There is no denying the pandemic’s impact, and resulting demand fluctuations it has had on the hospitality industry in the last couple of years. Nearly halfway into 2022, it’s no surprise that things are changing throughout the industry.
Assuring guests that they are safe to stay in a hotel again, accelerating existing trends, and innovative approaches have gained traction in the hospitality industry in efforts to entice patrons back.
New standards in the hospitality industry have been set due to growing consumer awareness of sustainability, purpose, and health and wellness. Here is the top hospitality trends forecast for 2022.
Top Hospitality Trends for 2022
As we progress through 2022, with the pandemic still at the forefront of most patrons’ minds, we are beginning to shift gears as we take a closer look at the trends we’re seeing. Here’s what we see so far.
Flexible Service Business Models
To help fight the ongoing labor shortage across the hospitality industry, the separation between the front- and back-of-house staff will soon become blurred. As we enter a world with more flexible service business models, we’ll find that staff will take on multiple roles, requiring lots of cross-training.
In addition to protecting the industry from staffing shortages now and in the future, flexible service models also aim to eliminate hierarchy and foster equality in compensation.
For example, some restaurants have eliminated tipping and instead introduced a shared service charge. In this business model, employees are trained across multiple functions in the restaurant and split the shared service charge equally.
Other restaurants have introduced a start to finish model, where the individual that makes the cocktail will be the same person serving it to the table. This model aims to increase wages and reduce the need for multiple positions.
Recyclables Are Out, and Edibles Are In
Reducing single-use waste has been trending for years now, but we’re watching as companies are becoming increasingly more creative with their ideas. Where compostable and recyclable solutions were once trending, we see a shift towards a new direction – edible options.
Companies across the globe are looking for solutions for everyday items in the hospitality world that can have edible options. For example, one company produces an edible line of cutlery while other works on edible wafer cups that remain leak-free for hours.
Revival of Postmodernism
The anticipation of a postmodernism revival is upon us. More of the late 20th-century style across the hospitality industry is expected to rise. Not familiar with this style? Here are a few key components:
- Expressionism
- Individualism
- Strong contrasts
- Funky patterns
- Saturated colors
Challenging business owners to take risks, the rival of postmodernism in the hospitality industry will showcase its roots in anti-authoritarianism.
Robot Bartenders
Not surprisingly, we are seeing more and more robots enter the hospitality industry. But, coming into the following year, we’re expecting to add robotic bartenders to the mix.
Some of the benefits hoteliers can look forward to with this robotic addition include:
- Better handling of high-volume environments
- Faster service
- More controlled costs
- More consistent drinks being served
- A solution to labor shortages
Extravagant Table Service
The pandemic dramatically increased digital transactions in the hospitality industry, from ordering and paying with a mobile device at a table, or remotely from the comfort home. There’s no denying the value in the convenience factor offered by these technologies.
But, as the pandemic turns, people are looking for human connection once again. That’s why we expect to see more theatrical tableside presentations increase in popularity in the upcoming years.
Conclusion
From where the hospitality sector was just a few years back, the pendulum of change has drastically swung. Today, the trends of the past look almost archaic. We often forget that things like mobile bookings or property rentals, and other current hospitality conveniences that we have become accustomed to, were not always around.
Thankfully, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by adapting to all these trends at once to stay competitive and relevant. Instead, you can play catch-up while it is still early, as some trends are slowly becoming the norm. Above all, use technology to your advantage as it heralds most of the trends above.
