2020 Corporate Bookings; what we think the landscape may look like …
What an interesting year 2019 has been!
In recent years there have been some massive shifts in how we do business. The social and economic landscape can empower and enable some settings to shine; and sometimes can cause businesses to remodel, resize and in some cases close their trading doors. What we have seen is a vast and varied rhythm governed by many factors. And let’s face it, that isn’t about to change anytime soon!
The one thing that hasn’t changed is the tangible evidence that no matter how the landscape changes or how we progress with our tech and digital abilities – we humans are social creatures!
We like to do business in person wherever possible…
Here at the New Continental Hotel we couldn’t agree more! We believe that true hospitality is found in the nurturing and building of strong relationships. Relationships with each other, our guests and our communities. We do this by recognising and valuing each other. Understanding individuality and respecting any differences. ultimately great hospitality is all about great relationships. However it’s not just hospitality businesses that see the value of a personal touch; in a report from Harvard Business Review it states that ‘face-to -face’ requests are 34 times more powerful that a business request via email.
That single fact tells us so much…
If we know that great business is done best when it is done via face to face meetings and cultivation, then it tells us that our corporate business (our ‘Road Warriors’) will keep doning the motorways to visit their clients … and they will always need somewhere great to stay!
Here at the New Continental Hotel we believe that even with all the digital advances planned for 2020, we predict that our business travellers will continue to choose the more personal approach. Both in how they do their own business, but also what they expect from their hotel provider.
We know that Plymouth will be alive with leisure guests in 2020. Visiting Plymouth for the Mayflower400 celebrations. Yet we also know that many businesses will also want to maximise the business potential of 2020 and so join us here in Plymouth too.
What are business guests going to be looking for..?
Sustainability, personalisation and the transition onto the 5G superhighway will be a few new trends that will change the landscape in 2020. As well as these changes, we feel that there are two other areas that will have a magnifying lens placed over them. We think that with the new decade will be a new outlook on both CSR and the Food & Beverage offer for Business travellers.
Corporate Social Responsibility | Our Thoughts …
Doing good business and collaborating with other businesses that follow your same ethical, sustainable and environmental compass, we believe will matter more and more.
Not only does having strong policies in place mean we can contribute to positive change; it also leads to a better, stronger more kind society. The narrative around how a business, especially within hospitality, is taking responsibility for the impact they have on the environment, will become increasingly important.
Much like a Social Enterprise who reports on a triple bottom line, we believe that hotels will have to be more proactive when reporting too. Making sure they report on how they are working towards a more sustainable future. We think that business customers will want to make choices based on more than just their rates and services offered.
We believe that one of the key trends for 2020 is sustainability.
More and more hotels will be looking sustainability, from an environmental, economic, and social perspective. In the past there have been some hotels that have been driven by their own passion and desire to do more and be better. Yet not all of them, and so when the drive is from customers, the masses tend to make change happen more rapidly.
There’s a massive focus on social responsibility in the hospitality sector around the world. We saw in France the PACTE law, plus more hotels with green credentials popping up and celebrating their successes. We believe that this trend will seep into events and corporate functions. With the idea that events should do more than just educate or have a business development opportunity; but also create good and positive outcomes for the planet and for people.
Corporate Food & Beverage Offerings | Our Thoughts …
We have seen tremendous changes in the Food & Beverage offer within our hotel over the last 5 years. What’s more we are certain that there are more changes to come! Not least due to October 31st!
Our Food & Beverage and our Kitchen Brigade noted in the last 18 months that there has been a significant rise in delegates requesting gluten-free, vegan and locally sourced products. With a steady increase in buffets being purely vegan, vegetarian or gluten free. Others wanting to know the traceability of the food on their plates.
All positive changes as it means we are getting more seasoned in the sector at reacting to changing trends and customer requirements. Plus it’s a powerful thing to think that more and more people are increasingly more interested in the ingredients we use.
We feel that in the future more event organisers will also be as concerned about the wastage, as well as the journey of their food to their plate. As we have seen an increase over the years in the ‘grab & go’ style food outlets, we believe delegates will be looking for these ‘street food’ style stations, that are more controlled and less harmful on the environment. We also believe that healthy choices with trends towards both natural and organic food will definitely not slow down but in fact speed up!
Working With You …
The one thing that we know for certain will not change is our desire to make sure we offer you the perfect service. Trends change, they come and they go, but our passion and motivation to ensure you have the best experience is here to stay.
If you’re a business looking to plan your 2020 stays, functions or events then contact us today. We have amazing corporate rates and delegate offers. Our hotel caters handsomely for business travellers with on-site parking, enterprise grade WI-FI, leisure complex and in-house restaurant. Our Superior Rooms make remote office work not only practical, but comfortable and enticing.
Join us for 2020 and beyond and let us look after your business needs.