The hospitality sector in the United States is gearing up for 2025, facing both challenges and opportunities.
According to Q3 2024 industry data, hotel construction and renovation projects have increased by 7% compared to the previous year, with a total of 5,704 new hotel projects and 672,676 rooms currently under construction.
Of these new investments, a significant 62% are focused on upper-midscale and luxury accommodations. As for the forecasted revenue per available room (RevPAR), the industry is expected to see an overall growth of 1.3%—a trend largely driven by the continuous demand for upscale and luxury travel experiences.
To better understand how to navigate the hospitality business in 2025, we spoke with Lanfranco Pescante, a successful international entrepreneur, who shared his key insights for thriving in the coming year.
1. Understand the market and your customers
A deep understanding of the market and guest expectations is crucial, especially with the rise of international travelers and evolving guest demands.
Providing personalized experiences and tailored services can make all the difference. Knowing your target clientele and crafting unique experiences for them is the best way to anticipate their needs and exceed expectations.
Lanfranco Pescante emphasizes:
“Every guest has different expectations, and the key is to recognize these needs to create a memorable experience. It’s not just about offering a service—it’s about personalizing it to leave a lasting impression.”
2. Invest in training and team building
Continuous training and team building are essential to delivering high-quality service. A well-trained, motivated team enhances the guest experience and fosters a positive work environment, leading to higher employee retention and lower turnover rates.
Pescante highlights:
“Having a luxury property or a prime location isn’t enough. People make the difference. A strong, well-trained, and motivated team is the key to delivering top-tier service.”
Investing in staff training programs, skill development, and team engagement initiatives will significantly impact overall service quality and customer satisfaction.
3. Embrace technological innovation
Pescante stresses that:
“Innovation isn’t just about following trends—it’s about adopting solutions that enhance the guest experience and improve operational efficiency.”
Staying competitive in 2025 requires leveraging cutting-edge technology. Some of the most impactful innovations include:
✔ Mobile check-in and keyless entry to streamline the arrival process
✔ AI-powered chatbots for 24/7 guest assistance
✔ Advanced property management systems to optimize operations and improve efficiency
Integrating these technologies enhances convenience for guests while reducing operational costs for businesses.
4. Prioritize flexibility and adaptability
Being flexible and adaptable to emerging trends and shifts in guest preferences is essential for success.
Pescante explains:
“Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of expecting immediate results, but hospitality is a sector that rewards patience and resilience.”
Consistently improving operations, refining service offerings, and adjusting to market changes are necessary steps toward long-term success.
5. Focus on guest well-being
According to Pescante:
“Expressing your passion and attention to detail not only provides a competitive advantage but also brings personal satisfaction in seeing happy customers.”
Prioritizing guest health and well-being ensures positive word-of-mouth marketing and highly favorable reviews. Guests who feel truly cared for are more likely to return and recommend your business to others.
Key elements for enhancing guest well-being include:
✔ Personalized service and attention to detail
✔ Wellness-focused amenities (spa treatments, fitness centers, relaxation spaces)
✔ High standards of hygiene and comfort
These factors create an experience that guests will remember and appreciate, leading to greater brand loyalty and higher occupancy rates.
Preparing for the future of hospitality in 2025
The hospitality market in 2025 will continue to evolve, offering tremendous opportunities for those who can adapt, innovate, and provide truly unique guest experiences.
Pescante’s final advice is clear:
✔ Stay ahead of market trends
✔ Invest in staff development
✔ Leverage technology to optimize service
✔ Prioritize guest satisfaction and well-being
By following these strategies, hospitality entrepreneurs can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success in this dynamic industry.
-In collaboration with Wolf Agency
