Traveling is one of the world’s largest service industries, centered around the movement of people from one place to another, as well as the services they require along the way. The industry is divided into several sectors, such as leisure travel, business travel, accommodation, food and drink services and more.
Hotels are the most common form of accommodation for travellers, offering access to beds within private rooms that are mainly equipped with en suite bathrooms and other facilities. They are available throughout the world and are popular among those who want to experience a different culture while staying overnight.
Other forms of accommodation include camping, bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels.
The hotel industry is a major contributor to tourism, and it is also a sector that has experienced significant change over the years. Some of the key influences in recent times have been globalization, digitalization and sustainability.
Hospitality chains often have a number of different hotels in their portfolio, which cater to different groups of travellers. Those that cater to business travellers may have their own corporate or brand-name properties, while those that are geared towards leisure travellers will often have an extensive range of accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to budget properties and even mobile homes.
Boutique hotels are small properties that are independently operated and may not be fully-branded. This category is gaining popularity as it allows the hospitality industry to diversify their product ranges without undermining their brand.