UAE Restaurant Diners Might Quickly Take pleasure in Meals Constructed from Lab-Grown Meat
Written by: Rochak Khandelwal
All of us love meat after we collect round barbecues and on the dinner desk. But when somebody would have mentioned a number of years in the past that the meat steak or the burger we’re consuming is developed in a laboratory, it could sound like science fiction.
Meals critics first tried a lab-grown burger in 2013, and your entire world watched. The tiny pink patty was used as proof that it was possible to generate protected and palatable meat with out butchering any animals. It was taken out of a petri dish and cooked in entrance of the press. There was just one difficulty: it had value greater than $300,000 and two years to fabricate the patties. However costs for making this high-tech steak have dropped since then. In 2016, Memphis Meat developed their first lab-grown beef meatball for roughly $1,000. Now, a number of startups and non-profit organizations have invested in growing varied different meats and animal merchandise like rooster, pig, milk, egg whites, fish, and even leather-based which is able to fully be grown in labs.
First, what’s cultured or lab-grown meat, and what’s the course of of constructing cultured meat? Cultured meats are actual meat grown immediately from the cells of animals. These should not the identical because the vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based meat already obtainable in supermarkets. In easy phrases, cultivated meat is just like brewing beer the place yeast or microbes are grown — the one distinction is that cells of actual livestock are grown in a sterile and managed setting. Scientists start the method by taking small cell samples from livestock (with no need to kill the animal) and figuring out the very best cells which may multiply. Mosa Meat, a meals expertise firm from The Netherlands, claims that by simply taking small-sized pattern of cells, they will develop beef of their labs and from that one cell pattern, 80,000 burger beef patties could be produced.
In Singapore, a restaurant named 1880 served the lab-grown meat and have become one of many first eating places to promote this meat commercially. The corporate GOOD Meat created the aesthetic meat. Authorised by the Singapore Meals Commonplace Company in December 2020, the aesthetic meat was bought commercially by GOOD Meat, the primary on this planet to take action. An 11-year-old boy sat on the first desk to serve cultured meat by the GOOD Meat model in Singapore on December 19, 2020. Collin Buchan, the top chef of 1880, had the pleasure to serve the primary cultured rooster grown in a lab by GOOD Meat.
The Dutch authorities has determined to speculate 60 million euros in mobile agriculture which is the biggest funding by any authorities. This has excited the businesses concerned within the enterprise and might help type an ecosystem round mobile agriculture. The suggestion was made by the lately established group Mobile Agriculture Netherlands, of which Mosa Meat is a founding member. Academia, NGOs, start-ups, and different key actors within the enterprise are among the many member organizations.
In UAE, plant-based meats are available in supermarkets and fast-food eating places by means of corporations like Unattainable Burgers and Past Meat. However mobile meat can change the market and permit diners in UAE to take pleasure in actual meat grown in a lab from the cells of animals. Israel-based start-up firm Aleph Farms is now in talks to supply lab-grown beef steaks in Dubai. If all goes to plan, Dubai residents would have the ability to take pleasure in a lab-grown beef burger made proper right here in Dubai. Whereas most labs make minced meat, Aleph Farms wish to develop muscle groups, opening the door to the chances of steaks, lamb shanks and extra cultivated meats grown within the Emirates. This future meals improvement is feasible by means of 3D bioprinting expertise. Quickly after the launch of this cultured meat in UAE, we may even see a number of fast-food chains and steak homes undertake the way forward for meat to spice up gross sales and enhance earnings. Lab-grown meat could turn out to be extra reasonably priced sooner or later in comparison with conventional meat, in addition to additionally being probably extra sustainable and more healthy.
The large query that involves thoughts when pondering of mobile meat: is it actually wholesome and fit for human consumption cultured meat? Is it sustainable; does it actually assist fight local weather change and save the setting? To reply that, corporations like GOOD Meat, Mosa Meat and Aleph Farms confer with cultured meat “the way forward for meat” and search to show on their platforms that cultured meat is way more healthy to eat than conventional meat. Their justification is that it comes from animals and developed in a sterile setting. Scientists can gather pattern cells from the healthiest animals to scale back transmission of assorted ailments unfold by animals. Billions of animals are slaughtered for consumption worldwide and with a rise in inhabitants, this meals expertise might help battle the related environmental challenges and in addition save the lives of animals. Cultivated meat may scale back animal killing, along with lowering greenhouse gasoline emissions like carbon dioxide and methane, that are the principle causes of local weather change. Twenty-five % of the world’s greenhouse gasoline emissions are associated to the meals system, primarily from animal agriculture.
The business is simply round 10 years outdated and nonetheless a number of years away from being commercially obtainable on a big scale in varied nations. Till then, the advantages of produced meat for the well being of animals, folks and the setting are extra hope than a promise.
Rochak Khandelwal is a analysis scholar with the HFTP Center East Analysis Middle and pupil on the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Administration in Dubai, UAE.
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Role of Technological Partnerships in Hotel Operations
In today’s fast-paced world, hoteliers face a myriad of challenges in managing their operations efficiently while ensuring exceptional guest experiences. However, there is a solution at hand – strategic technological partnerships. These collaborations offer innovative solutions that streamline processes, boost efficiency, and ultimately make life easier for hoteliers.
But to truly understand the transformative power of technological collaborations in the hospitality industry, it is important to understand the challenges faced by hoteliers.
Challenges in Hotel Operations
Hoteliers often encounter operational challenges that hinder efficiency and compromise guest satisfaction. These challenges include time-consuming administrative tasks, the need for seamless communication across departments, and managing multiple systems and platforms. Moreover, keeping up with evolving guest expectations and staying competitive in the digital age poses further challenges for hoteliers.
Thankfully, hoteliers can overcome these operational challenges through strategic technological partnerships. Let us now understand how.
Role of Technological Partnerships for Streamlined Hotel Operations
Technological partnerships offer hoteliers the opportunity to overcome operational challenges and streamline their daily processes. By integrating property management systems (PMS) with other hotel systems such as revenue management, guest relationship management, and housekeeping solutions, hoteliers can automate repetitive tasks, streamline communication, and consolidate data. This integration eliminates silos and provides a holistic view of hotel operations, enabling more efficient decision-making and resource allocation.
Moreover, such cloud-based solutions allow seamless access to data and systems from any location.
Embracing the Power of Cloud-Based Solutions
With seamless access to data and systems from any location, hoteliers gain real-time information and the flexibility to manage their properties remotely. This accessibility enhances operational agility and enables hoteliers to respond swiftly to changing market demands.
Collaborating with technology providers brings forth a range of benefits for hoteliers.
Benefits of Collaborative Innovation
Enhanced Guest Satisfaction through Personalized Experiences
One key advantage is improved guest satisfaction through personalized experiences. By leveraging guest data from multiple touchpoints, such as online bookings and guest feedback, hoteliers can tailor services to individual preferences, anticipate guest needs, and deliver personalized recommendations. This level of personalization enhances guest loyalty and overall satisfaction.
Optimized Revenue Management
Optimizing revenue management is crucial for hoteliers seeking sustainable business growth. By integrating revenue management systems with distribution channels, hotels can automate pricing decisions, monitor market trends, and maximize revenue potential.
This collaboration allows for dynamic pricing strategies based on demand and competitor analysis, ensuring optimal revenue generation and increased profitability.
Effective Channel Management for Revenue Maximization
Maximizing revenue through effective channel management is paramount for hoteliers. Embracing channel managers helps overcome distribution challenges, optimize rates and availability, and expand reach across multiple channels. The streamlined distribution process, centralized inventory control, and data-driven insights provided by channel managers empower hoteliers to make informed decisions, enhance revenue generation, and ultimately drive success in the dynamic hospitality industry.
Read More: Revolutionizing Guest Experiences & Revenue Management with AI
Read More: Navigating Hotel Distribution Challenges with Technology & Strategy
Technological partnerships play a pivotal role in simplifying the lives of hoteliers by addressing operational challenges and unlocking a multitude of benefits. By collaborating with innovative technology providers, hoteliers can streamline operations, improve guest satisfaction, and optimize revenue management.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, embracing these partnerships becomes increasingly crucial for hoteliers to stay competitive, enhance efficiency, and deliver exceptional experiences to their guests.
About the Author
Jaume Esteban Palette
Manager, Strategic Partnerships
RateGain
The Potential of Blockchain Technology in Boosting African Tourism
Written by: Obiora Ndili
Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders and diverse cultural experiences. It has become a popular destination for tourists from around the globe. But the tourism industry in Africa is facing various challenges such as lack of infrastructure, weak regulation, and low levels of investment. However, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the tourism industry in Africa.
Blockchain technology is a decentralized ledger that can record transactions in a secure, transparent and immutable manner. It has already shown great potential in various industries such as finance, healthcare and supply chain management. In the tourism industry, blockchain can address various issues such as payment processing, identity verification, and supply chain management.
One of the main challenges facing tourism in Africa is payment processing. Traditional payment methods such as credit cards are not widely accepted in Africa, and the use of cash can be risky and cumbersome. Blockchain technology can provide a secure and efficient payment system that eliminates intermediaries and reduces transaction costs. Blockchain-based payment systems such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are already gaining popularity in Africa, and more tourism businesses are beginning to accept these cryptocurrencies as a means of payment.
Identity verification is another challenge facing the tourism industry in Africa. Tourists may be required to provide multiple documents to verify their identity, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Blockchain technology can provide a secure and decentralized platform for identity verification. Tourists can store their identity information on a blockchain network, and tourism businesses can access this information to verify the identity of their customers. This can significantly reduce the time and cost of identity verification processes.
The supply chain in the tourism industry is also complex and can be difficult to manage. Blockchain technology can provide a transparent and immutable ledger of the entire supply chain, from the origin of the goods and services to the final delivery to the customers. This can enhance the quality and authenticity of products and services in tourism while improving customer trust and satisfaction.
Another advantage of using blockchain technology in the tourism industry is that it can promote eco-tourism and sustainability. Tourists are becoming more aware of the impact of their travels on the environment and are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Blockchain can be used to create smart contracts that incentivize sustainable practices such as eco-friendly transportation and waste reduction. These contracts can reward tourism businesses that adopt sustainable practices and provide tourists with more eco-friendly options.
Furthermore, Africa has the advantage of being a blank slate when it comes to technology adoption. Unlike developed countries that must adapt and integrate new technologies with existing infrastructure and systems, Africa can leapfrog directly to the latest and most efficient technologies. Blockchain technology can be implemented in African tourism businesses from the ground up, without the need to navigate complex legacy systems.
However, there are also challenges and risks associated with the implementation of blockchain technology in the tourism industry. The first challenge is the lack of technical expertise and infrastructure. African countries need to invest in developing the technical skills and infrastructure required to adopt and integrate blockchain technology into their tourism businesses.
Another challenge is the lack of regulatory frameworks and standards. Blockchain is a new and rapidly evolving technology, and there are no clear regulations or standards for its use in the tourism industry. This can create uncertainty and increase the risk of fraud and security breaches.
In conclusion, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the tourism industry in Africa. It can provide a secure and efficient payment system, streamline identity verification processes, enhance the supply chain management, promote eco-tourism and sustainability, and help African countries leapfrog to the latest and most efficient technologies. However, the implementation of blockchain technology in the tourism industry requires investment in technical skills and infrastructure, and the development of regulatory frameworks and standards. With the right support and collaboration, blockchain technology can transform the tourism industry.
This blog post was awarded Second Place (tied) in the Spring 2023 HFTP/MS Global Hospitality Business Graduate Student Blog Competition presented by the HFTP Foundation. The blog posts that received the top scores will be published on HFTP Connect through July 2023. Learn more at HFTP News.
Obiora Ndili is a graduate student of the Master of Science in Global Hospitality Business, a partnership between the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and EHL.
The Power of Allyship: Building Bridges of Support and Inclusion
Pride Month is not just a time for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate their identities, but also an opportunity for allies to educate themselves and advocate for equality. Allyship is a crucial pillar of support, and it plays a significant role in creating a more inclusive society for all. Let us delve into the importance of allyship, emphasizing the transformative power of education in fostering understanding, empathy, and acceptance.
Expanding Perspectives: The Role of Education
Education is the cornerstone of allyship. By seeking knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community, its history, struggles, and accomplishments, allies can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Education serves as a catalyst for breaking down stereotypes, dismantling prejudices, and fostering a culture of acceptance.
Challenging Assumptions and Bias
Allyship involves critically examining our own assumptions and biases. It requires recognizing and challenging the societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and marginalization. Through education, allies can confront their own biases and prejudices, allowing for personal growth and transformation. This self-reflection is essential in creating a more empathetic and inclusive environment.
Creating Safe Spaces for Learning
As allies, we have a responsibility to create safe spaces for learning and dialogue. By fostering an environment where questions can be asked, experiences can be shared, and concerns can be addressed, allies can facilitate meaningful conversations. These spaces allow for the exploration of diverse perspectives, leading to increased understanding and empathy.
Using Privilege to Amplify Voices
Allies have the privilege of being heard and respected in various spheres of influence. This privilege can be utilized to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. By actively sharing stories, experiences, and achievements, allies can help combat erasure and promote greater visibility. This act of amplification contributes to a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.
Advocacy for Equality
Education empowers allies to become advocates for equality. Armed with knowledge, allies can challenge discriminatory practices, policies, and beliefs. They can engage in meaningful conversations with others, challenging misconceptions and promoting empathy. Allies can use their voices to advocate for equal rights and protections, both on an individual level and within broader societal structures.
Celebrating Diversity
Allyship involves not only acknowledging and accepting differences but celebrating them as well. Education allows allies to appreciate the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the intersections of race, ethnicity, religion, abilities, and more. By embracing this diversity, allies contribute to the creation of a more vibrant and inclusive society.
Pride Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. As allies, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves, challenge biases, and actively advocate for equality. Through education, we can foster understanding, empathy and acceptance.
Let us use this Pride Month as an opportunity to reflect, learn, and commit ourselves to becoming better allies. Together, we can create a society where all individuals are valued, respected and celebrated for who they are.
A major hotel chain abandons San Francisco, blaming the city’s “clouded” future
Park Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation’s largest hotel real estate investment trusts, is pulling out of two hotels in downtown San Francisco, saying it lacks confidence in the city’s ability to overcome “major challenges.”
Park Hotels said that it has stopped making payments toward a $725 million loan backed by two of its San Francisco properties, the 1,921-room Hilton San Francisco and the 1,024-room Parc 55 San Francisco.
Both hotels are located near the Moscone Center, a conference venue that prior to the pandemic drew throngs of professionals to the area. San Francisco hasn’t fully recovered since COVID-19 shut down the economy in 2020, with many office buildings still largely empty as workers continue to work remotely. A rash of thefts last year and rising homelessness have caused some retailers to pull out of the city.
Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr., the chairman and CEO of Park Hotels, cited empty offices and reduced business travel as factors that have made owning the hotels untenable.
“Now more than ever, we believe San Francisco’s path to recovery remains clouded and elongated by major challenges,” Baltimore said in a statement this week.
He said the city’s challenges include: “record high office vacancy; concerns over street conditions; lower return to office than peer cities; and a weaker than expected citywide convention calendar through 2027 that will negatively impact business and leisure demand and will likely significantly reduce compression in the city for the foreseeable future.”
Both properties are expected to be removed from Park Hotels’ portfolio, which includes 46 hotels and resorts with more than 29,000 rooms.
Hit to business travel
Prior to the pandemic, San Francisco was a magnet for business travel. But since the crisis, event bookings have slowed down and foot traffic has receded.
In 2022, San Francisco will experience the steepest drop in revenue from business travel of any major metro area, according to data from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Revenue plunged nearly 69%, or $1.68 billion, compared to 2019.
To be sure, some businesses are still turning to the city for events, with JPMorgan holding its annual health care conference this year in the Union Square neighborhood after a two year pandemic-related hiatus. But other firms have canceled events, deterred in part by street conditions like graffiti and homelessness.
And some retailers have closed their San Francisco locations, citing crime and other issues. Whole Foods in April temporarily closed one of its flagship stores just a year after it opened, citing concerns that crime in the area was endangering its staff. Other retailers that have announced downtown closures include Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Office Depot, according to local station KRON.
A Guide to Effective Channel Management for Hospitality Businesses
In the modern era of digitalization, managing your online distribution channels is crucial for the triumph of your esteemed hospitality enterprise. A professional channel manager can facilitate you in efficiently allocating your inventory to various online travel agencies, direct booking engines, and metasearch engines, thereby expanding your outreach and maximizing your revenue.
In this comprehensive article, we shall delve into the nuances of a channel manager, how it functions, and how it can be instrumental in unlocking new avenues of revenue for your business.
What is a channel manager?
A channel manager is a software application that allows hotels, vacation rentals, and other accommodation providers to manage their online distribution more efficiently. It enables them to distribute their inventory to various online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, and others.
The channel manager is a centralized platform connecting multiple OTAs, allowing hoteliers to manage their room availability, rates, and reservations in real-time across all distribution channels from a single dashboard. In addition, it automates inventory updating and rates across multiple channels, reducing the chances of overbooking and manual errors.
Additionally, the channel manager provides the following:
- Detailed reports and analytics.
- Giving property managers insight into their revenue and occupancy rates.
- Enabling them to make informed pricing and distribution decisions.
Using a channel manager allows property managers to save time, reduce costs, and increase their revenue.
What is channel management?
Channel management is managing the distribution channels businesses use to sell their products or services to customers. For example, in the context of hospitality and travel, channel management refers to managing the online distribution channels used by hotels, vacation rentals, and other accommodation providers to sell their rooms and services to travelers.
Effective channel management involves identifying and utilizing the most appropriate online distribution channels, such as online travel agencies (OTAs), direct booking engines, metasearch engines, and other third-party media. It also involves optimizing room inventory and pricing strategies, ensuring availability and rates are updated in real time across all distribution channels to maximize revenue.
Using a channel manager is essential for efficient channel management, as it enables property managers to easily manage their inventory, rates, and reservations across multiple channels from a centralized platform. By managing their online distribution channels effectively, hotels and other accommodation providers can increase their visibility, attract more guests, and maximize their revenue.
How does a channel manager work?
A channel manager connects a property’s inventory management system with multiple online distribution channels, such as online travel agencies (OTAs), direct booking engines, and metasearch engines. The channel manager acts as a bridge between the property’s system and the distribution channels, allowing updates to be automatically and instantly sent and received.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Property managers update their inventory and rates in their property management system (PMS).
- The channel manager picks up the changes and pushes them to all connected distribution channels.
- When a booking is made through one of the channels, the channel manager returns the booking details to the PMS.
- The PMS updates its inventory, reflecting the new bookings across all channels.
- The channel manager sends the booking confirmation to the guest and the channel distribution.
This process ensures that the property’s availability, rates, and inventory are updated in real-time across all connected channels, reducing the risk of overbooking, manual errors, and discrepancies. Additionally, the channel manager provides a centralized dashboard where property managers can manage their online distribution channels, track their reservations, and analyze their performance.
How can a hotel channel manager be used to unlock new revenue daily?
A hotel channel manager can be used to improve your hotel business in several ways:
- Increase your reach: A channel manager allows you to distribute your inventory to multiple online channels, such as OTAs, metasearch engines, and direct booking engines, increasing your visibility and reaching more potential guests.
- Optimize your pricing strategy: By monitoring market demand, competitor rates, and other factors, a channel manager can help you set the right room prices, ensuring that you remain competitive and maximize your revenue.
- Reduce manual errors: A channel manager automates the process of updating your availability and rates across all channels, reducing the risk of manual errors, overbooking, and cancellations.
- Save time and resources: Using a centralized dashboard to manage your inventory and reservations, you can save time and resources that would otherwise be spent manually updating your rates and availability on multiple channels.
- Improve your guest experience: By ensuring that your availability and rates are always up-to-date across all channels, you can provide a seamless booking experience for your guests, improving their satisfaction and loyalty.
- Gain insights and analytics: A channel manager provides detailed reports and analytics on your performance across all channels. This allows you to identify trends, optimize your pricing and distribution strategies, and make data-driven decisions to improve your business.
Overall, a hotel channel manager can help you streamline your online distribution, optimize your pricing, and improve your guest experience, ultimately driving more revenue for your business.
How to use a channel manager effectively?
To use a channel manager effectively, consider the following tips:
- Choose the right channel manager: Look for a channel manager that is compatible with your property management system and the channels you want to connect to. Consider the features, pricing, and customer support offered by different providers.
- Set up your channels correctly: Ensure that your channel manager is set up correctly and all your channels are connected and synchronized. Review your room types, rates, and availability for accuracy.
- Monitor your performance: Keep an eye on your performance across all channels using the reporting and analytics tools provided by your channel manager. Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
- Optimize your pricing strategy: Use your channel manager to monitor your competitors’ rates, market demand, and other factors impacting your pricing. Adjust your rates to remain competitive and maximize your revenue.
- Update your inventory regularly: Keep your inventory up-to-date across all channels by regularly updating your availability, room types, and rates. Ensure that changes are synced automatically across all channels to avoid overbooking.
- Use promotional offers: Use your channel manager to create promotional offers and discounts to attract more guests and increase your revenue. Ensure that your promotions are synchronized across all channels.
- Keep your content fresh: Ensure that your property information, photos and descriptions are up-to-date and attractive to potential guests. Use your channel manager to update your content across all channels.
By following these tips, you can use a channel manager effectively to improve your online distribution, increase your revenue, and provide a seamless booking experience for your guests.
What other systems can you use with a channel manager at your hotel?
There are several other systems that you can use with a channel manager at your hotel to streamline your operations and improve your guest experience, including:
- Property Management System (PMS): A PMS software system helps you manage your reservations, inventory, pricing, and guest data. A channel manager can be integrated with your PMS to automatically update your inventory and rates across all channels, ensuring that your availability is always up-to-date.
- Revenue Management System (RMS): An RMS software system uses data analysis to optimize your pricing and revenue strategy. A channel manager can be integrated with an RMS to provide real-time data on market demand, competitor rates, and other factors impacting your pricing.
- Online Booking Engines: An online booking engine allows guests to book directly on your website. A channel manager can be integrated with your booking engine to ensure that your inventory and rates are always up-to-date, providing a seamless booking experience for your guests.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System: A CRM system helps you manage your guest data and interactions. A channel manager can be integrated with a CRM system to capture guest data from all channels and provide a unified view of your guests.
- Point of Sale (POS) System: A POS system helps you manage your on-site transactions, such as food and beverage sales, spa services, and other activities. A channel manager can be integrated with a POS system to streamline your operations and provide a seamless guest experience.
Integrating these systems with your channel manager can improve operational efficiency, provide a better guest experience, and maximize revenue.
What is the best channel manager for hotels?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the best channel manager for hotels, as the best channel manager will depend on your specific needs, budget and requirements. However, here are some factors to consider when choosing a channel manager for your hotel:
- Compatibility: Look for a channel manager that is compatible with your property management system and the channels you want to connect to. Ensure that the provider offers seamless integration and synchronization across all channels.
- Features: Consider the channel manager’s features, such as real-time updates, automatic inventory management, multi-user access, reporting and analytics, and promotional tools. Ensure that the provider offers all the features you need to manage your online distribution effectively.
- Pricing: Look for a channel manager that offers transparent pricing and a pricing model that suits your budget and requirements. Consider whether the provider charges per channel, per room, or based on a percentage of your revenue.
- customer support: Ensure that the channel manager provider offers robust customer support, including phone, email, and chat support, as well as self-help resources and documentation.
- Reputation: Check the reputation of the channel manager provider by reading online reviews, testimonials and case studies. Look for providers who have a proven track record of helping hotels improve their online distribution and revenue.
Conclusion:
A hotel channel manager is essential for property managers who want to optimize their online distribution channels, increase their visibility, and maximize their revenue. By using a channel manager effectively, property managers can improve their pricing strategy, reduce manual errors, save time and resources, and provide a seamless booking experience for their guests. With detailed reports and analytics, property managers can make data-driven decisions and continuously improve their performance across all channels.
Lessons in Leadership from Florida’s Largest Independent Hotelier
“Hotels are a service industry, and the key is to have happy associates.”
There are many reasons Harris Rosen, president and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts and Florida’s largest independent hotelier, is a masterclass in hospitality leadership: his willingness to take enormous risks, his wise approach to scaling up, and most importantly, his steadfast, decades -long devotion to giving back – both to his employees and his community.
When HITEC was in Orlando, Florida last year, Rosen led a special, bonus session as part of the inaugural HFTP Leadership Excellence Series. In this gripping session, Rosen regaled attendees with anecdotes, lessons and experiences drawn directly from his 40-plus years as a successful and thriving hotelier – and at the end, left attendees with a singular, resounding phrase to guide them in their future careers.
First, some important facts about Rosen, founder, president and CEO of Rosen Hotels and Resorts:
- Rosen Hotels & Resorts boasts seven hotels, 6,338 guest rooms and suites, and over one million square feet of convention space.
- In addition to hotel holdings, Rosen operates a technology company called Millennium Technology Group, an insurance company called RosenSure, and owns a medical center exclusively for associates called The Rosen Medical Center: A Place for Healing and Wellness.
- Apart from being a successful businessman, Rosen is also a dedicated philanthropist, with a foundation that serves children in underserved communities, programs that provide free preschool to children ages 3-4 and college/vocational scholarships for high school graduates, and more.
Keep reading for Rosen’s take on how supporting and rewarding your employees can pay off massively in more ways than one. Then, watch Rosen’s session in its entirety here to learn more about how Rosen Hotels and Resorts got its start, Rosen’s secret to financial success when scaling up properties, the philanthropic programs that Rosen created for youth and underserved communities, and more.
The following was transcribed from the original session recording and may have been condensed/edited for clarity. Please refer to the session recording for the original audio.
Rosen: I have worked diligently to do whatever we can to keep our associates happy.
We have our own medical center. If you work for me, you visit the medical center. If you’re in the hospital, the most you pay is $750 twice a year – after that, you don’t pay anything. One of our associates had a little baby born prematurely. She was in the hospital with her baby for a long time, and the bill was $1,041,000. I know that because I paid for it. She paid $750. If you have a prescription and you go to Wal-Mart, it’s free, 90 percent of the time. If you’ve been with me for three years and you have children in college, I’ll pay their tuition.
About 30 years ago, wanting desperately to lower our healthcare costs, I worked diligently to make that happen. And it worked. I called the insurance company, and they said, “we’ll have your numbers pretty soon.” I got my bill, and my insurance rates went up by 25%. I called. That was a mistake, because we worked diligently, and we lowered our healthcare costs by about 30 percent. Yet, there’s an increase in my healthcare costs. I had to check. “It’s because of the group you are in.” I said, “No, no, no. I’m an independent little hotel guy. I’m not part of a group.”
[The insurance representative] said, “No, we put you in a group.” I said, “I don’t want to be in a group.”
“You don’t have any choice.”
“I guess my choice is not to do it.”
One of the dumbest things I’ve ever done in my life. I had no insurance company. I had no medical center. I have no affiliation with any hospital, any doctor. What have I just done? I said, “Take a deep breath. Number one: let’s get a clinic.”
The accounting office needed more space. And we created a beautiful little clinic there, hiring a nurse practitioner, a physician and an admin. And we were in business. What about insurance? Well, let’s start our own insurance company. We did. One of the finest insurance companies here in Orlando. We had insurance. We had our medical center. What about hospitals? Let’s talk to them.
We’re not afraid to talk. We spoke to the hospitals and made a deal with them. What about all the other physicians. We’ll talk to them. And before long, we had a program called RosenCare®. We controlled our own destiny.
What impact would that have on our healthcare costs? At the end of the first year, we’re on the cover of Florida Trends magazines. why? We’ve cut our healthcare costs by 50 percent – from about $1,400 per covered life to $700 since we started our program. If you compare our cost per covered life with the national average, we have saved our little company over $500 million.
Yes – we’ve had crazy ideas. Have they all worked? No. But we don’t give up.
(The final question of the session) From a leadership excellence perspective, if you were to leave this room with one professional thought or idea to take home, what would that be? What would you say is a phrase to live by?
Don’t ever give up.
HFTP Leadership Excellence Series Returns to HITEC Toronto 2023
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from an established industry leader at the next “HFTP Bonus Session at HITEC,” taking place Thursday, June 29 at HITEC Toronto 2023. While this session is officially part of the HFTP 2023 Leadership Excellence Series program, it is open for all HITEC attendees to observe. Visit the HITEC website in the coming months to learn more and register for HITEC if you have not done so already. See you in June!
Top 8 Hospitality Technology Trends to Watch in 2023
The hospitality industry continues to blaze new trails in its quest for innovation and excellence. The pace of technological advancement is only accelerating, with breakthroughs in AI, machine learning, and automation driving unprecedented transformations. The result? A kaleidoscope of cutting-edge solutions that promise to revolutionize the hospitality landscape, offering unparalleled guest experiences, streamlining operations, and unlocking new revenue streams.
From personalized experiences and contactless technologies to virtual and augmented reality, voice-activated assistants, and smart room systems, we will explore each trend in exquisite detail, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and how they can benefit your business.
Exploring the Latest Innovations and Insights Reshaping the Hospitality Landscape for the Upcoming Years Ahead
Personalization
Personalization has emerged as the lodestar guiding the hospitality industry. Modern-day guest demands their preferences and behavior be recognized, and hotels must offer bespoke experiences tailored to meet these exacting standards. AI and machine learning technologies are set to play a pivotal role in analyzing data and gaining insights into guest preferences, enabling the provision of customized recommendations and experiences.
Contactless Technology
In light of the precautions against COVID-19, the adoption of contactless technology has soared to new heights, and this trend looks set to continue. As a result, contactless check-ins, payments, and room service have emerged as the new norm, providing guests with a safe and convenient experience. As such, hotels will need to invest in these cutting-edge technologies to ensure their guests’ continued satisfaction and safety.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual and augmented reality technologies offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the hospitality industry, enabling guests to experience hotels and destinations before booking. Virtual tours, 360-degree videos, and interactive experiences offer a compelling and immersive way for guests to explore hotels and their amenities.
Voice-activated Technology
Voice-activated technology is poised to become a global trend in the hospitality industry, providing guests with a hands-free means of accessing information and controlling their room environment. Voice assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant enable guests to make requests, adjust room temperature, and control entertainment systems, among other things, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Smart Room Technology
The advent of smart room technology represents a paradigm shift in how hotels offer their guests personalized experiences. For example, smart thermostats, lighting, and entertainment systems give guests unparalleled control over their environment and preferences. Meanwhile, smart mirrors and virtual assistants offer customized recommendations and information, enhancing the guest experience.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI continues to be a pivotal force in the hospitality industry, enabling hotels to provide personalized experiences and automated processes. Chatbots and virtual assistants are set to become even more sophisticated, providing guests with quick and efficient responses to their queries. AI-powered recommendations are also poised to help hotels upsell and cross-sell products and services, further enhancing the guest experience.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT technology ushers in a new era of data-driven decision-making in the hospitality industry. Smart sensors and devices will monitor guest behavior and preferences, enabling hotels to provide bespoke services and make data-driven decisions. IoT technology will also enable hotels to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs, enhancing the overall sustainability of the hospitality sector.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is poised to revolutionize the hospitality industry, streamlining operations and improving efficiency. Cloud-based property management systems (PMS) will provide hotels with real-time data and insights, enabling them to make informed decisions and manage their properties remotely. Cloud-based solutions will also reduce costs associated with hardware and maintenance, making them an attractive proposition for hotels seeking to enhance their bottom line.
Conclusion
The hospitality industry is poised for an exciting and transformative year in 2023, with cutting-edge technologies to redefine the guest experience and revolutionize operations. From personalization and contactless technologies to smart room systems, voice assistants, and virtual and augmented reality, the top 8 technology trends we’ve explored in this blog promise to deliver immense value to hoteliers and their guests alike.
As the industry continues to evolve, businesses must keep pace with the latest trends and innovations to remain competitive and relevant. By embracing these emerging technologies and leveraging their capabilities, hotels can enhance the guest experience, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the curve.