This maiden edition of the RockVerse Digest is to highlight a few considerations for new and potential hospitality industry players (collaborators).
The barriers to entry for newcomers into the hospitality sector is at the lowest ever with the shortlets gaining popularity as the preferred option for families and business travelers.
Many entrants may be lured into the industry by the prospects of the high reward (yes, we’ve all read the Detty December reports) and may not necessarily take into cognizance all the risks inherent in running a hospitality business in Nigeria.
I believe now more than ever as we venture into the ember months, it is crucial for everyone to bear in mind a few thoughts as new players or prospective players in this industry.
- Operations is the heart of the business. Beyond marketing a promising new apartment or location, operation is like the invisible paddling of a graceful swan on the river. This operations in hospitality is not limited to facility maintenance, housekeeping, horticulture, and residence management.
- Spend money to make money. Pretty much explains itself. Aesthetically appealing spaces cost money! Your guests perception of your look and feel goes beyond logic and becomes your reality so it’s important to spend money on not just aesthetics but also on routine maintenance – Servicing ACs and generator sets can be the difference between having your apartment occupied or not.
- Venture out. List on multiple online travel agencies to bring awareness to your business. Social Media is also a great low barrier tool to enable visibility for your business. Remember to put your best foot forward in high res.
- How safe is your environment for them – physical and emotional? Several measures need to be considered before accepting any one patron. How accessible will they be to your employees, other guests and outsiders? How safe are their children, if any? Their belongings? What policies do you have for access.
In our next RockVerse Digest, we’ll explore “Add-on services for a small to medium-sized shortlet business to delight guests”.
Till we meet again!
Onyinye from the RockVerse
{Bedrock | Choco’s | Stories by Bedrock | Lounge64}