Taking hospitality to new heights: What awaits the industry as flying cars become a reality?

by Varadharajan Athmanathan | Nov 2, 2023

In this blog
Women in tourism: current impact and outlook
Closing the gender gap – trends and opportunities
Addressing the challenges faced by women
Strategies for women empowerment in hospitality
Accelerate action for an empowered future

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by Tanya Girdhar John

Sri Lanka’s opening of its first hotel managed by an all-female team brought the attention of the world towards gender representation within hospitality workspaces. Amba Yaalu Kandalama, run by an all-female staff-from top management to maintenance-is a bold initiative given that women only comprise 10% of the country’s tourism workforce.

As we open the conversation about women in tourism and hospitality at large, there is no better time to focus on women’s impact within the sector than International Women’s Day.

Women in tourism: current impact and outlook

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Women currently make up 54% of the global tourism workforce

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In the hotel industry alone, women representation remains between 60-70%

So, where is the gender gap?

According to UN’s Global Report on Women in Tourism, majority of women in tourism work in the informal economy where they earn less and have less job security.

Female workers are underrepresented in leadership roles, currently holding less than 40% of the managerial positions within the sector.

Closing the gender gap–trends and opportunities

Hospitality hub

The hospitality remains a hub of opportunities for women, who often dominate roles in accommodation, food and beverage services, and customer relations.

Rise of female travellers

The increasing number of female travellers is reshaping the travel industry. This is creating opportunities for female-run businesses that can cater to female traveller needs and preferences, such as safety, wellness, and personalised experiences.

Sustainable tourism

A 2023 study states that destinations with greater gender equality tend to have more sustainable tourism practices, showing the positive correlation between women empowerment and responsible tourism.

Entrepreneurial spirit

Women are entering entrepreneurship with ventures like boutique hotels, tour operations, and travel agencies, often with a focus on community-based tourism.

Addressing the challenges faced by women

Despite their significant contributions, women in hospitality and tourism continue to face numerous challenges:

Due to the gender wage gap, women in the industry often earn less than their male counterparts for comparable work which reinforces systemic inequalities.
Long hours or inflexible schedules, make it challenging for women who juggles family responsibilities and, sometimes motherhood alongside their career.
Women are often limited to stereotyped roles (i.e: receptionist, server) perpetuating traditional gender roles and discouraging them in leadership positions.
Many women in the travel and hospitality industries are unaware of their rights, available resources, and opportunities for professional development.
The lack of mentorship and resources makes it harder for women to acquire the skills and networks needed to advance their careers.

Strategies for women empowerment in hospitality

To create a more gender-inclusive hospitality and tourism sector, it is essential to implement comprehensive diversity, inclusivity and equity strategies for better employee welfare.

1. Addressing stereotypes with policy and advocacy

Industry stakeholders can advocate for policies that promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace while supporting organisations that are working to advance women’s rights in the industry. Challenging gender stereotypes within operations and in marketing and advertising materials, establishing the correct DEI strategies and awareness, addressing gender disparities in wages, and hiring and promotion practices are essential in ensuring workspaces remain safe and healthy and will encourage more women to participate within the industry.

2. Technology utilisation

Technology bridges the opportunity gap for women in tourism, enhancing access to training and mentorship and providing online platforms for them to connect, share resources, and network. Technology tools like mobile apps can also be used to promote women-owned businesses. In addition, effective roster management systems, cloud services that enable remote working, or performance tracking that alleviate biases in promotions and other opportunities will create workplaces that foster employee equality and equity.

3. Education and mentorship

UN Tourism has partnered with UN Women and external partners worldwide to bring gender issues to the forefront of the tourism sector. Similar initiatives, not only at the international level but also at regional and local levels, provide opportunities for women to learn and access equal opportunities within the industry. Scholarships, leadership training, financial literacy, entrepreneurship opportunities and networking opportunities for aspiring professionals are also helpful.

4. Flexible work arrangements

While equality is crucial in the industry, so too is equity; understanding and addressing the needs unique to women. For instance, on-site childcare facilities or childcare subsidies can make it easier for women to return to work after having children. Oftentimes, social responsibilities for women differ from their male counterparts, demanding their attention for other activities such as feeding hours. In such instances, flexible work schedules and remote work options enable women to balance work and family life.

Find the right technology solutions to empowers your employees. Book a Demo Today

Accelerate action for an empowered future

Imagine an industry where people are equally represented at all levels—from entry-level positions to C-suite executives—and empowered to reach their full potential, with their unique skills and perspectives creating a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future. As International Women’s Day 2025 urges all to accelerate action for gender equality, industry stakeholders are called to accelerate their commitment to realising the vision of gender equality within the sector.

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Imagine flying cars whisking hotel guests to their desired destinations; a notion that feels exactly like something out of superhero fiction. Yet, the days of this being reality seem not far away.

Only a few months ago, Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corp announced an agreement with SkyDrive Inc. to make “flying cars”, making electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. In March 2022, the two companies signed a deal to collaborate in researching, developing and marketing flying cars. While this may seem just another milestone for the automotive industry, it leaves many opportunities for supplementary sectors, including hospitality.

Flying cars in hospitality: Can hotels benefit from the new venture?

The advent of flying cars in the hospitality industry promises to revolutionise guest experiences and elevate hotel revenue.

1. Exclusive experiences

Flying cars offer a cutting-edge, luxurious mode of transportation that can be provided as an exclusive service to VIP guests. For instance, offering a premium package where guests arrive at a hotel in style and enjoy breathtaking aerial views is an offer that is hard to say no to. This one-of-a-kind experience will undoubtedly attract high-paying guests, boosting a hotel’s revenue. Flying car facilities also eliminate the hassles of traffic congestion and long travel times. This newfound speed and convenience will entice more guests to book stays, especially for quick getaways and business trips. Hotels can capitalise on this by offering enticing “fly-in” packages, allowing guests to maximise their stay in the most time-efficient manner.

2. Elevated events

Rooftop events have always been considered chic and unique, especially popular among wedding planners and other high-end events. Adding flying cars into an equation of breathtaking skyline views can enhance the value of events. Hotels can elevate their dining experiences to literal new heights by offering gourmet meals served in flying cars with panoramic views. Hotel events will take on a whole new dimension with flying cars. Think of hosting rooftop parties where guests arrive and depart in these futuristic vehicles. Weddings, conferences, and social gatherings will become even more captivating, attracting a broader audience willing to pay a premium for such extraordinary experiences.

3. Expanded accessibility

Hotels in remote or challenging-to-reach locations can now be more accessible than ever. Flying cars can efficiently transport guests to these destinations, unlocking untapped markets and attracting adventure-seeking travellers looking for unique experiences. This expanded reach translates to increased bookings and more revenue for a hotel. It further increases the accessibility to hotels and resorts for mobility-challenged guests. Guests with disabilities and other mobility issues can find a solution in flying cars, especially when accessing facilities or destinations in remote and otherwise inaccessible locations.

4. Partner collaborations

Collaborating with flying car manufacturers or rental services can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships. By offering exclusive deals on flying car transportation to a hotel, these partners can help increase the hotel’s ancillary revenue while promoting their innovative services to a broader audience. Hotels can also leverage the thrill of flying cars by offering unique add-ons and packages that include scenic aerial tours or romantic sky-high experiences. Guests will be eager to indulge in these memorable extras, adding extra revenue streams for your hotel.

How can hotels approach this novel world?

By leveraging cutting-edge technology, hotels can create seamless and tailored transportation experiences for their guests.

Mobile apps and booking platforms: By developing a user-friendly mobile app or integrating personalised transport services into a hotel’s booking platforms, guests can request transportation at their convenience, specify preferences and track their rides in real-time.
Ride-hailing integration: Hotels can also partner with popular ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft to offer guests various transportation options.
In-app concierge: Implement an in-app concierge feature which allows guests to communicate directly with the hotel staff. Guests can use solutions such as guest engagement or guest service solutions to request transportation or other services, get details about their travel plans, book tours and receive updates.
Internet of Things (IoT) devices: Outfitting a hotel’s vehicles with IoT devices can enhance the guest experience and provide them with a smarter and more sophisticated experience. For instance, offering Wi-Fi connectivity in vehicles will allow guests to stay connected during their journeys.
Advanced data and analytics: A rising technology in hospitality, advanced analytics allows hotels to collect guests’ information and provide personalised transportation recommendations or offers. For instance, business analytics applications integrated with the hotel’s PMS or POS solution can identify guests’ transportation needs—such as disability accessibility or preferred mode of transport from and to airport—and ensure the guests get the transportation options that is most convenient for them.
Language and accessibility features: Hotels and resorts can cater to international guests by offering multilingual support and real-time translation services via a transportation app. Additionally, they can ensure the vehicles are accessible to guests with disabilities, accommodating their specific needs and ensuring a wider audience can enjoy their facilities without limitations.

Flying into the future, what can we expect?

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, hotels must seize the opportunities presented by cutting-edge technology to redefine the experiences of their guests. By implementing next-generation smart technologies, hotels can craft transportation solutions that transcend everyday functionality into something unique, attractive and profitable.

These innovations promise a future that fosters convenience, safety, and inclusivity. As hotels embrace these advancements, they not only adapt to the demands of this novel world but also set a new standard for excellence in guest service, propelling the industry forward into a dynamic and exciting future.

Author

Varadharajan Athmanathan

Vice President – Professional Services

He joined IDS Next in 2011 as a product specialist amassing an extensive understanding of hospitality technology and its use in daily hotel operations. His primary task of leading the IDS Next’s Technical Support Centre includes managing its 24/7 technical support operations.