Aspira College hosted the top hotel industry expert Takuya Aoyama, Development Vice President for Hyatt International (EAME) LLC, who is in charge of expanding Hyatt portfolio and brands in the markets of Russia and the CIS, Central and Eastern Europe and Africa. He held an exceptional and inspiring public lecture on ‘Hotel development in the post-COVID world’. Aoyama presented its predictions for the hotel industry and tourism after the COVID – 19 crisis. He based his predictions on many years of experience in the hotel industry and the fact that he was part of the crisis that occurred after the SARS epidemic, but also the financial crisis in 2009.
We cannot say that he predicts dark scenario for hospitality and tourism business, but major changes will have to happen after the global crisis. Aoyama also emphasizes that it is not only a health crisis but also a mobility crisis that is affecting this industry the hardest.
According to Mr. Aoyama, this crisis should encourage us to ask ourselves whether business in line with economies of scale is the only and right way to manage this industry. How can we continue doing business according to that management model when we have to take into consideration the new hygienic conditions and the necessity of maintaining physical distance? Shall we still be able to have an existing breakfast buffet with a large number of people and will the planes be able to fly with the same number of passengers?
Neglecting mass tourism and turning towards creating added value, social responsability and understanding the needs of individuals is what ensures success at the moment. Hotels that recognize this and quickly adapt to emerging needs have a great chance of success.