Hospitality Influencers

Customer demand for climate change and for all industries to play their part is at an all-time high. Society is changing, their values are changing, and those that align their business to their customer values ahead of the rest, stand to become more successful. So what are you doing, at your hotel or restaurant, to commit and run a greener business? 

The one thing that I wish I knew about the hospitality industry when I started my career is that no matter what your career aspirations are, there is always a position to satisfy your interests in the hospitality industry.

Diners basing their restaurant choices on sustainability is such a huge question right now, and it is easy to rush to the wrong conclusions.

A couple of months ago, I watched a documentary by Stacey Dooley on the environmental impact of the fashion industry, and I was floored with the statistics!! I really had no idea that the clothing industry was so damaging, it actually is the second most polluting industry in the world, after oil of course. 

There would be so many things that I would want to pass on from thirty-five years in this industry. Work-life balance, alcohol, drugs, depression etc. are all important discussion points, but if I could tell myself something 35 years ago it would be "look after yourself".

In a time where competition is high, and opportunities are plentiful, companies and managers need to offer more than 'just a job' to retain staff.

Are you in control of one of the highest costs to your hospitality business? When was the last time you took time out of your day to review the energy your hotel or restaurant uses?

The hospitality staffing industry is the silent partner in the hospitality industry. All of us have travelled to hotels or restaurants around the world for business or pleasure. Our experiences have been five stars or one star, luxury brand or extended stay; metropolises, such as New York or London or rural areas, such as Blytheville, Arkansas or Kelsterbach, Germany.

Tripadvisor and restaurants - you can't please everybody. Tripadvisor is a unique platform that helps you realise this when you work in this industry. However, in hospitality, we do try to please everyone. All the time. How do restaurants achieve consistent positive reviews?

Before I set foot for the first time in a restaurant as a worker, and not as a guest, I wished somebody had told me that, in one of the most fast-paced and stressful environment ever, it was not all about good food, good wines, good drinks and good service.