The Importance of Outstanding Hospitality Management

In today’s ever-changing world, management plays an increasingly critical role.  Effective managers must “enhance learning, encourage job improvement, and challenge people” to solve problems in an innovative manner¹. Nowhere is this truer than in the field of hospitality, as a hotel’s general manager is required to possess an appropriate leadership style, with the ability to control his or her ego, with the intent of innovating in the field¹. There are a plethora of challenges that hospitality managers face in today’s continually evolving lodging industry. Notably, all hotel general managers will have to face emotional conflicts, make decisions considered unpopular by some, and analyze the tradeoffs that must be made in day-to-day operations¹.  

Also, hospitality managers must be able to respond to different trends in the marketplace.  One important trend that is important to note is that millennials “have very different expectations of the hospitality industry than previous generations;” more specifically, they are not typically loyal to one specific brand of accommodations, “preferring instead to seek out products, services, and experiences that are unique rather than familiar,” referring to brands owned by key players such as Hilton, Marriott, and Choice Hotels².  Furthermore, it is imperative that today’s hospitality managers implement technologies with the intention of providing a modern lodging experience.  At the flagship of the relatively new Yotel chain in New York City, a robotic arm referred to as the “Yobot” handles guest luggage in place of human bellhops².  This innovative hotel also boasts motorized, moving beds, with the added benefit of saving space within each of its rooms².  With the rise of technology in accommodations, hotel managers must implement plans that integrate technological advancements into the hotel’s business but more importantly into the guest experience, with the hopes of improving guests’ perceptions and generating repeat business.  

As the use of data mining practices has proliferated throughout various industries on a global scale, it has proven beneficial in the hospitality sector. Hotel managers can now “tailor their marketing communications to individual consumer preferences,” further enhancing their experiences².  With this being said, it is crucial for managers in lodging to devise strategies to connect with their guests while simultaneously providing new and different experiences with each stay.  

For working professionals interested in pursuing a career in the management of hotels, motels, and inns across the country and around the world, Ramapo College of New Jersey offers a certificate program in hospitality and restaurant management through its Center for Innovative and Professional Learning (CIPL).  Students in the program will learn the fundamental principles of lodging and restaurant management that are necessary for success in the field and be prepared to apply these concepts in a practical manner in hotels and restaurants.  With workshops covering a diverse range of topics, from effective team management, professional communication, and service excellence to service operations management and finance for lodging and restaurant managers, Ramapo’s CIPL program is designed in such a way to prepare professionals to pursue lucrative opportunities in an evolving field.  

Those interested in learning more about the CIPL Hospitality and Restaurant Management Certificate or its individual workshops, are encouraged to visit https://www.ramapo.edu/cipl/businesstraining for more information.

¹Source: HospitalityNet.com.  “The new Paradigm for leadership and management: the humble and self-confident Boss” by Arturo Cuenllas.  Retrieved from http://www.hospitalitynet.com/news/4059690.  

²Source: Birmingham Business Journal.  “Millennials remain an elusive target for the hotel industry” by John McCourt.  Retrieved from http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2016/10/05/millennials-remain-an-elusive-target-for-the-hotel.html.  

Categories: CIPL