Foreword

The hospitality industry is facing great changes.Guest expectations are rising, technology is advancing quickly and there is a stronger need for sustainability.This book, The Future of Hotels, is a collaborative effort by the professorships at Hotel Management School Leeuwarden.It reflects our shared goal to shape the future of hospitality.At our hotel management school, we believe in preparing for tomorrow by focusing on 'creating what's next'.I call our graduates the gamechangers in hospitality and beyond.At the centre of hospitality is hostmanship, which means making guests feel truly welcomed.Even with new technology, the power of human connection remains strong.This book reminds us of this foundation and explores how we can keep that personal touch while meeting new guest needs.In the future, guests will not only look for comfort but for experiences that are meaningful and memorable.To create the future of hospitality, we need to develop a skilled and adaptable workforce.At our hotel management school, we focus on more than just technical skills; we also teach resilience, curiosity and empathy.This book highlights the importance of continuous learning and research in preparing future leaders.Today's students are tomorrow's industry shapers.They must be ready to face changes and drive the industry forward.Hotels today face rapid disruption, from AI-powered service to augmented reality experiences.With these new technologies, there is opportunity but also responsibility.Innovation can enhance the guest experience, but it must also be balanced with ethical practices.We explore how these new developments can enrich the industry while staying true to core hospitality values.Through research and thoughtful choices, we can create an industry that is both technologically advanced and human centred.Sustainability is no longer optional, it is essential.Guests now want hotels that reflect their values, and they expect environmentally friendly practices.Research provides insights into how hotels can become more sustainable, not only in operations but in their core purpose.It