Hospitality Industry Trends 2023: Global and Canadian Scale
Updated: Mar 30
The hospitality industry has experienced significant changes and challenges in recent years, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. To stay competitive and relevant, hospitality businesses must stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and adapt their strategies accordingly. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitality industry trends to watch in 2023, as well as Canadian-specific trends.
Global Hospitality Industry Trends
We have highlighted 5 main tendencies in the hospitality industry:
Trend 1: Increased Emphasis on Sustainability
Sustainability has become a major concern for consumers in recent years, and the hospitality industry is no exception. In 2023, we can expect to see a continued emphasis on sustainable practices and initiatives, such as reducing waste and energy consumption, sourcing local and organic products, and implementing eco-friendly technologies.
To stay ahead of the sustainability trend, hospitality businesses can focus on reducing their carbon footprint, implementing sustainable practices across all aspects of their operations, and communicating their efforts to consumers.
Trend 2: Personalization and Customization
Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized and customized experiences in the hospitality industry. This includes everything from personalized menus and amenities to tailored recommendations based on their preferences and past experiences.
To meet this demand, hospitality businesses can invest in technology that allows them to collect and analyze customer data, offer personalized promotions and packages, and provide personalized services and experiences.
Trend 3: Continued Focus on Health and Safety
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought health and safety concerns to the forefront of the hospitality industry. In 2023, we can expect to see a continued emphasis on health and safety measures, such as increased cleaning and sanitization, contactless technology, and vaccination requirements.
To address these concerns, hospitality businesses may use technology and equipment that allows for effective cleaning and sanitization, communicate their safety protocols to customers, and implement contactless payment and check-in options.
Trend 4: Rise of Automation and AI
Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) have been on the rise in the hospitality industry in recent years, and this trend will continue in 2023. This includes everything from chatbots and virtual assistants to automated check-in and payment systems.
To take advantage of these technologies, hospitality businesses can turn to automation and AI solutions that can help them streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience.
Trend 5: Continued Growth of the Sharing Economy
The sharing economy, which includes platforms like Airbnb and Uber, has disrupted the hospitality industry in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. This includes the growth of short-term rental properties and alternative accommodations.
To compete with the sharing economy, traditional hospitality businesses can focus on providing unique and personalized experiences that cannot be found on sharing economy platforms, as well as leveraging their brand and reputation.
Canadian-Specific Trends:
In addition to these global trends, there are also specific trends to watch for in the Canadian hospitality industry in 2023, as identified by Technomic:
Trend 1: Increased Emphasis on Local Products and Ingredients
Canadian consumers are increasingly interested in local and regional products and ingredients, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. This includes everything from locally sourced meat and produce to craft beer and spirits.
To capitalize on this trend, Canadian hospitality businesses can focus on sourcing and promoting local products and ingredients, as well as partnering with local producers and suppliers.
Trend 2: Rise of Virtual and Hybrid Events
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards virtual and hybrid events, and this is expected to continue in 2023. This includes everything from virtual conferences and trade shows to hybrid weddings and meetings.
Therefore, investing in technology and equipment that allows hospitality businesses to offer virtual and hybrid events, as well as adapt their venues and services to accommodate these types of events will be a great solution.
Trend 3: Increased Demand for Outdoor Dining and Experiences
With Canada's beautiful outdoor spaces and mild climate, there is an increasing demand for outdoor dining and experiences. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, primarily as consumers seek safer options during the pandemic.
To meet this demand, Canadian hospitality entrepreneurs can invest in outdoor dining spaces and amenities, such as outdoor heating and lighting, as well as outdoor activities and experiences that showcase Canada's natural beauty.
Trend 4: Focus on Indigenous Cuisine and Culture
There is a growing interest in Indigenous cuisine and culture in Canada. This includes everything from Indigenous-inspired menus and ingredients to cultural experiences and events.
Canadian hospitality businesses more and more often partner with Indigenous communities and organizations, offer Indigenous-inspired menus and experiences and incorporate Indigenous culture into their branding and marketing.
Trend 5: Increased Emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The hospitality industry in Canada, like many industries, is increasingly focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In 2023, we can expect to see a continued emphasis on DEI, including everything from diverse hiring practices to inclusive marketing and programming.
Hospitality companies should prioritize DEI initiatives, such as implementing diversity and inclusion training, partnering with diverse suppliers and vendors, and offering inclusive marketing and programming. They can also use the services of hospitality recruitment agencies to find the right candidates. You can read more about it here.
What to expect in the hospitality industry in 2023?
In conclusion, the hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the latest trends is essential for businesses looking to remain competitive and relevant in 2023. From sustainability and personalization to health and safety, automation and AI, and the continued growth of the sharing economy, hospitality businesses must be proactive in adapting to these trends. Additionally, there are specific Canadian trends to watch, including a focus on local products and ingredients, virtual and hybrid events, outdoor dining and experiences, Indigenous cuisine and culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. By embracing these trends and taking proactive steps to address them, hospitality businesses can position themselves for success in the years to come.