For twenty years, North Pacific Management, Inc. has owned and managed
prime hospitality and commercial real estate in the lush and thriving Pacific
Northwest. With experience managing full-service hotels and outstanding
restaurants our company is poised to spot emerging market trends.
Here are our top ten hospitality trends for Summer and Fall 2007.
1. Drink Local -- Everyone�s heard of eating local but
now things are moving one step further. Consumers are becoming more aware
of and interested in local sustainable products and the results can be
seen in almost every corner of the industry. Local beers and wines
are popping up on beverage menus and local lavender, coffee beans, berries
and fruit purees are being used as ingredients and garnishes for signature
cocktails.
2. Bye, Bye Armoire -- In the case of hotel rooms the old saying,
�bigger is not always better� just doesn�t ring true. Consumers are
looking for more in their rooms and the industry is looking for a way to
deliver. Short of a major remodel, the answer seems to be making
guest rooms appear larger by removing unnecessary furniture. Armoires
are out and wall mounted flat panel televisions are in.
3. Better Business Bureau -- Business travel is a huge industry
and everyone is trying to capture this niche group. With added perks
such as free newspapers of choice delivered to rooms, continental breakfast,
finger food and wine and beer delivered in-room business travelers are
treated more like elite club members than travelers. Look for hotels
to offer over the top perks like in room delivery of Schwinn exercise bikes
and Bowflex machines.
4. Craving Human Contact -- Automated phone systems and outsourced
customer service departments just aren�t the same as talking directly to
a person. It seems the best people to answer questions about the
property and take reservations are the property�s full time staff.
Knowledgeable people with personalized service means better customer experience.
5. The Anti-Buzz Word Movement -- Words like �sustainable� and
�boutique� are commonplace in the hospitality industry but these properties
don�t always deliver. Guests are looking to see the results every time
they check-in or dine at any location.
6. Teach Experiences -- Consumers are looking for more than just
a room or a meal--they�re looking for an experience. With knowledge to
spare, sometimes staff experience can give customers a unique and educational
perspective.
7. Silly Holidays are Reason to Celebrate -- Who knew June 16th
was National Fudge Day? Silly and unusual holidays offer a reason
to celebrate, even if it is just an excuse to eat a sweet treat. They also
create and easy and unique way to reach out and talk to people and give
customers a varied experience.
8. It's Not Easy Being Green -- It seems like everyone is interested
in green properties and moving toward environmentally friendly business
practices. Restaurants are switching to biodegradable containers, stickers
and adhesives are being left off take-out packages with more services sure
to follow.
9. A Hotel�s Best Friend -- These days it seems like everyone
is traveling with their four legged companions. Consumers are looking
for hotels that are more than just accepting of furry guests, opting instead
for properties that pamper pets. Specialized services, doggie care
packages and other pet amenities are becoming an essential travel service.
Restaurants are seeing the benefits of catering to pets as well--fresh
baked dog treats are showing up on more restaurant menus, much to the delight
of two and four legged travelers.
10. Beer Sommeliers Pour it On! -- Forget wine sommeliers and
specialty pillow bars. Travelers are looking for a low-key, relaxed
pairing option and our crystal ball predicts that beer sommeliers will
soon be filling this niche. Offering pairing suggestions of
beer and food these brew specialists will give guest a unique view of the
local beer scene.
Through the years North Pacific Management has grown extensively. Independently
owned and staffed with over 800 employees, we manage a wide variety of
properties � from hotels and restaurants to racquet clubs and large commercial
properties.
