Geberit has released its Hotel Guest Experience Report 2023. The report, created in collaboration with some of the UK’s top industry experts, delves into the current challenges and opportunities facing the hotel industry and serves as a valuable resource for those designing hotels of the future.

Now in its third year, the report includes a contribution from Jane Pendlebury, CEO at The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA). She explores technology in the sector and examines the potential for the industry to become fully automated.

Wren Loucks, CEO & Creative Director at Be-kin, an award-winning interior design studio, examines ritual, sensory rich experiences and social sustainability in hotel design. Wren looks at how the differences in sensorial, cognitive, and physical abilities can be catered to by designing facilities to suit a range of needs, such as wheelchair accessibility, neurodiversity and an ageing population.

A main challenge the sector continues to face is staffing, which John Mullen, Senior Territory Sales Manager UK & Ireland at Revinate, discusses in the report.

The COVID-19 pandemic meant 121 million of the 330 million jobs in tourism around the world were lost in 2020, leading to nearly one in three jobs needing to be rehired when travel returned.

John emphasises the challenge of filling essential jobs in hospitality and tourism to make sure high-quality service is sustained, and whether technology can play a part in maximising the guest experience.

Finally, Alon Baranowitz of Baranowitz + Kronenberg Architecture talks through the relevance of storytelling in the age of information and the art of inspiring guests with powerful stories.

‘Excited to collaborate’. Sophie Weston, Marketing Manager at Geberit UK, says: “We’re excited to collaborate with industry experts to discuss the current and future market trends that will impact the hospitality industry this year.

“As the hotel industry continues to evolve, we aim to provide valuable insights that will lead to exceptional guest experiences. In turn, this will generate repeat bookings and recommendations, creating long-term benefits for hoteliers.”

The report starts with a foreword from Ruth Slavid, a writer and editor specialising in architecture, landscape, lighting and construction. Ruth summarises the focus areas in the report including automation and hotels in the digital age, the importance of good storytelling and tackling skills shortages.

To download a free copy of the Geberit Hotel Experience Guest Report 2023, visit www.geberit.co.uk/hotelreport.