Hospitality Industry

Being one of the hotspot destinations in Asia for international travelers, Vietnam is a diverse country with plenty of charms that attract tourists to visit the nation, which is also known by its epithet, the Land of the Ascending Dragon.

Each region of the country boasts numerous city and natural destinations that suit the preferences of urban or nature travelers, making them a must-add to the travel checklist of those visiting Vietnam.

Ready to take off on your urban and nature tour in Vietnam? Well, be sure to check out our article today, because we have featured the best places to visit in Vietnam for urban and nature tourism!

7 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam for Urban Tourism

Vietnam is home to unique cities that are rarely found elsewhere, ranging from bustling metropolises, tranquil historical cities to charming coastal towns. In each of these cities, you’ll discover a plethora of enticing tourist destinations – especially for travelers who prefer urban tourism. If you’re planning a visit to Vietnam, we encourage you to explore this list of the best places in Vietnam for a city tour!

1. The Old Quarter

The Old Quarter. (via Vietnam Travel)

Historical places always have their own charms, just like the Old Quarter in Hanoi! This famous landmark is comprised of 36 streets, with each street having been home to artisans and craftsmen specializing in specific merchandise since the 15th century. If you want to wander the alleys of the Old Quarter, a great starting point would be the Dinh Tien Hoang roundabout!

2. Hoi An Ancient Town

Cau Pagoda or Japanese Bridge. (via Wikipedia)

Among the best places in Vietnam to visit for an urban tour is Hoi An Ancient Town! This iconic destination is a preservation site for Vietnam’s unique and ancient architecture, complemented by its mild climate, friendly locals, and poetic scenery. Here, tourists can choose to roam the historical streets, visit the Cau Pagoda, explore traditional villages, or relax at nearby cafes after wandering the ancient town.

3. Hue

The Imperial City in Hue. (via We Wander the World)

Hue is a hub of museums, tombs, rivers, and passes and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. There are plenty of places to explore when you visit Hue, ranging from the Imperial City (a confined fort that once served as the administrative capital of Southern Vietnam) and the Perfume River (a tranquilizing river named after the tropical aromas attained from the rich flora and fauna) to the Thien Mu Pagoda (a monument in Hue that is an icon of traditional Vietnamese architecture)!

4. The Golden Bridge

The Golden Bridge. (via TIME)

Perched inside the Ba Na Hills in the coastal city of Da Nang, the Golden Bridge is one of the most recognizable among the many bridges in Vietnam. How could it not be? Its unique design, which resembles two giant hands supporting the bridge, and its golden-yellow railing frames, are a masterpiece for the eyes to behold! At a height of 1,400 meters above sea level, the Golden Bridge is a must-visit on your list of urban tourism destinations.

5. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market.

Here at Ben Thanh Market, visitors will be able to purchase cheap yet quality clothes, souvenirs, accessories, and even electronic goods! While Ben Thanh Market is a place that sells these kinds of things during the day, after the sunset arrives, it transforms into a hub for Ho Chi Minh City’s famous street food.

6. The Crazy House

The Crazy House.

Another destination to visit during your Vietnam urban tour is the Crazy House in Da Lat! The Crazy House is a mind-boggling property where each room, hall, and area is decorated in a unique theme. Originally known as the Hang Nga Guest House and Art Gallery, it was designed by architect Dang Viet Nga. Speaking of which, you can also stay overnight in one of its rooms!

7. Hanoi’s Night Markets

Flowers at Quang Ba Night Flower Market. (via Vinpearl)

Wondering where to explore once the night falls? If you’re staying in Hanoi, be sure to visit its night markets! The recommended first stop is the Dong Xuan Night Market, a bustling place that sells clothing ranging from high-end to affordable, as well as delicious Vietnamese dishes. After that, we suggest heading to the Long Bien Fruit Market, where you can refresh yourself with fresh fruits. Lastly, conclude your night tour by visiting the Quang Ba Night Flower Market, where countless flowers are available at reasonable prices.

7 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam for Nature Tourism

Urban tourism is not really your thing? Well, that’s fine! If you’re more of an eco-tourist, Vietnam won’t disappoint you with its collection of natural wonders, blessed by Mother Nature’s generosity. From beautiful islands and alluring national parks to beaches with clear blue waters, we have compiled a list of breathtaking destinations to kick off your nature tour in Vietnam!

1. Cham Islands

Cham Islands.

Located two hours by boat off the coast of Hoi An, the Cham Islands are a cluster of eight islands. They consist of extensive forests, rice paddies, coconut palms, and rich marine life. The place is perfect for travelers who love beaches, as they can snorkel in its pristine waters or lounge on white sand beaches! Visitors can also purchase local handicrafts on the Cham Islands’ largest and only inhabited island, Hon Lao.

2. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay.

The famous Ha Long Bay is a collection of roughly 1,600 limestone karsts jutting up from the emerald water, covered in lush greenery! A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most recognizable tourist destinations, Ha Long Bay is an eerie and enchanting place that is a must-visit for any traveler to Vietnam. Travelers can purchase affordable daily tours, overnight excursions, or luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay from Hanoi, which is about 3.5 hours away by car.

3. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. (via Klook)

Known as Phong Nha-Ke Bang, this massive national park is situated in the middle of the Annamite Mountains. It boasts limestone plateau formations, alluring tropical forests, enticing underground rivers, and extensive cave systems, including Hang Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, which is only explorable via guided tour. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also home to other mesmerizing caves, such as Dark Cave, Paradise Cave, and its most popular, Phong Nha Cave!

4. Sapa’s Terraced Rice Fields

Sapa’s Rice Terrace Fields.

Sapa, a picturesque city with majestic and tranquil scenery, is best known for its terraced rice fields, which are among the most beautiful in the world! Aside from terraced rice fields, Sapa is also surrounded by lush forests and mesmerizing mountains, making it a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts.

5. Mui Ne

Red Sand Dunes in Mui Ne. (via Mui Ne Explorer)

Mui Ne, a southern Vietnamese beach town with a pretty 12 km-long coastline, is best known for its impressive red and white sand dunes, where tourists can explore on foot or by four-wheeler rented on site. The famous nature tour in Mui Ne is the Fairy Stream, a one-hour nature trek through the stream’s orange clay bed, which is a contrast to Mui Ne’s bright blue sky!

6. Con Dao

Con Dao. (via Trip Advisor)

Are you a fan of wildlife? Come visit Con Dao, one of Vietnam’s best destinations for wildlife tours! Located about 322 km off the coast of Ho Chi Minh City, this archipelago is a natural and safe habitat for various turtle species to lay their eggs, such as green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles. On its most popular islands (Bay Canh, Tre Lon, Cau, and Tai), lucky tourists can assist in releasing newly hatched turtles to the sea!

7. Nha Trang’s Beaches

Bai Tranh Beach in Nha Trang.

Last on the list is Nha Trang, a hub of Vietnam’s best beaches! Nha Trang’s beaches, ranging from Bai Tranh Beach to Robinson Beach, offer a plethora of rich marine life worth exploring. Nha Trang is also one of the places with the most competitive prices for world scuba certification and dive packages – so, if you want to get your scuba license and enjoy the alluring waves of sand-white beaches, Nha Trang is the place!

Wrapping Up

If you are wondering which one is the better pick between Vietnam’s nature and urban tourism, that is up to you to choose because everybody has their own preference. All we can say is that with the country’s diverse, unique, and enticing destinations, be sure to seize the opportunity to visit them once you are in Vietnam!

Speaking of traveling to Vietnam, a fun alternative is to do it through “Cultural Exchange Programs” a tailored work-based training for young talents offered by RMC Asia. Cultural Exchange Programs consist of focused internships and management training in the international hospitality and tourism industry, taking place across Asia’s best destinations. The good news is that Vietnam is also part of the destinations!

Our Cultural Exchange Programs go beyond ordinary work-based training programs. They serve as platforms for providing talents worldwide with hands-on working experience in international hotels and resorts to enter the global job market and become valuable assets in the hospitality industry – and the opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the unique cultural settings of Asia’s enticing countries.

Be a part of a life-changing journey with our Cultural Exchange Programs by joining our successful participants now!

Recommended: Visiting Vietnam 2023: A Brief Travel Guide

Vietnam is known for many things, from its long history to its rich collection of culinary and its economic affordability. In the present day, this Southeast Asian country is one of the most favored destinations among international tourists!

As more travelers are planning their getaways to the country, some might still be wondering about what to prepare and do to turn their Vietnam trip into a reality – especially if it’s their first time visiting Vietnam.

Luckily, you are at the right place, because our article today will present a brief travel guide that encompasses all the essential bits you should know before visiting Vietnam: the country’s profile, the compact travel trips, and the recommended activities to do in Vietnam!

Vietnam: A Country with a Timeless Charm

Vietnam, a country with a timeless charm.

A fun fact before we start: Vietnam earned the epithet “The Land of the Ascending Dragon” due to its distinctive shape on the world map – a remarkable title for a country with many historic events on its records.

Having been unified since 1975, Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country that is home to more than 50 ethnic groups. The country, whose capital is Hanoi, is sandwiched by China in the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. As of 2023, Vietnam’s population is estimated to be 103.8 million, making it one of the top 20 most populated countries!

At present, Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. This growth has significantly impacted various sectors in the country, particularly the hospitality and tourism industry. After the pandemic ended, Vietnam emerged as a new favorite tourist hotspot in Asia! In the first half of 2023, Vietnam tourism welcomed over 5.5 million foreign visitors, bringing it closer to its goal of 8 million international tourists.

Vibrant cities, a plethora of natural wonders, fascinating landmarks, savory cuisines, and a rich history, tradition, and culture are some of the timeless charms of Vietnam that entice tourists to visit. As more international travelers are making their way to the country, others might be wondering what they should do before visiting Vietnam. Well, worry not, because we have compiled a list of things you should know before traveling to Vietnam!

Things to Know Before Visiting Vietnam (Travel Tips)

Planning a first-time trip to any foreign country can be a bit challenging, but Vietnam is a welcoming destination for newcomers. Hence, before embarking on your Vietnam tour, make sure to check our quick and informative travel guide prepared just for you!

1. Arrange Your Visa

Arrange your visa before visiting Vietnam.

The first and foremost step before visiting Vietnam (and other foreign countries) is to prepare your visa. Visas are granted by Vietnamese authorities, allowing foreign tourists to travel to and enter Vietnam. The good news is that starting on August 15, 2023, Vietnam has implemented a new electronic visa (e-visa) system for all nationalities, which means visiting Vietnam will be much easier for anyone. To apply for a visa to visit Vietnam, you can find it here!

2. Purchase a Flight Ticket

Purchase a flight ticket to Vietnam.

Remember to purchase your flight ticket to Vietnam! If you are looking for cheap flights to Vietnam, you may try to buy a ticket during the off-season months of April, May, October, and November since fewer tourists are visiting the country, making flight prices lower. Ho Chi Minh is your best bet for Vietnam’s cheapest city to fly into, and there are many airline options that offer direct flights to the country.

3. Pack Proper Outfits

Pack the right clothes for your Vietnam tour.

The next essential step is to pack your Vietnam trip clothes into your bag. However, you might want to take some notes about Vietnam’s weather to avoid bringing the wrong outfits! Generally, the best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April, when temperatures are mild, and rainfall is relatively low. If you are planning to travel to a specific region in Vietnam, such as Da Nang with its tropical climate or Halong Bay with its subtropical climate, be sure to do your research first!

4. Organize Your Budget

Organize your travel budget to Vietnam.

When visiting Vietnam, you will need to exchange currency for Vietnamese đồng (VND) to seamlessly organize your budget for the trip. Vietnam is known as one of the cheapest countries to travel to, so even with a moderate budget, it’s easy to enjoy a trip to Vietnam without worrying about running out of money. For your travel information, affordable accommodations like comfy Airbnbs (around $20-25 USD/night) and boutique hotels (about $30-40 USD/night) can be found all over the country. Food is quite inexpensive as well, with meals starting at around $2 USD!

5. Learn the Language

Learn Vietnamese.

Last but not least, it’s important to get to know Vietnam as a country better. You can start by learning its language, Vietnamese. Although English is taught in Vietnamese schools, many people there do not speak English or have only basic proficiency. As a tourist, it’s best to learn common phrases to get around Vietnam, such as “xin chào” (which means “hello”) or “cảm ơn” (which means “thank you”). An additional pro tip is to learn about the local traditions and culture as well!

Things You Should Do on Your Vietnam Tour

Lots of fascinating things await travelers once they arrive in Vietnam. As exciting as it sounds, sometimes it can also be confusing for tourists about which places they should visit first, what food to try, and other things they should do during their Vietnam trip. Fortunately, there’s no need to feel lost because we have recommended a list of things you should do on your Vietnam tour!

1. Start with Hanoi

The Flag Tower in Hanoi, Vietnam.

For first-timers, consider Hanoi, Vietnam’s renowned capital, for the ideal starting point of your journey in the country! The city is a lively one where tourists can easily find inexpensive accommodations, world-class dining, and historic sights depicted in one place.

2. Tour the Mekong Delta

Tourists boating the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

A home to distinctive ecosystems and various unique communities, there are many reasons why a Mekong Delta tour should be on your list of things to do when visiting Vietnam. Here, travelers can take a boat trip through the Mekong Delta’s waterways, visit floating markets, and even explore the National Park with its more than 100 different bird species. During the trip, tourists will be treated to the scenery of rice fields and local villages all along!

3. Enjoy Hoi An Beaches

One of Hoi An beaches in Vietnam. (via Vinpearl)

Their tropical climates, idyllic backdrops, pristine soft sands, and magnificent turquoise shades of seawater are what make Hoi An beaches a magnet to travelers. Praised as one of the delightful destinations with the best beaches in Vietnam, Hoi An features plenty of natural and attractive beaches, including Cua Dai Beach and An Bang Beach!

4. Trek in Ha Giang

A sight in Ha Giang, Vietnam.

Looking for mountain scenery instead? Head to Ha Giang province, where you will be able to trek to minority villages and rice terraces! You can also ride a motorcycle over some of Vietnam’s most spectacular passes there, while taking photos on the winding mountain road between Dong Van and Meo Vac, two of Ha Giang’s towns.

5. Try the Local Culinary Delights

Banh mi, a signature food of Vietnam.

Visiting Vietnam is incomplete without indulging in its rich collection of local cuisines! There’s a plethora of delicious Vietnamese dishes to try, but some of the best recommendations include bun bo hue (a Vietnamese rice noodle dish with sliced beef), banh mi (a sandwich traditionally baked with broth and wheat, filled with various ingredients), and pho (a savory Vietnamese soup made with broth, noodles, beef, and more).

Wrapping Up

The diverse culture, traditions, historical cities, and alluring natural destinations, not to mention the affordability of everything in Vietnam, are what attract travelers from all around the globe to visit the Land of the Ascending Dragon. Moreover, the recent news of an easy e-visa system for all nationalities is making foreign tourists eager to take their trips to the country, thereby propelling Vietnam’s tourism into a period of rapid growth!

Now, Vietnam is a sea of exciting opportunities for anyone who is ready to take up the challenges – especially in its hospitality and tourism sector. If you are one of those people up for the challenges, RMC Asia will gladly assist you through our Cultural Exchange Programs!

“What are Cultural Exchange Programs?” might be the first thing that popped into your mind. To keep it short, Cultural Exchange Programs are our tailored hospitality internship and management training that take place across prestigious hotels and resorts across Asia’s best destinations, and Vietnam is one of them.

Being a participant in one of our Cultural Exchange Programs is more than just working in hotels or resorts. Our participants will get to experience firsthand the dynamic environment of the international hospitality and tourism industry; work with seasoned experts and fellow participants from all around the world, as well as immerse themselves in the beauty of program destinations!

This is your turn! Join our successful participants and create your memorable internship and management training experience with us.

Recommended: Post-Pandemic Travel Trends: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism Industry

The world experienced the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which began in late 2019 and resulted in drastic changes in people’s lives – affecting activities and business industries. One that is among the severely impacted is the hospitality and tourism sector.

Drastic measures were taken to prevent the virus from spreading, such as implementing domestic and international travel bans. While these measures may have played a part in profit decreases in many hospitality and tourism businesses, they also helped in controlling the pandemic and ultimately contributed to its end.

Today, the hospitality and tourism industry has rebounded and is entering a new era after the pandemic, bringing about changes, challenges, and the emergence of trends. Our article here will provide insights into the industry’s condition during and after COVID-19, as well as explore the newly emerged post-pandemic travel trends that will shape its future!

Recap of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry During the Pandemic

Recap of the hospitality and tourism industry during the pandemic.

Soon after its first identified case in Wuhan, China, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic outbreak, and the global hospitality and tourism sector immediately suffered losses. Some of the notable ones are listed as follows:

• Significant declines in the average daily rate (ADR) and revenue available per room (RevPAR) occurred in many hotels and resorts throughout 2020;
• In 2020, international travel decreased by 30% compared to the pre-pandemic period;
• Disrupted production and supply chains in hospitality and tourism businesses around the world;
• Profit decline of 11-29% in Europe’s hotels for 2020;
• Travel bans, border closures, and quarantine measures prevented many workers from reaching their workplaces and carrying out their jobs, especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry, resulting in income reductions and job losses.

Time passes, and thankfully, the pandemic situation has come to an end. Now, people are entering the “new normal” – a term for the post-pandemic era – including the hospitality and tourism industry. So, what does it look like now? Have a sneak peek below!

Post-Pandemic Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Post-pandemic hospitality and tourism industry.

Following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality and tourism industry worldwide is gradually regaining its strength. So far, the year 2023 has resulted in promising prospects and results for the sector. How does the face of post-pandemic hospitality and tourism look? Find out a few highlights of its current state here!

• As of now, the global hospitality market has grown from $4,390.59 billion in 2022 to $4,699.57 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%, and it is expected to continue increasing;
• In the second quarter of 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated that global air traffic had reached 96.1%, indicating a full recovery and an increase compared to the pandemic period;
• The travel health index reached pre-pandemic numbers for the first time in April 2023 and surpassed them in June 2023;
• The contribution of international tourism is expected to reach 95% of 2019 numbers by the end of 2023;
• Despite the removal of COVID-19 regulations, most travelers continue to prioritize health and safety measures. Therefore, high-quality maintenance and cleanliness are key features that hotels and resorts should not overlook.

Alongside such good news, another thing that should be taken into account is how the recent dynamic of post-pandemic hospitality and tourism brought new waves of industry trends – which we will talk about in the next section!

10 Travel Trends That Will Shape the Future of the Hospitality & Tourism Industry

Customer demands and preferences have shifted in this new era of hospitality and tourism, leading to notable changes. One of them is the emergence and rise of post-pandemic travel trends! Here, we have compiled a list of these trends, which are expected to shape the future of the hospitality and tourism industry.

1. Bleisure Travel

Bleisure travel.

Millions of workers were forced to work remotely or in a hybrid model during COVID-19. Now that the pandemic has ended, corporate activities such as business trips are making a comeback, but they are rebranding as “bleisure travel”. This trend combines business trips with vacations, allowing workers to explore tourist destinations while working at the same time!

2. Personalization

Personalization.

Personalization is also an important aspect of hospitality and tourism. A hospitality and tourism business that offers flexible travel or stay experiences tailored to customers’ needs stands a better chance of satisfying customers, leading to repeat purchases or visits.

3. Active Ecotourism

Active ecotourism.

Another trend that has emerged after the pandemic ended is active ecotourism. It combines the passion for travel with direct involvement in conservation or local environment support activities. Many travelers believe this trend is a way to help the hospitality and tourism industry become more sustainable in the long term!

4. Wellness Travel

Wellness travel.

The previous pandemic has prompted people to be more aware of their physical and mental health, leading to the growth of wellness travel. This trend primarily focuses on achieving, promoting, or maintaining the best health and life balance through activities such as spa and yoga retreats.

5. Staycation

Staycation.

Gaining popularity during the pandemic, the staycation trend involves spending a holiday in one’s home country rather than traveling abroad. One common staycation activity is taking day trips to explore local attractions, which is suitable for those who want to break from their routines briefly while still avoiding post-pandemic regulations!

6. Transformative Travel

Transformative travel.

This newly emerged trend, called “transformative travel”, goes beyond traveling for leisure. Transformative travel aims to create a difference in the lives of both oneself and others by engaging in significant activities that add purpose to the trip. Some examples of transformative travel include volunteering trips, apprenticeship retreats, and more.

7. Tech-Empowered Travel

Tech-empowered travel.

We already know how crucial technology is in the modern hospitality and tourism industry. As the pandemic ends, tech innovations are expected to continue bringing ease to the travel experience in the future, with top advancements including mobile apps, automation, NFC, and digital payments.

8. Experience Tourism

Experience tourism.

Many travelers have grown bored with ordinary vacations, leading to the rise of the experience tourism trend. This trend focuses on providing an emotional connection with cultures and nature through once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, offering travelers an authentic encounter in their destinations!

9. Longer Trips

Longer trips.

As international travel returns to normal, tourists have started going on extended long-distance trips once again. According to a travel forecast by Evolve, the average duration of such trips is expected to increase, leading to the “longer trips” trend, which is predicted to continue to rise due to the availability of many work-from-home opportunities.

10. Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism.

The UNWTO Secretary-General has warned that climate change is a greater threat than the previous pandemic. The good news is that more travelers and hospitality businesses have become aware of this crisis, thus beginning to adopt a mindset to save the planet. Actions taken to address this trend can be seen in the emergence of sustainable hotels and eco-friendly travel!

Wrapping Up

Having successfully weathered the pandemic crisis, the hospitality and tourism industry continues to adapt to the challenges of the post-pandemic era. The emergence of travel trends, expected to shape the industry’s future, is crucial for any hospitality and tourism business to monitor closely. Understanding these trends enables hospitality and tourism establishments to grasp their target markets and their demands, ultimately setting businesses for success!

While the hospitality and tourism sectors around the globe are back on their feet, the job market is also bustling up again at the same time. Hotels and resorts are searching for talent to help them navigate the new era of hospitality and tourism, meaning a sea of opportunities for those who want to enter the industry.

If you are looking to get a head start in the global hospitality and tourism industry, the easiest and best way is to join a work-based internship or a management training program — both of which you can find at RMC Asia.

Our programs combine practical work with cultural exchanges that take place in prestigious hotels and resorts across Asia’s enticing destinations. Participants will not only gain professional development during their programs but also access to the international job market and enjoy unforgettable cultural experiences in their program destinations!

Think you’ve got what it takes? Join our successful participants now and embark on your own hospitality internship and management training adventures with us!

Recommended: Paving the Way to Future Success with Personalized Service for Hotels!

Many of today’s websites and social media platforms leverage user data to provide relevant content, deals, or even ads in order to maximize engagement and improve sales; resulting in a unique experience for each user, allowing them to quickly find what interests them in the most efficient way possible.

What is pictured above is an example of personalized service, which has started to spread and be implemented in many business sectors, including hotels in the hospitality industry. In contrast to generic service, personalized service is what most customers prefer now. They are more likely to choose brands that recognize, remember, and provide them with relevant offers, as reported by Accenture.

Now, personalized service is gradually becoming an essential aspect in hotel operations, offering guests the tailored stay experience they expect that provides value for their money. Our article today will delve into what personalized service exactly is, its significance, how to implement it, and the benefits — all of which you can read about here!

About Personalized Service in Hotels

The Definition

The definition of personalized service.

First, let’s get to know what personalized service in hotels is! According to Oaky, personalized service means tailoring the hotel’s services to guests’ preferences using the resources available within the hotel. However, personalized service is different from customized service; while both aim to provide a tailored guest experience, customized service empowers guests to make these adjustments themselves.

The Importance

The importance of personalized service.

Competition between hotels has always been tough, and for a hotel to stand out, it is important to focus on providing personalized service for guests. If you’re wondering about the reasons why, we have listed below the significance of personalized service in hotels for you to know!

• Personalized Service Contributes to Greater Profit: A survey by Salesforce reported that out of 17,000 global customers, around 56% of them expected personalized service, and they considered it the biggest reason for making a purchase — all the more reason for hotels to implement personalized service and generate higher profits.
• Personalized Service Shows Hotels’ Care for Guests: Customer expectations are continually on the rise, and for hotels, it’s crucial to keep pace and create engaging guest experiences through personalized service. Consistent and high-quality personalized service sets a standard of care, making the guests appreciate the hotel more.
• Personalized Service Creates Unique Identity: Offering personalized service for hotel guests gives them a variety of choices, as well as sets the hotel apart from its competitors – thus creating a unique market identity that makes the hotel stand out!

How to Implement Personalized Service in Hotels

Now that we have a grasp of what personalized service is and its importance for hotels, let’s discuss how to implement it into a hotel’s operations! Right here, we have compiled 5 steps that any hotel can take to start applying personalized service in their business activities.

1. Find the Ideal Target Market

Find the ideal target market.

The first step is to know who the potential guest or target market is. Understanding the target guest is a way to cultivate potential customers’ interests. By demonstrating that the hotel offers what they desire, the hotel’s chances of winning them over increase. To achieve this, hotels will also need to train their employees to collect relevant customer data, encourage them to act on expressed preferences of the guests, or utilize AI to effectively leverage customer data!

2. Tailor the Hotel’s Online Presence

Tailor the hotel’s online presence.

Aside from personalizing their guest services, hotels should also tailor their online presence. The reason is that today’s online travel agencies and metasearch sites provide personalized search results and offers based on a user’s past behavior. Whether it is on the website or social media channels, the more the hotel tailors its online presence to the target audience’s behavior, the higher the chance of attracting new potential guests!

3. Allow Guests to Customize Their Stays

Allow guests to customize their stays.

Hotels can also allow guests to customize their stays by creating relevant offers for different customer segments and highlighting the unique experiences they can enjoy by booking at the hotel. Maximize the insights from customer data to anticipate guest needs and shape experiences that will impress them, whether it’s by suggesting relevant room upgrades or providing them with various tailored upselling deals!

4. Maximize the Power of Communication

Maximize the power of communication.

Apart from marketing, communication is also an essential key to attracting customers to embrace the hotel’s offer of personalized service. By maintaining contact with guests at every stage of their journey, hotels can achieve better results in upselling, while guests can experience the ideal stay they’ve dreamed of!

5. Get the Team Together

Get the team together.

Implementing top-notch personalized service is a team effort that involves all hotel departments, because suggestions for new ways to personalize guest services can come from any of them. For instance, the front office and food & beverage departments can collect data about guests’ preferences for various services. That’s why it’s important to align the team and work together to deliver quality personalized service that satisfies guests!

5 Ways Personalized Service Benefits a Hotel’s Future Success

Providing tailored service for guests may require additional time and effort for hotels. Nevertheless, this action also brings numerous benefits, particularly those that can significantly influence the hotel’s future success. Here are some advantages that hotels can attain by implementing personalized service!

1. It Offers a Unique Guest Experience

Unique guest experience.

Not all hotels can leave unforgettable impressions on their guests, but a hotel that includes personalized service will surely give guests unique staying experiences! Whether it is a personalized hotel room or food and beverages that suit their preferences, a hotel that pays attention to such details shows that it has outstanding customer service and is capable of providing a memorable stay for guests.

2. It Boosts the Hotel’s Digital Reputation

Digital reputation.

Nowadays, many guests do not hesitate to share their experiences via online communities. This is why earning positive reviews from such customers is important and beneficial to boost the hotel’s digital reputation in a credible way! By harnessing CRM tools, hotels can stay in touch with guests and send personalized post-stay messages that encourage them to leave feedback on their preferred platforms.

3. It Attracts Potential Guests

Attracts potential guests.

Attracting more guests has always been tough competition in the crowded hospitality industry. Offering personalized service through online channels is one of the best ways for hotels to stand out! As the majority of hospitality customers have gone online, it will be easy for hotels to spread the news about their unique service, drawing in guests who are interested in what the hotel offers.

4. It Increases Additional Revenue

Additional revenue.

Personalizing upselling offers for potential guests will provide them with many relevant selections, making it more fun and engaging for these potential guests to look through the deals that match their needs. This also increases the chances of guests booking extra personalized services for their stay, thus adding to the hotel’s additional revenue!

5. It Builds Customer Loyalty

Customer loyalty.

It’s every business’s goal to secure repeat customer purchases, and for hotels, one of the key ingredients for such customer loyalty is creating the ideal personalized service! Guests will keep coming back once the hotel is able to consistently satisfy them, and the benefits that hotels can gain include higher profitability, ongoing positive reviews from loyal customers, and many more.

Wrapping Up

Providing personalized service for guests gives hotels the opportunity to elevate their guests’ experiences from ordinary to extraordinary! While it may require more time and effort, implementing personalized service in this modern era helps hotels pave a stable path toward long-lasting success in the future. As customer preferences continue to evolve, hotels must always be attentive and adaptable to their interests.

It’s not only hotels that should keep up with changes like customer preferences for personalized service or other hospitality trends. If you are planning to become a hotelier in the future, you might as well start catching up from now on!

Where do you begin, though? Well, for first-timers, the best way is to sign up for an internship or a management training program that will provide you with practical work experience in the hospitality industry – and what’s best is that you can find both types of programs here at RMC Asia!

Our programs offer a wide range of internship and management training opportunities in various hotel areas that take place in prestigious hotels and resorts across Asia. Participants will gain more than just professional development; they will also get to experience unique and unforgettable cultural exchanges that will shape their successful future careers.

So, are you up to take on such challenges? Join our participants and embark on your own exciting internship and management training journey with us now!

Recommended: Social Media Marketing for Hotels: Key to Successful Future Business

Nowadays, everyone is on social media – including hospitality businesses like hotels! Various social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are widely used by hotels to promote and offer their services to potential customers, making this marketing effort is being referred to as “social media marketing”.

Leveraging social media as a marketing tool has become widely popular among hotels, especially since the latest pandemic finally ends when people begin to travel again and the competition to attract potential guests is back on track!

Our article today will talk about how social media marketing impacts the current and future success of hotels, in which we will start with understanding what is it and how it works; its significance for hotels, and even future social media marketing trends that hotels should keep updated with!

About Social Media Marketing for Hotels

The Definition

Social media marketing definition.

Social media marketing (sometimes abbreviated as SMM) is a form of digital marketing that utilizes social media platforms, allowing users to build social networks and share information. Many businesses in this modern era use social media to build their company brand and upsell their services to drive sales rates, including hospitality businesses!

The Way It Works

How social media marketing works.

So, how exactly do hotels make social media marketing work for their business? There are several steps to follow here:

• Do Market Research

Hotels can use social media to conduct market research in order to understand customer demands and purchasing trends, as well as to analyze the market situation and competitors’ efforts — all of which help hotels collect relevant data and solve marketing challenges.

• Discovery

The real-time nature of social media can be harnessed by hotels to discover and identify new target markets, connect with them, generate leads, drive sales, and of course, provide proper customer service.

• Develop a Strategy

With all the necessary data collected, hotels can seize this opportunity to create a well-defined social media marketing strategy. Speaking of which, there are numerous online tools available that can assist hotel social media marketers in planning and managing their strategies!

• Review

Another distinctive characteristic of social media platforms is that many of them provide users with instant reviews or reports on marketing campaigns. This feature is particularly helpful for hotel marketers in enhancing their social media marketing strategies!

The Significance of Social Media Marketing for Hotels

The significance of social media marketing for hotels.

Is social media marketing significant for hotels? The answer is a resounding yes! Over the past years, social media has become an essential part of hotels’ marketing strategies. This can be observed through some data gathered by Revenue Hub during 2021, which highlights the impact that social media marketing has had on hotels and the hospitality industry:

• About 71% of travel agencies that have committed to a social media marketing strategy receive better interactions with customers.
• Hospitality businesses that use location tags in their social media posts gain 79% more engagement.
• Social media advertisements encourage 85% of travelers to book their trips on mobile apps.
• 97% of millennials share their vacation photos on social media platforms, which often influences others to visit the same or different destination and publish their experiences too.

Since the pandemic has come to an end, it is expected that social media marketing will have a bigger impact on hotels and the entire hospitality industry in the future. More people are spending time on their phones searching for post-pandemic travel inspirations and recommendations, as such, having a social media presence is customary for hotels nowadays.

Up next, we have written down a few reasons why hotels should use social media for their current and future marketing activities:

Social Media Can Reach a Wider Audience

Social media can reach a wider audience.

There are various tools within social media that have the ability to reach a wider audience. An example is the targeted ads feature on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which allows hotels to identify potential customers based on demographic information!

Social Media Can Increase Brand Awareness

Social media can increase brand awareness.

Using social media platforms, hotels can create and share relevant content for their brands, such as promotions, industry news, and even trivia that build brand awareness among potential customers.

Social Media Can Generate Leads

Social media can generate leads.

As a tool of utmost importance for social media marketing, social media platforms function to generate leads that can increase hotel sales by engaging with prospective customers through digital content and other marketing strategies!

Social Media Can Improve Customer Service

Social media can improve customer service.

Social media is named that way for a reason: it is an interactive platform for users to connect and socialize with each other. This makes social media an opportunity for hotels to enhance their customer service by responding promptly to inquiries, offering real-time support, and building relationships with their customers!

7 Future Social Media Marketing Trends that Hotels Shouldn’t Miss

The realm of marketing is always changing — you can never guess when one thing is trending and another is dissipating. Hence, it’s important to stay in the loop with marketing trends, especially for those working as social media marketers in the hospitality industry. Here, we have provided future social media marketing trends that hotels should take into account, and some of them have also been popular lately!

1. User-generated Content

User-generated content.

Quality content is one of the keys to building a successful social media presence. What hotels with existing social media should create is not merely excellent content, but user-generated content (UGC) instead! UGC can be anything: videos, pictures, or even reviews. UGC encourages hotel guests to share their experiences on social media. In return, this strategy will give the hotel a long-lasting positive image and attract more customers!

2. Storytelling

Storytelling.

It feels great to hear a story that perfectly relates to what we experience, right? Hotels can also make themselves “relatable” to customers through storytelling! This social media content strategy uses narratives to connect with readers (in this case, hotel guests), which leads to an emotional connection. Storytelling is currently a popular strategy, and it’s expected to rise in the future.

3. Multilingual Marketing

Multilingual marketing.

We already know just how vast and diverse the hospitality industry is, as seen from how hotel guests hail from different countries all over the world. This is where hotels can try multilingual marketing in their social media marketing strategy! By offering content in multiple languages that target international travelers, this would make them feel welcome, and of course, attract more universal guests.

4. Hyperlocal Marketing

Hyperlocal marketing.

Contrary to the target of multilingual marketing, hyperlocal marketing has a smaller scope, aiming at potential guests in specific neighborhoods or areas with close proximity to the hotel. The focused target group should make it easier for hotels to create a customized marketing strategy to generate revenue from these guests!

5. Nostalgia Marketing

Nostalgia marketing.

Taking a walk down the path of happy memory lane often brings smiles to people, and there is a specific social media marketing approach for this known as nostalgia marketing. Evoking nostalgic aspects in guests creates emotional connections with them, and when combined with storytelling, it results in a powerful social media marketing strategy!

6. Social Media Messaging

Social media messaging.

Most social media has a wide variety of features, and hotels can harness one of them to improve their social media marketing performance using the messaging feature. Harnessing social media messaging would help hotels to communicate with guests and provide instant support, thus promoting the image of reliable hotels that results in greater customer trust and loyalty.

7. Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing.

Winning customers’ attention on social media is tough competition for hotels, especially since many customers remain skeptical of hotel brands that indulge in too much self-promotion. However, influencer marketing can help hotels overcome this challenge! Collaborating with popular and relevant social media influencers to promote the hotel will likely increase revenue, as influencers are often perceived as experts, and their opinions or recommendations tend to be highly regarded by their followers.

Wrapping Up

Social media has proven to be a powerful marketing tool for hospitality businesses, especially hotels. A strong social media presence, combined with well-planned social media marketing strategies help hotels to achieve their current goals, as well as secure a possibility of successful business objectives.

As marketing itself is dynamic, hotels should be able to keep updated with the latest changes, events, or trends happening in marketing for hotels, typically in social media marketing. There are various ways to stay in the loop with hotel social media marketing, but for beginners, there is one that stands out as exciting!

Introducing: sales & marketing internship program in the hospitality industry, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn not only about social media marketing for hotels but also various other forms of marketing within the hospitality sector. Moreover, you can easily find it at RMC Asia!

Aside from sales & marketing internships, RMC Asia provides a wide variety of hospitality internship and management training programs in numerous hotel departments. Our programs offer participants hands-on working experiences in the global environment of prestigious hotels and resorts, which take place across Asia’s stunning destinations.

Sounds like a challenge for you to take? Let’s start your journey with us and join our successful participants now!

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