Gestión Hotelera

🏨 In Marbella, Aehcos reports a proposed 53.8% IBI tax increase for hotel establishments by 2025. The Canon of hydraulic infrastructures will result in an approximate 8-10% increase in bills across several Costa del Sol municipalities. Additionally, Ronda's hoteliers face a 50% IBI rise starting in 2024. Marbella hotels will also see up to a 26% increase in IAE in the coming year, while Málaga's new waste collection fee could multiply rates by tenfold, potentially costing establishments over €60,000. Rincón de la Victoria approved an 85% waste fee increase effective January 2025. Spain's hospitality sector, contributing over €5.8 billion directly and employing 27,000 people, is significantly taxed, exceeding 10% of some municipal budgets.

🏖️ Barceló Hotel Group's Travel Trends report, revealed in Madrid, forecasts key travel trends for 2025: solo travel, with 61% planning alone trips; intergenerational Beta XZ Travels; and 48% mixing business with leisure. Experiences over tangibles, with 41% choosing hotels for their offerings. Cultural immersion and local gastronomy are prioritized by 40%, while 23% consider environmental impact, and technology's role in enhancing stays is valued by 46%. Hotel loyalty programs are crucial for 34% of travelers.

🏖️ World2Meet (W2M) led by Gabriel Subías, operates 18 Gran Azul Marino boutiques across Spain, with plans to add 5 more. By the end of 2024, the 19th store will open in Vitoria, followed by two in Barcelona (total of 4), one in Madrid (total of 3), and one in Santander by 2025. Existing stores are in key cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. W2M's expansion caters to clientele seeking quality, exclusive travel experiences, with a shift towards ultra-personalized services and less-visited destinations.

📈 La señalización digital en hoteles, o "digital signage", utiliza pantallas para mostrar información actualizable y en tiempo real en áreas como el lobby, ascensores, y habitaciones. Su integración con el PMS del hotel permite personalizar la experiencia del huésped, como dar bienvenidas con nombres y promociones especiales. Ofrece beneficios como ahorro de costos al reducir la impresión de papel, mejora de imagen y estilo del hotel, aumento de ventas por promoción visual efectiva y una gestión fácil y rápida de la información exhibida.

🏖 Employment in the tourism sector showed progress in 2024, reaching over 2.75 million Social Security affiliates in October, marking a 3.7% increase from the previous year and hitting a record 3 million workers during the summer. However, the industry faces significant challenges in recruiting the necessary human resources. This topic will be discussed by key industry figures such as Rodrigo Fitaroni and Marina Núñez in the Balearic Islands on HOSTELTUR TV, which airs Thursdays at 21:00 and is available via fibwiTV streaming, along with post-broadcast availability on Hosteltur TV's YouTube channel every Friday.

💼 Emotional ups and downs are inevitable in professional environments, impacting staff morale and customer experience. Common challenges affecting staff morale include high occupancy during peak seasons, conflicts with customers, poor work-life balance, workplace issues, personal or family problems, natural disasters, and political crises. Proactive measures to support internal customers during tough times are crucial, such as offering flexible schedules, emergency leave, disaster support, collaborative communication tools like Engagement by Mapal, recognition programs, mental health resources, an open-door policy, and involving staff in decision-making to foster trust and a sense of belonging.

🚩 Pensionistas in Spain express dissatisfaction with the Imserso tourism program, citing transparency, access, and quality issues. A report by Tirant eGob highlights complaints about unmet travel expectations and flawed booking processes. There are about four million applicants with only 886,269 available spots—less than one per four people. Other concerns include long lines for booking, favoritism in travel agencies, and inadequate accommodations. Additionally, the lack of international options and potential quality decline due to economic crisis worry users, prompting calls for program revision.

📱 Jack Dorsey, former Twitter CEO, launched Bluesky, a decentralized social network. Bluesky, using AT Protocol, has seen a 933% increase in downloads year-to-date and now boasts 14.6 million users, particularly growing in the US, Canada, and the UK. The ad-free platform emphasizes account portability, algorithmic choice, interoperability, and performance. For hotels, Bluesky offers niche engagement and authentic interactions, although its user base remains small compared to established networks. Hotels should consider an experimental approach on Bluesky to engage authentically with potential guests.

🏨 Roberto and Luis Riu discuss adapting to change while maintaining family values in management. They emphasize frictionless generational transition, using expert committees and family protocols. Post-Carmen Riu's retirement, she chairs the Board of Directors, involving the fourth generation. They take pride in Riu Palace Bavaro and Riu La Mola renovations, advancing Riu's services with food offerings and sustainability through solar energy in 35 hotels. Their success is measured by maintaining growth and innovation, aiming for a more sustainable Riu in the next decade.

💳 Mirai introduces "Book, Think, Pay" (BTP), enhancing direct channel conversion and reservations online and via phone, WhatsApp, SMS, or email. Hotels can offer customers a configurable time after booking to complete payment or provide a credit card guarantee, applicable to both "pay now" and "pay at hotel" rates. The BTP feature aims to improve security by providing payment links from hotel-configured addresses, increase conversion by allowing payments on familiar devices, and eliminate risks through secure transactions. It also offers automatization, reducing operational load, with temporary booking confirmation pending payment or guarantee. If payment isn't completed within the set period, the reservation is automatically canceled and inventory is restored. The feature allows hotel customization for payment completion timeframes, booking advance requirements, tariff types, and market or device restrictions. BTP is integrated with the hotel's reservation payment platform, simplifying operations and cutting costs. Mirai data shows a 75% increase in confirmed bookings with BTP, boosting direct bookings and reducing cancellations.