SPECIAL REPORT : 2013 FORECAST
WINNERS + LOSERS
“ COMPANIES
CONTINUE TO SEND TRAVELERS FOR INDIVIDUAL
BUSINESS PURPOSES , BUT
STRONGLY REDUCE SEMINARS AND INCENTIVE FOR THEIR TEAMS .”
– Louvre Hotels Group ’ s Pierre-Frédéric Roulot on MICE business in Europe
For the European market , it ’ s more a case of hedging bets . Overall , the prognosis is guarded when it comes to 2013 and beyond . Markets haven ’ t crashed yet , but experts are cautious about predicting too far out . “ We currently forecast for 44 markets across Europe , Middle East and Asia Pacific . Apart from 13 markets , we currently see limited rate and RevPAR growth for 2013 ,” says Konstanze Auernheimer , director of marketing & analysis , STR Global , London . “ However , the tougher economic environment might impact performances more if the situation continues to deteriorate .”
Kett of HVS predicts London should be able to channel the post-Olympic tourism spike into a sunny medium-term outlook , while Germany should be able to hold its own . But even for the stable members of the European Union , it is going to take some elbow grease to stave off the implications of the debt crisis .
“ The eurozone crisis will continue to affect the hotel sector for a number of years ,” Kett says . “ Still , individual hotels can outperform the market averages as long as their operators are determined to make a difference in how they market , sell and operate their hotel . Industry average data are helpful , but hoteliers who are content only to keep pace with their competition may not be around tomorrow .”
SIZE DOESN ’ T MATTER
Boutique hotels look set to be more than a passing fad . “ There are nearly 800 boutique hotels in Smith Travel Research ’ s census based on self-selection ,” says Kirby Payne , president , HVS Hotel Management .
While there are no concrete criteria for what a boutique hotel is , brands are taking a page from the lifestyle book . Health and wellness offerings are being upgraded , with Hilton recently introducing fitness room prototypes that give guests private workout space . Healthconscious cuisine is as critical as Michelin-starred eateries . And , even big hotels will need to find ways to personalize the guest experience .
“ Purpose-designed guestrooms , such as family rooms that include bunk beds , are proving a great way for hoteliers to command a higher rate on select rooms without adding significant operational costs ,” says Eric Danziger , president and CEO , Wyndham Hotels Group .
“ WE ANTICIPATE ROOM RATES TO CARRY ON WITH THEIR GROWTH TREND , BUT AT A MORE MODERATE PACE .”
– Park Hotel Group ’ s Mohd Rafin on Asia ’ s cooling upturn
26 HOTELS December 2012 www . hotelsmag . com