The world is changing, and that is felt in many sectors. One of the most representative of these changes is tourism. The development of new technologies gives to people a power of action even greater from their mobile devices such as the desire to discover the essence of the places they visited or the constant pursuit of life experiences on trips, these have been some of the new trends for years.
Nowadays, tourism has an undeniable relevance as a driving force for economic and social development, creating employment and wealth due to its significant influence on other productive activities. The importance of tourism has shown an increasing trend as per the predictions of the World Tourism Organization, which forecasts an increase of tourism in the world at rates between 5% and 7% per year, with an estimation of 1600 million tourists in 2020 compared to 760 million compared to today.
Tourism in Spain is one of the pillars in economy, which accounts for more than 11% of GPD and about 12% of employment.
Nevertheless, the tourism development must go hand in hand with new trends. Currently, the innovation has become an essential factor for the success of businesses and consequently, a key factor in the growth of economies of each country. Innovation is a concept used within the services sector and other sectors of the economy in response to consumer demands, the markets requirements and the global competition.
The hotel sector has a number of distinctive features and peculiarities, which take place within it, that must be identified in order to recognize and read the innovative activity. Among themes like the impact of internet and the introduction of information technology within the sector, where there is an extended innovative effort and clearly recognized, there are many aspects of the business in which they are producing continuous improvements and changes.
After forty years in the hotel business, the BlueBay Hotels has become one of the most innovative hotel chains within our country. The BlueBay Hotels has been at the forefront of the hotel industry in four decades with approximately 60 hotels in more than 30 destinations and nearly 5,000 employees. The BlueBay Hotels covers the urban and sun and sand segments, establishing itself as a company leader within the sector as well as covering a wide spectrum of demand through the various brands which it is structured as: Le Royal Hotels & Resorts, Blue Diamond, BlueBay Hotels & Resorts and BelleVue Hotels & Resorts.
“Factors that there were no longer consider playing a major role in the tourism of the XXI century. The rise of collaborative or social tourism is being felt more intensely, changing the travelling habits of people and bringing tourism to be considered as way of life”, said Jamal Satli Iglesias, president of BlueBay Hotels , one of the Spanish hotel chains that join the developments within the sector with a young management team and an innovative concept in line with new market requirements. Some of the factors why this hotel chain stands out compared to their counterparts are due to its innovation features such as:
– Commitment to online tourist information on destinations and services both on its blog and social media, with a direct communication with its customers and a ratio of 100% response on all channels.
– Streamlining the booking process online through its own website and the Instant Booking system becoming the first Spanish chain that you book directly from Trip Advisor.
– The addition on board of Jimmy Pons, expert in tourism innovation as marketing, innovation, quality and product development advisor. With proven experience in the sector and being one of the pioneers in tourism 2.0, the profile of Jimmy Pons is oriented to the application of new technologies, communication tools and marketing as well as content generation. In this sense, he stands out as a blogger, one of the top influencers within the national tourism landscape.
– Adapting their hotel categories to all areas and types of tourists.
– Taking into account the needs of the hyper connected tourist, offering Wi-Fi connexion in their hotels. Internet is a key element before, during and after each trip. BlueBay Hotels is aware of the travellers needs today to stay connected at all times to their mobile devices.
– Children are not an obstacle. Families today are seeking for paradisiacal destinations and have the desire to share it with their children. The BlueBay Hotels has hotels in the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East aimed at family holidays with leisure and entertainment for all ages.
– The XXI century tourists are seeking to live unique experiences and among the services of some of the group’s hotels include the Tezmacal experience in Riviera Maya or reviving an oriental luxury spa treatment, to name a few examples.
