Hospitality Industry Consumer Evolution

Hospitality Industry Consumer Evolution
Student's Name
Institution Affiliation
Course Number and Name
Instructor's Name
Date
Hospitality Industry Consumer Evolution
Value proposition promises a client the value of a product, how it will be delivered, and why a customer should buy a product. This is a marketing strategy that communicates the value of the product or service. Consumer behavior is the study of how consumers select, buy, use, and dispose of goods and services to satisfy their needs or wants. It also studies how consumers' emotions and attitudes affect buying behaviors. Understanding consumer behavior for any business allows it to determine the best way to deliver value and build loyalty continuously. This paper examines the hotel industry's evolution and how the different customer requirements influence hotels and the services provided.
According to Gulliver, hotel satisfaction is highest among customers, with the baby boomers being the most open to hotel reward programs (A.W 2016). However, the article indicates that guest behavior is evolving to be more of the provision of specific needs for the guest as opposed to the traditional hotel service. The hotel industry is in the business of providing the best quality of service for its products. Giving value for money is what keeps clients returning. Knowing customer needs, assess them, and evolving to the trend keeps many hotels running over the years. Chain hotels are getting stiff competition from small hotels that tailor-make products for the current clients who seek unique experiences.
The hotel industry originated from travelers looking for shelter during long travels, accommodated in an inn, where the priority was to find a bed and rest. Monasteries built by monks provided a bed and food for the weary traveler. This evolved to hotels that offered more than beds but provided restaurants and bars. Eventually, in the early 20th century, hotels became an essential aspect of the American lifestyle triggered by motor vehicles' ease of travel. The first Holiday Inn was founded by the need to have families stay in one place at an affordable rate. Families would travel but find themselves booked in different hotels and end up paying more. The late 20th century saw increased marketing in the hotel business aimed at particular clients, targeting tourists and business travelers. These marketing plans offered discounts and unique travel packages to the increasing wanderlust filled American market, in addition to the business traveler. In the 21st century came the internet and online travel bookings for hotel rooms and plane tickets. Online travel agents organized travel packages to clients and marketed for hotels at a percentage.