You may have heard the word “authentic” frequently in 2023 (Merriam-Webster dubbed it as the word of the year after all). But how exactly is authenticity translated into Food and Beverage in the Hotel industry? Consider these Hotel Food and Beverage trends for 2024 that highlight travelers’ demands for a casual experience that embraces local culture, flavors, and people:
- Local Cuisine Takes Spotlight.
- Technology gets Personal.
- Casual Vibes are Here to Stay.
- Small Indulgences Will Be Big.
Local Cuisine Takes Spotlight
70% of US travelers put food as the priority when seeking authentic local experiences. We will see hotels find ways to inject their menus with local flare and seasonal attention. Hotel restaurants will emphasize hiring local chefs over those with prestigious backgrounds. Properties can also use the resurgence of “single concept” restaurants to feature specific local dishes. Above all, we will continue to see a focus on locally sourced food, which has been a growing trend for years.
Technology Gets Personal
The fact that guests crave authentic personal experiences does not mean that technology is falling out of favor. Hotel food and beverage will be utilizing technology programs based on AI more than ever. For example, Voice-bots can more naturally handle room service orders than text Chatbots, while freeing up staff to quickly prepare and run food. For loyalty guests, AI can learn their preferences and make intelligent recommendations for dining options at each stay.
Casual Vibes are Here to Stay
Hotel restaurants have long been stereotyped by the image of a stuffy steakhouse. However, the current restaurant trend toward casual, healthy dining with open kitchens is hitting hotels. Guests enjoy hotel restaurants with open kitchens, letting them see and smell their food as it’s prepared fresh by the professionals who prepare it.
Small Indulgences Will Be Big
Many travelers simply want to get out and experience the local life as soon as possible. Hotels have frequently catered to the grab-and-go crowd with coffee counters and sandwich options. But in 2024, they will be upping the game and providing a way for guests to indulge without slowing down or spending too much on a fancy meal. These could come in the form of offerings like gourmet ice cream stands, specialty coffees, or artisanal snack options.
Partner with the Top Hotel Food and Beverage Recruiters
Keep your hotel relevant and competitive and find forward-thinking hotel managers and Food and Beverage professionals. Horizon Hospitality’s hotel recruiters have extensive experience and resources to find top hotel management candidates. Contact us today to learn more.