Here are a few tips on how the hotels in the world are responding to the economic meltdown. Let’s remember that even though we are part of the global economy, Nigeria has its own economy and unique consumer lifestyle therefore, its operations could be managed differently. Research sources suggests that:
- Cutting room rates should be recommended for hotels whose target market is sensitive to prices. Even though the global economy is not encouraging, there are many products and services consumers cannot do without and will pay the current market price for like hotel and conference facilities.
- Identify a niche in the industry and explore such opportunities. There are many classes of customers that need hotels. Weddings, Churches, Corporate Bodies, Leisure and so on. Package a special deal to meet the needs of your niche and offer superb services. It may be something additional to the conventional style or fresh ideas that may just solve Nigeria’s problem- publicize it. They say that where are many problems, there you will find many business opportunities so be observant.
- Monitor how you are doing compared to your competitors. Find out how they are better than you, how you are better than them and also what the leaders in the industry do to make that stand out. It helps you to sit up or work on your lapses.
- Remember, hotels belong to the service industry so try to recruit for attitude and train for skills. You may know the job but if your attitude towards your customers is discourteous then you may end up sending customers away. For non-management positions, it is cheaper to recruit industrial attachment students or even NYSC members as they are learned and have some level of exposure. By doing this, you reduce your operational costs because you pay little or no salaries. If the person is really good, then do not fail to recommend managerial training after a while.
- Encourage regular training, reward system and mentorship in your organisation. This empowers your employees with some sense of acknowledgement, belonging, job security and technical Know-how. Take care of your employees and they will take care of your business.
- Improve customer service delivery- make efforts to stand out do your competitors and you will have customer returning for more
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