THIRTY UNDER THE HOTEL INDUSTRY’S TOP RISING STARS Donald Ayres Director of development Aimbridge Hospitality Plano, Texas HM: In your opinion, what is the biggest concern or threat facing the success of the global hotel industry? Ayres: Constant improvements in technology continue to reduce the need for corporate travel and higher operating costs are a threat to the profitably for owners. These concerns can potentially be mitigated by always providing guests with a great experience, consistent service levels and a superior-quality product to ensure consistent demand and improved performance. Jillian Bell Corporate revenue manager Vision Hospitality Group Chattanooga, Tenn. HM: What do millennials want in a hotel stay? Bell: I would prefer to stay in a hotel room of a smaller size that doesn’t have the desk. And having the smaller room encourages more guest involvement within the social living spaces of the hotel, such as a welcoming and engaging lobby. I prefer the idea of a small room, as well, particularly when I’m traveling for business. But having an open, inviting social space where guests can come together and socialize and work is truly fitting of my generation. Matthew Butter eld Revenue analyst Maine Course Hospitality Group Freeport, Maine HM: In your opinion, what is the biggest concern or threat facing the success of the global hotel industry? Butter eld: The biggest threat that faces the hotel industry is the same threat that faces the world as a whole right now, a lack of investment in people. I’ve witnessed a startling mentality that you pay your housekeepers and front-desk clerks minimum wage, demand 150 percent of their effort and then cut bait with anyone making too much money once they’ve been with the company for long enough. 4 HMYP Supplement October 21, 2015 HotelManagement.net
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