Overcome Financial Challenges in the Hotel Industry

The hospitality industry has grown tremendously over the last few decades. Businesses have found the most unique ways to stay in demand. While it remains a lucrative industry, it comes with its challenges. Adapting to changing market trends is pivotal; whether this includes introducing new cuisines or designing Instagram-worthy interiors, hotel owners and management can leave no stone unturned.

While some challenges remain constant throughout the years, others change with time. Financial management is one such factor that remains both a challenge and the foundational pillar of a successful hotel business. This article will explore the various financial challenges the hotel industry faces and the best strategies to overcome them.

Financial Challenges in the Hotel Industry 

The success of the hospitality industry relies on many known and reliable factors, such as yearly market trends, increased tourism, analyzing the needs of the market, etc. It is also influenced by unpredictable factors such as an economic recession, international virus outbreaks, unexpected harm to reputation, etc.

All of these variables are directly associated with the financial challenges faced by a hotel business. Below are some of the most significant challenges faced by the hotel industry that directly or indirectly impact financial performance:

• Economic instability and recession 
• Periodic financial reviews
• Credit control
• Varying marketing dynamics 
• Staff management 
• Increased cost of procurement 
• Change in customer expectations and needs
• Field operational issues 
• Cash flow management 
• Technological issues 
• Inadequate online presence
• Not analyzing customer needs

Although unpredictable and inevitable, challenges are expected in an intricate and vast sector like the hospitality industry. It is crucial to prepare and tackle as many challenges as possible to ensure smooth operations at your hotel.

These issues are to be addressed and resolved as best fits the business and its needs. For example, if the biggest issue your institution faces is a change in customer expectations and the management focuses solely on cash flow management, it will lead to unsuccessful attempts at running a successful business.

Businesses need to analyze the market using updated technological tools and software to ensure a strong standing against the competition. Then, they need to tailor their improvement strategies accordingly. 

11 Strategies to Overcome Financial Challenges

Being able to tackle any complication on the spot and ensure it is not repeated is characteristic of good hotel management. However, these challenges don’t always come with an announcement. For quick and effective resolution, the management needs to adopt a calculative and strategic approach that factors in the nuances of your hotel business. Here are some globally standardized strategies to manage financial challenges that help sustain a successful hotel business:

Cash Flow Management

Whether during a financial crisis or the off-season, managing cash flow is very important. Cash flow is the money that is generated and spent by the business. Estimating an annual budget and managing the cash flow based on it provides a sustainable foundation for success. Every year after the budget is drafted, a cash flow projection must be estimated for quarterly, biannual, and annual reviews.

Additionally, cash flow management helps establish the scope of business expansion and anticipate losses to prepare for them accordingly. Ultimately, this contributes to the successful financial management of a hotel business.

Prepare for Economic Instability 

A global financial crisis is unpredictable. It can affect any industry at any point in time and for an unknown duration. Owing to recent events such as COVID-19, wars, and global political instability, the economy has become very volatile. The hospitality industry depends on human resources both internally (staff) and externally (customers). Inflation, recession, and unemployment are directly contributing factors to the unsustainability of the hotel business.

Using modern technology, it is possible to estimate the impact of global economic instability on your business’s financial projections. Data yielded from such analyses should be utilized by the management to employ planned procedures that maximize productivity from existing revenue. It is also beneficial to cut extra costs and manage expenditures while maintaining a reserve budget. This allows smooth operations during extreme circumstances.

Credit Control and Invoice Factoring 

Effective credit management is crucial, especially during a financial crisis. Ensuring that all customers are subjected to credit checks and regular debt collection will eliminate bad debt at your hotel. Establishing a clear credit policy can also help your business avoid excess debt.

Invoice factoring refers to a third party collecting invoices on behalf of the hotel business, while the hotel immediately receives cash for outstanding invoices. This alternative method of hotel funding enables systematic cash flow and smooth operations by providing the funds needed to pay staff and vendors. Invoice factoring does involve paying a standard fee to the third party, which can be offset by the profits generated from consistent cash flow.

Assessing Market Dynamics 

With an increasing number of establishments introducing new and tech-savvy concepts, including themed hotels, vintage hotels, country-specific architecture, digitized interfaces, and appliances, etc., to make their establishment unique, sustaining a traditional hotel business can prove difficult. Updating and upgrading are key factors that account for a business’ sustainability in the market. Competitor and market surveys, and feedback from customers, staff, and the general public allow for a deeper understanding of the public’s expectations.

For example, trending social media posts by competitors may advertise their ambiance, special amenities, personalized services, etc. Analyzing which strategy fits your business best can allow for better outreach and an increase in customer flow.

Staff Management

To run an entire institution, it is of utmost importance to have a group of skilled and diligent staff. From managers and supervisors to serving and maintenance staff, everyone must be trained well enough to ensure the best customer experience.

To optimize productivity, staff can be cross-trained in different departments. Monitoring the staff and providing regular feedback, incentives, and benefits, ensures a team that takes pride in serving the hotel business. Making the work environment a safe space ensures fewer resignations and prevents excessive training.

Prioritize Customer Service

The hotel business is based on the concept of providing excellent customer service; be it through a variety of cuisines, or new stay concepts, extra perks, and personalized care toward each customer. This allows hotels to form a loyal customer base. The use of technology to regulate bookings, notifications, referrals, and online services to book and upgrade creates ease and interest among your customer base. Initiate a feedback system to better understand customer expectations.

Including unique entertainment such as live performances and games, offering discounted offers to new and loyal customers, and providing corporate packages to invite larger groups of customers contribute to the success of a hotel business.

Standardize Budgeting And Review The Use Of Consumables

Although it is necessary to allocate a budget annually or quarterly, it is also necessary to review the expenses of the business so that they align with the goals and objectives of the hotel. Reviews help identify areas of unnecessary expenses and track finances more accurately.

However, it is also crucial to distribute and use the consumables purchased in the budget to their full potential. Effective management while procuring materials and their usage ensures minimal waste and prevents overstocking. The management can negotiate better prices with suppliers and vendors by buying materials in bulk.

Optimize The Use Of Technology And Online Visibility 

An online presence is crucial today. It is useful not only for outreach but also instrumental in gaining feedback and understanding the customer experience. Creating a customer-friendly website with easy booking options and upgrade options, access to customer care agents, and providing seasonal discounts and group offers ensures increased numbers of customers.

With the use of technology and digital software, hotel businesses can create a better customer experience by digitizing operations such as bookings, registrations, etc., and optimizing staff with automated payroll, notices, procurement management software, etc.

Sum Up

In summary, though the hotel industry is a lucrative business, optimizing its financial management system ensures sustainable profits and guaranteed customer satisfaction. It is crucial to implement strategies customized to your hotel business to overcome difficulties and optimize operations without hiccups.

The use of technology, creating a budget, conducting reviews, managing procurement, and managing cash flow are some of the few strategies that can preempt and overcome financial challenges in the hotel industry.