Hospitality Property Council Outlook 2022
Last week I attended the Property Council Outlook 2022 for Hospitality. Understandably there was emotional discussion around how the pandemic has decimated this industry. However, there was plenty of positivity and insight to bolster the sector for the future. These were some of my key takeaways together with some further research into the trends shaping Hospitality Design.
Blurred lines between work and life creates opportunities
Our more flexible work policies and altered lifestyles are blurring the boundaries between work and leisure. WFH is not for everyone, so working remotely from a hotel early to mid-week with a less defined slide into a long weekend is a hybrid that is gaining popularity. What this surely means for hotel design is less stereotyping of guests and hubs, for example business hubs and leisure hubs. The rise of innovative, acoustically superior, multifunctional spaces with sophisticated technology and proximity to boutique Food and Beverage outlets will see the death of the traditional business and/or conference centres. Beautifully branded F&B experiences will continue to play a leading role in attracting guests.
Wellbeing drives design and material selection
Improved and seamless access to the outdoors and a holistic approach to the wellbeing of guests will also guide design principles and materials selections – across all areas of the establishment. Access to sunlight, natural ventilation and landscaped indoor and outdoor spaces are perhaps, obvious elements. More broadly, promoting greater trust in the ‘cleanliness’ of a hotel without sacrificing aesthetics or tactility may be an ongoing challenge. Fitness, beauty, relaxation, nutrition – together all these aspects of wellness can combine in different variations of the hotel “gym”.
Community, connection and customise
Appetite for experience continues to differentiate hotel brands and so many are entering the market despite the past two years of downturn. Competition to engage and inspire is strong and extends to every detail such as cool hotel merch, entertaining lift rides, an unexpected in-room bar fridge offering, and high fashion for the staff. You couldn’t possibly put the attire and accessories designed for employees of QT Hotels in the category of “uniform”. Customisation is, therefore, vital and utilising local talent will not only forge connections to place and community, but it can take some pressure off the supply chain during construction. Outside of the envelope of the hotel, the local tourism economy needs to be part of the process of establishing successful properties. Can you imagine how the Harbour Bridge climb has suffered without international tourists, as an example?
As locals and tourists morph in and out of their roles in business and pleasure, the fluidity of spaces will be key to promote connection and experiential details, to attract brand awareness and loyalty. The total guest journey including the physical, digital, and sensory has always been part of the brief, but it is now non-negotiable.
With wellness and experience as the overarching focus for the future of Hospitality environments and sustainability concerns making a gradual impact on the sector, contact me to discuss how BOLON and BAUX can play a leading role in your materials selections for your hospitality projects.
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