WORLDHOTELS members predict future tourism trends

HONG KONG – WORLDHOTELS asked key representatives of its 500 plus member properties all over the globe to take part in a survey and to indicate their expectations on new trends in key areas such as business growth, environment, customer expectation, customers’ booking behaviour, internet booking and customer relationship management (CRM).

A total of 84 percent of the owners and managers of the WORLDHOTELS portfolio surveyed believe that the current positive trading conditions will continue for at least the next three years. In addition, 88 percent expect their REVPAR to be higher in 2008, due to factors such as improved yield management, advanced revenue strategies or increased demand.

Environmental concerns are currently dominating the media and the WORLDHOTELS survey revealed that hoteliers see ecotourism as another way of increasing business. When asked, 92 percent anticipate the addressing of environmental factors to improve business, while 77 percent feel that this would raise profitability. Working with suppliers to establish a ‘green’ supply chain was picked out as the issue they believe customers felt the most strongly about.