The hospitality industry is constantly evolving due to a variety of factors including changes in travel trends, the economy, and new technology. Managers want to make sure their properties have all the latest features to keep their guests satisfied. The rise of Covid-19 and advances in technology have changed the way many businesses are operating, and hospitality properties are no exception. This blog will highlight some common trends of what to expect in 2021 for the hospitality industry. Some of these trends will be increased sanitation measures, outdoor lounging areas, sustainability, contactless food and beverages, more efficient laundering of linens and an increased use of antimicrobial products.

Emphasis on Cleaning Standards

The increased health and cleaning standards due to COVID-19 will continue to be a trend in 2021. Some of these techniques include having hand sanitizer bottles available for guests and staff in the lobby and other common areas. Temperature checks on employees and guests will continue as well. Bed and breakfasts, inns, and other rental properties will offer earlier check-out and later check-in to increase the amount of time spent on cleaning the rooms. The hospitality industry will continue laundering all linens between each guest stay. Housekeeping staff should continue sanitizing frequently touched objects like doorknobs, light switches and TV remote controls since it is a relatively simple, easy, and effective practice to show you value the health of your guests. Toilet seat bands after sanitation, mask kits in guest rooms and remote control sleeves can add that extra level of comfort and a feeling of safety. InnStyle has a Personal Protection section on their website which offers these products and many more.

Outdoor Lounging Areas

Outdoor lounging areas will become more common in the hospitality industry to allow for social distancing. If you have an outdoor patio or deck, this could serve well to host business meetings, family gatherings, and other social events. When the weather is nice, properties may also serve meals outside to help guests feel more comfortable, healthy, and socially distanced. It is a good idea to also post local outdoor activities such as bike and hiking trails to offer suggestions to guests who may be looking for something to do.

Sustainability

Sustainability will become even more important for the hospitality industry 2021. As people become more environmentally aware, they will want to support businesses that are taking the initiatives to help with the cause. They will prefer to stay at properties that prioritize recycling, reducing waste, and using organic products. The hospitality industry as a whole is moving to use less plastic by installing dispensers instead of using mini plastic bottles for shampoo, conditioner, etc. Water conservation is also a priority and can help save money especially in drier areas such as in the Southwestern United States. InnStyle offers a product called the Leak Alertor 6000 which detects toilet leaks and toilet overflows.

Contactless Food and Beverages

Contactless food and beverages will also continue to be important in 2021 and beyond for the hospitality industry. The goal of this is to reduce the spread of illness from individuals touching the same objects as one another. Innovative innkeepers have staff deliver meals directly to your room, have staff members serve at the buffet, offer gloves for the buffet and are staggering meal times to ensure health and safety. Also, individually wrapped items, using recyclable products, can help food and beverages remain protected to reduce the spread of germs.

Bedding Choices

Frequent laundering of bedding can mean more time, energy and wear and tear on your linens. Bedding choices like triple sheeting and duvet covers make laundering more efficient for those working in the hospitality industry. Another option is to keep a thinner blanket on the bed and a thicker blanket in a sealed bag in the closet. This way, guests will still have the option to put the heavier blanket on the bed if they get chilly. Linens that use Dryfast Technology can help reduce the amount of time required to dry linens. A popular product with Dryfast Technology offered at InnStyle is the 300 Hospitality Star Sheets. Mattress encasements became extremely popular in the Fall of 2020 and will continue to be essential for all properties as a way to protect mattresses from bed bugs, allergens, and other harmful particles.

Antimicrobial Products

Antimicrobial products will become a new hospitality industry trend setter as they do not allow bacteria to grow. Along with bacteria, antimicrobial linens also prevent the growth of fungus, mildew, and mold which is extremely beneficial to people who may be allergic to these organisms. Antimicrobial linens reduce the growth of microorganisms that cause odors which helps the linens and the rooms stay fresh and clean. These products also benefit the environment because the product ingredients have fewer chemicals and can result in reduced laundry cycles which helps save energy. Antimicrobial linens can include sheets, towels, pillow protectors, mattress encasements, etc. An antimicrobial towel offered at InnStyle is the WPH Clean Towel with Antimicrobial Technology.

InnStyle Can Help You

The hospitality industry will be impacted by many trends in 2021. It is important to be aware of these trends so that your property can stay current with what many in the industry are doing. The main takeaway is that properties will be focusing on ways to make guests feel healthy and safe with their stay. Property managers will make sure their operations and linens back up the healthy and safe idea. Please give InnStyle a call because they can help you identify linens that are ideal for helping your property stay healthy and clean. You can speak with one of their account managers, and they will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.