Hospitality: answering each section

Stefany Ziani 2

Journal #02 Assignment

1. #02/A (MLO#01 - List recent world changes that affect the travel & tourism industry)

Two of the most significant global changes in 2024 that are having a major impact on the hospitality, travel and tourism industry are:

· Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation: The integration of AI into tourism services has become increasingly prevalent. For example, personalized suggestions while browsing on sites such as Amazon are just one example of how AI is transforming the industry. AI is improving operational efficiency in hotels and airports through chatbots, automated check-ins, and customer service optimization, improving the overall experience for travelers. This change positively impacts by enabling more efficient management and personalization of tourism experiences, increasing customer satisfaction.

· Increased environmental awareness and sustainable tourism: In 2024, interest in environmentally sustainable travel has grown exponentially. Travelers seek experiences that reduce their environmental impact, such as staying in eco-friendly hotels or participating in natural restoration projects. This change is positively affecting the industry, pushing companies to develop more environmentally friendly offerings, and attracting an increasingly sustainability-conscious clientele.

As for a change that has personally affected my career, after COVID I decided to change path. I used to work as a security guard, an essential job during the pandemic that prevented me from having vacations or public holidays. This prompted me to take a new path, studying languages and business, to seek a more flexible and fulfilling career.

2. #02/B (MLO#02 - Summarize reasons people travel)

Two main reasons why people travel to destinations far from home and stay there for at least one night are:

· Recreation: This type of travel includes beach vacations, ski trips, and other leisure and entertainment-related activities. People travel to relax and have fun at locations such as national parks or popular tourist destinations, such as Disney World.

· Culture: Cultural travel is motivated by a desire to explore and learn about places and events of historical, ethnic, educational, artistic, or religious interest. People visit historical sites, cultural festivals, and other significant destinations, such as St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, to enrich their knowledge and have unique experiences.

Personal travel example: I went to Houston for a weekend, from Friday night after leaving work until Sunday. I went to a concert on Saturday. I enjoyed it because even though it was for a brief time, I was able to get to know the city and have a new experience.

3. #02/C (MLO#03 - Describe types of travel research)

Two types of travel research that can be useful in better understanding traveler trends and behaviors are:

· Psychographic Research: This type of research focuses on people's behaviors and preferences based on their lifestyle and values, rather than demographic data such as age and income. For example, a travel agency may conduct psychographic research to identify groups of travelers with different preferences, such as those interested in cheap vacations, sunshine vacations, or high-quality experiences.

· Travel Trend Research: This research analyzes emerging trends in traveler behavior, such as the influence of culinary experiences or the rise of international tourism among high-income households. For example, a study may reveal that younger travelers are attracted to unique culinary experiences and activities and that affluent families are increasing their travel abroad.

Personal research example:

Before a trip to Houston, I researched online to find the best flights and hotels. I also researched places to visit and, considering the limited time available planned the most convenient route to see everything without wasting time. This research helped me maximize my stay and enjoy the city to the fullest in a short time .

4. #02/D (MLO#04 - Explain how the pandemic is changing travel and tourism)

The arrival of the pandemic has had a significant impact on hospitality, travel, and tourism for both businesses and consumers:

· Impact on Businesses: The pandemic led to a drastic reduction in business travel and international tourism due to restrictions and lockdowns. Many industries, such as airlines and hotels, suffered huge economic losses. Companies have had to adapt quickly, adopting innovative technologies such as video conferencing and trying to offer safer and healthier experiences to attract travelers. A shift toward a greater focus on cleanliness and safety has emerged, with new health measures implemented to ensure customer safety.

· Impact on Consumers: Consumers have changed their behavior in response to the pandemic, with an increased emphasis on safety and flexibility. Interest in culinary experiences and sustainable tourism increased, while some travelers chose to stay at home or explore closer destinations. The pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of digital technologies for travel planning and booking, with increased use of booking websites and social media to obtain information and make more informed choices.

Personal Impact:

The pandemic has affected my thinking and behavior regarding hospitality and travel experiences. I have changed my approach to travel planning, considering more the safety and health measures taken by the places I visit. I also opted for shorter and more frequent trips, rather than long vacations, to reduce risks and adapt to the new conditions. Additionally, I now always purchase travel insurance to protect my investment in case something goes wrong, as I am more aware of the possibility of falling ill and not being able to go on the planned trip.