Insider: Embracing the Culture of Change in the Lodging Industry
By Steven Belmonte, CEO, President, Partner The Lexington Collection, and President, CEO, Hospitality Solutions LLC
Mr. Steve Belmonte
One of the best things I love about the lodging industry because it’s in the forefront to embrace change.
This industry has continued to evolve, especially in the past few decades. When I started in this business over 30 years ago, cable television, I-Pod decks, and online reservations were not even conceived. Back in those days, if someone told me to make a make a reservation via cell phone; I would have thought they wanted me to phone in a reservation for a jail cell.
Today, as you will read in my article " Embracing the Culture of Change in the Lodging Industry" in the Hotel Business Review, the lodging industry is much more than a room with a bed – it’s a lifestyle for many consumers and a living for many owners. The latter has been instrumental in changing the franchising model and embracing the demands of the consumers.
As President and CEO of The Lexington Collection of fine hotels, plaza hotels, and resorts worldwide, I am pleasantly amazed at how our industry continues to be a torchbearer for change. Hotels across the globe are utilizing cutting-edge technologies and trends in their reservation systems, marketing initiatives, amenities, and earth-friendly features.
Needless to say, some of the change has come at a cost but the entrepreneurial spirit of hotel owners continues to persevere.
During the past eight years we’ve seen a shift in the franchising model to a membership affiliation. This is an exemplar demonstration of how our industry is welcoming change, not being torn down by it.
The ability for both consumers and hotel owners to work in such a synchronic manner is awe-inspiring and reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: Be the change you want to see in the world.
I think the lodging industry has not only lived by those famous words by Mahatma Gandhi, but has taken it to a new level for guests and owners alike.
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Respectfully,
Steve Belmonte
President & CEO
The Lexington Collection and Hospitality Solutions LLC
sbelmonte@lexingtonhotels.com
