Current Trends in the Hospitality
International Journal of Economic Practices and Theories, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012 (January), e-ISSN 2247 – 7225 www.ijept.org
Current and Future Trends in Tourism and Hospitality. The Case of Greece by Soultana (Tania) Kapiki Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki tkapiki@tour.teithe.gr
Abstract. This paper identifies some of the current and future trends affecting the tourism and hospitality industry, including globalisation, guests’ safety and security, the importance of offering outstanding services, the new technologies that enhance competitiveness, the population ageing that impacts directly on tourist demand and the correlation between price and value. Reference is also made to the trends in the development of tourism lodgings. Furthermore, the paper attempts to analyse the Greek tourism performance indicators for the last 10 years and suggest ways out of the recession for the tourism entrepreneurs. The suggestions to the hoteliers include careful analysis of the current and future trends and application of the proper adaptations, investing in exceptional services and sustainability of their lodging, as well as utilizing the new technologies and the social networks. Moreover, the hotel owners should consider the retirees as their potential guests and, finally, they must seek ways to retain effective, diverse and competent staff. Key words: employment, Greece, services, tourism and hospitality, trends.
JEL classification: J210, L800, L830
1 Introduction Hospitality means providing service to others, as well as demonstrating consistent excellence and quality. It should also mean profitably providing value at any price level, while demonstrating your own unique points of distinction. Most of all, hospitality should be a “place”, where people can still be exceptional individuals and they can extend their own personality and style (Hogan, 2008). The hospitality industry is part of a huge group of companies known as travel and tourism
Current and Future Trends in Tourism and Hospitality. The Case of Greece by Soultana (Tania) Kapiki Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki tkapiki@tour.teithe.gr
Abstract. This paper identifies some of the current and future trends affecting the tourism and hospitality industry, including globalisation, guests’ safety and security, the importance of offering outstanding services, the new technologies that enhance competitiveness, the population ageing that impacts directly on tourist demand and the correlation between price and value. Reference is also made to the trends in the development of tourism lodgings. Furthermore, the paper attempts to analyse the Greek tourism performance indicators for the last 10 years and suggest ways out of the recession for the tourism entrepreneurs. The suggestions to the hoteliers include careful analysis of the current and future trends and application of the proper adaptations, investing in exceptional services and sustainability of their lodging, as well as utilizing the new technologies and the social networks. Moreover, the hotel owners should consider the retirees as their potential guests and, finally, they must seek ways to retain effective, diverse and competent staff. Key words: employment, Greece, services, tourism and hospitality, trends.
JEL classification: J210, L800, L830
1 Introduction Hospitality means providing service to others, as well as demonstrating consistent excellence and quality. It should also mean profitably providing value at any price level, while demonstrating your own unique points of distinction. Most of all, hospitality should be a “place”, where people can still be exceptional individuals and they can extend their own personality and style (Hogan, 2008). The hospitality industry is part of a huge group of companies known as travel and tourism