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Harry Nobles & Cheryl Thompson, June 2001
The world of business travel is no longer dominated by business men.
Nearly fifty percent of today�s business travelers are women; that number
has risen ten percent in the past three years. All indications point
to continued increase. The classic Men�s Club atmosphere is
no longer acceptable and hotels across the country are scrambling to accommodate
the unique expectations of these discriminating guests.
You have probably added some �feminine� amenities, like padded hangers and hairdryers. You may have even added pantyhose to the mini-bar inventory. This is a start, but just a start. Female business travelers today demand much more. When they find a hotel that appreciates and caters to their demands, they will stay there and come back time and time again. They will also recommend the property to others. Besides padded hangers and pantyhose, what else does the modern female business traveler expect? A café or bistro atmosphere is preferred over the sports bar or cocktail lounge environment. Women expect menu choices compatible with their lifestyle. This will include ingredients, preparation, and presentation. Lighter fare appeals to more and more business travelers: especially women. Spa menus, featuring organically grown fruits and vegetables, meats from organically fed animals, free range poultry, and whole grain breads are becoming a mainstay in high-end hotels across the world. A café atmosphere is much preferred over the sports bar or cocktail lounge environment. Security issues are very important. Are exits and other areas well lighted and secure? Is the fitness and workout area safe and attended if open during non-peak hours? Does it have an outside entrance that is locked after dark? Is the fitness center accessible to �regular members� as well as the hotel guests? Is there a secure jogging area or better yet do you offer a jogging partner program for female guests? Does your staff really know how to provide professional and attentive service that is not condescending or offensive? This is particularly important to business women traveling alone. Professional and respectful service can be the determining factor between the success and failure of a hotel stay for the female business traveler. Imagine how a woman traveler feels dining solo in a noisy Sports Bar Restaurant filled with men watching football or soccer on the big screen television. To say she feels out of place or awkward is putting it mildly. If the only place to sit is at a cocktail table in the middle of the room, a banquette table designed for six people in the corner or the bar itself, she will most likely feel uncomfortable. These demands will continue to evolve as the number of female business travelers increases across the world. You must prepare your staff to cater to these growing expectations. You can be sure many of your competitors are already doing so. If you would like to discuss this topic or inquire about training assistance, please contact us. |
Harry Nobles Hospitality Consulting
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