LOS ANGELES—A recent conference of hoteliers, general managers and sales representatives for independent boutique-style hotels revealed that 53% of attendees saw an increase in demand for hotel bookings at their properties from 2012 to 2013, which has led to increased revenue in 2013.
LWH Hotels, a collection of independent hotels and resorts in 23 countries worldwide, surveyed attendees during its membership conference October 20-23 here to uncover current industry trends affecting independent hoteliers. The LWH Hotels conference reveals that consumers are eager to get back to vacationing after setbacks from the recession.
Travelers are once again looking for more unique travel experiences, which independent hotels are able to provide,” stated LWH Hotels Founder and Chairman, Efrem Harkham. “Travelers want to feel like their hotel is able to take personal care of their needs, and independent hotels have the flexibility to provide that special service many corporately owned hotels may not have.”
LWH Hotels member properties convened from all over the world, including Japan, Italy, France, Australia, the U.S. and others, at the global corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. The conference theme, “The Art of Hospitality,” illustrated the importance of customer service, reputation management and global outreach in the hotel industry.