With the hospitality and tourism industries finally starting to bounce back from the pandemic, the accommodations sector in particular is looking pretty promising in 2023.

Global travel and tourism are projected to return to pre-pandemic levels starting this year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). In fact, they are also projected to create 126 million new jobs globally.

This is definitely good news for an industry that has suffered much when nations around the world closed down their borders to tourists, as businesses can start recovering from the losses brought about by the pandemic. Moreover, this may also even encourage entrepreneurs to start a new business venture in the industry.

What’s more, the accommodations sector of the hospitality industry here in the country has been making a comeback! For one thing, hotel brand Seda is looking to add another 550 rooms to its portfolio by mid-2023. Meanwhile, Alliance Global Group is also aiming to grow in the country this year by opening new hotels in tourism areas. 

Real estate management firm Colliers is even encouraging developers to invest in hotel projects, stating that there is an expected “annual average completion of 2,650 hotel rooms in the capital region, up from the average of 930 rooms delivered annually from 2019 to 2021.” 

Looking to get into the hospitality business? Here are some trends and business opportunities in the accommodation sector that you may want to explore this 2023. 

Going Outside Metro Manila

Given the many provinces and islands that tourists can visit in our country, interested entrepreneurs may opt to look outside Metro Manila for business ventures in the accommodations sector. 

In fact, data from Airbnb shows that searches on the platform for stays in Siquijor increased by a staggering 280% in the second quarter of 2022. The data also notes that other popular destinations for travelers on Airbnb include the following:

• Dapa, Surigao del Norte
• Dumaguete, Negros 
• Panglao, Bohol
• Silang, Cavite

Tech That Enhances Guest Experience

Enderun Hotels states that one of the trends in 2023 is hospitality tech. “Technology continues to advance at amazing speeds and more and more guests are becoming technologically savvy,” Enderun Hotels points out. 

Thus, those knowledgeable and experienced in IT who are hoping to dip their toes in the industry can look into providing businesses with these products and services. Examples of this include smart technology that can be used for self-check-in or apps that guests can use to order room service, book excursions, and tours, and even place restaurant reservations. 

Health and Wellness Tourism

Many people unsurprisingly have become more conscious of their health and habits—thanks to the pandemic. It may also come as no surprise that a rise in health and wellness tourism is projected for 2023, and this is something that those interested to invest in the accommodation sector can look into. 

Many locations here in the Philippines offer perfect backdrops for wellness resorts, such as properties along the beach or in the more mountainous areas. Already-existing establishments can choose to invest in their spas and even have wellness experts as part of the staff. 

The Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland, however, points out that establishments need not splurge so much to cater to health-conscious guests. An example of something simple that accommodations can do is adding healthier meal and drink options.

Staying Safe and Being Careful

Despite the comeback in the accommodations sector, whether that includes people flying in or out of the country, it is still important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t completely gone yet. Thus, it is still important for business owners to maintain safety protocols in order to protect guests and staff. This includes measures like proper sanitation, wearing masks in enclosed spaces, and regular temperature checks, among others.