shift is reflective of a broader commitment across the industry to pursue environmentally sustainable practices, including the utilisation of green cleaning chemicals and energy-saving technologies.
For instance, Thunder Valley Casino has incorporated ozone machines in their laundry operations to minimize chemical usage and reduce energy consumption related to hot water. Feather Falls Casino has also implemented innovative waste reduction initiatives by collaborating with local non-profit organisations, ensuring that the linens and towels deemed unusable are repurposed rather than discarded. “We’ve partnered with the local SPCA and a wildlife refuge so that all of our soiled and demanded linens and towels go to those locations,” Scott Nash noted.
However, with the resurgence in hotel occupancy, staffing remains a pressing challenge. The labour dynamics have shifted post-pandemic, prompting hotels to adapt to generational differences and varying worker preferences, particularly among younger employees who prioritise flexibility, work-life balance, and career progression. Joel Moore stated, “After we came back from COVID, we came back wildly with full occupancy. Our challenge was having enough people to clean those rooms.” To address this shortfall, Thunder Valley Casino has established partnerships with organisations like Pride Industries, which assists individuals with disabilities in finding employment.
The industry’s evolving workforce includes a mix of experienced professionals and newer entrants, which poses challenges in the area of service-oriented skills. Both Moore and Nagata acknowledge the struggles faced by younger workers in terms of interpersonal communication, which is crucial in hospitality roles. Nagata remarked on the need to cultivate enthusiasm for roles that might be less glamorous, such as housekeeping, stating, “Hotels are challenged with making housekeeping as exciting and appealing as working the front desk or being a concierge.”
As the hospitality sector continues to rebound, the emphasis on sustainability and innovation remains steadfast, even as leaders navigate the complexities of staffing and shifting workforce dynamics. The collective insight from industry veterans underscores a commitment to not only enhancing operational efficiency but also fostering community ties and employee satisfaction, ultimately aiming to deliver positive experiences for guests.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://newgenadv.com/2024/07/hotel-industrys-ebitda-declined-since-covid-19/ – Corroborates the significant downturn in the hotel industry due to COVID-19 and the projected recovery in 2024, including improvements in RevPAR, occupancy rates, and average daily rates.
- https://www.hotelmanagement-network.com/features/explainer-tourism-revival-to-boost-hotels-in-2024/ – Supports the robust recovery of the hotel industry in 2024, with international tourist arrivals expected to return to pre-pandemic levels, and highlights the importance of sustainability and technological advancements.
- https://blog.bismart.com/en/10-insights-hotel-industry – Provides insights into the hotel industry’s recovery in 2024, including growth in tourism, revenue, and occupancy rates, as well as the focus on sustainability and technological advancements.
- https://newgenadv.com/2024/07/hotel-industrys-ebitda-declined-since-covid-19/ – Details the challenges faced by the hotel industry during the pandemic, including staffing issues and the need for increased sustainability practices.
- https://www.hotelmanagement-network.com/features/explainer-tourism-revival-to-boost-hotels-in-2024/ – Highlights the industry’s commitment to sustainability, such as reducing plastic waste and implementing energy-saving technologies, aligning with the executives’ remarks on sustainability initiatives.
- https://blog.bismart.com/en/10-insights-hotel-industry – Discusses the global hotel occupancy rates nearing pre-pandemic levels in 2024 and the emphasis on sustainability and technological investments to improve efficiency and adapt to new consumer behaviors.
- https://newgenadv.com/2024/07/hotel-industrys-ebitda-declined-since-covid-19/ – Addresses the labour dynamics post-pandemic, including the challenges in staffing and the need for hotels to adapt to generational differences and worker preferences.
- https://www.hotelmanagement-network.com/features/explainer-tourism-revival-to-boost-hotels-in-2024/ – Mentions the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure and service quality, particularly in emerging markets, which aligns with the industry’s evolving workforce and operational challenges.
- https://blog.bismart.com/en/10-insights-hotel-industry – Outlines the expected growth in hotel investment volumes in 2024, driven by strong market fundamentals and revitalized property improvement initiatives, reflecting the industry’s broader economic resurgence.
- https://newgenadv.com/2024/07/hotel-industrys-ebitda-declined-since-covid-19/ – Corroborates the need for hotels to enhance operational efficiency and foster community ties and employee satisfaction to deliver positive guest experiences.
- https://www.hotelmanagement-network.com/features/explainer-tourism-revival-to-boost-hotels-in-2024/ – Emphasizes the role of technological advancements and sustainable practices in streamlining operations and improving the guest experience, aligning with the industry leaders’ insights.
