ACCOMODATION

GTHMICR2 Microperspective in Tourism and Hospitality

  • Course code: GTHMICR2

  • Focus Area: Tourism and Hospitality Management

Course Overview

  • Institution: College of Tourism and Hospitality Management

Accommodation Sector

  • Standard module for the understanding of lodging types and operations in the hospitality sector.

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Identify different types of accommodation.

  • Describe operations across various departments in the lodging industry.

  • Identify criteria for classifying and rating hotels.

  • Recognize issues and trends within the accommodation sector.

Key Definitions

Hospitality

  • Definition: Friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests (Oxford Dictionary).

  • Encompasses food, drink, and accommodation away from home.

  • Involves a service relationship between host and guest.

Accommodation

  • Definition: Something provided for convenience or satisfaction of a need, including lodging, food, and services (Merriam-Webster).

Accommodation Types

Hotels

  • Provide sleeping accommodations, dining facilities, and housekeeping.

Resort Hotels

  • Cater primarily to leisure travelers, typically located in recreational environments (beaches, ski areas, theme parks).

Business Hotels

  • Known as Corporate Hotels; target business travelers with necessary facilities.

All-Suite Hotels

  • All accommodations are suites, usually comprising multiple rooms.

Bed and Breakfast

  • Offer lodging with food in a small, family-oriented setting.

Self-Catering Accommodation

  • Includes apartments and cottages where guests prepare their own meals.

Time-Share/Vacation Ownership

  • Shared ownership of a holiday home, with allocated times for each owner.

Motels

  • Inexpensive lodging accessible to motorists, typically located along highways.

Cruise Liners and Ferries

  • Leisure travel accommodations that also offer onboard amenities.

Trains and Aircraft

  • Provide accommodation that can be cabins or upgraded seating.

Camping and Caravan Sites

  • Visitors use tents or caravans, common in North America and Europe.

VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives)

  • Facilities provided within friends' or relatives' homes.

Youth Accommodation/Hostels

  • Low-cost accommodations primarily used by young travelers.

Accommodation as a Part of the Tourism Product

Components of Accommodation Product

  1. Location: Accessibility to tourists and infrastructure.

  2. Facilities: Full-service vs. self-catering options; includes amenities like bars, restaurants, and recreational spaces.

  3. Service: Grading determines service level, marketing, and guest expectations.

  4. Image: How the establishment is perceived and promoted.

  5. Price: Varies based on location, facilities, and market positioning.

Characteristics of Accommodation Products

  1. Tangible: Physical surroundings, décor, food/beverage offered.

  2. Intangible: Atmosphere and service experience.

  3. Inseparability: Production and consumption must happen simultaneously.

  4. Perishable: Unused accommodation within a night cannot be stored or sold later.

Departments in Accommodation Sector

Key Functions

  • General Manager: Oversees operations, ensures guest satisfaction.

  • Food and Beverage: Supplies dining services.

  • Engineering: Maintains facility operations like HVAC and elevators.

  • Sales and Marketing: Promotes the property and manages guest relations.

  • Human Resources: Handles recruitment, orientation, and employee relations.

Guest Cycle

Phases

  1. Pre-Arrival Stage: Reservations and expectations begin.

  2. Arrival Stage: Check-in process.

  3. Stay Stage: Guest experience within the hotel.

  4. Departure Stage: Check-out completion.

Issues and Challenges in the Accommodation Sector

  1. Increased competition and price-cutting tactics.

  2. Technological advancements and the challenge of real-time engagement.

  3. Reputation Management and the importance of online reviews.

  4. Growth of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs); commission costs are a significant expense.

  5. Impact of communicable diseases on bookings and occupancy.

Trends in the Accommodation Sector

  1. Hotel Technology: Integration of mobile apps for ease of booking and client interaction.

  2. VR/AR: Providing immersive previews of accommodations for informed booking.

  3. Service Automation: Use of AI to improve guest interactions and efficiency.

  4. Growth of Airbnb: A rise in alternative accommodation experiences, appealing to travelers seeking authenticity.

  5. Sustainability Practices: Eco-friendly initiatives, such as reducing laundry and sourcing sustainable products.

Conclusion

  • Thank You!: Appreciation for the learning experience.