Personalized services combined with modern technologies will be the future of the hospitality and tourism industry, and the key words will continue to be security, flexibility and sustainability, it was heard at the panel “Hospitality development after pandemic & expectations” within the summit REBEC 2021.
– After a very difficult last year, we can say that Serbia managed to realize 50% of income in tourism compared to 2019. When we look at other countries, it is not so bad, but in absolute numbers, the reality is different – said Renata Pinjo, Assistant Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications.
She added that Serbia is not a destination for mass tourism, not before Covid, but not now as well.
– On the one hand, we need to work on completing our tourist offer and product, and on the other hand, there are also challenges on how to place it as well as possible. Serbia has adopted a new marketing strategy, which is in line with trends based on digital channels. We also need new investors, who will make our destination more recognizable – Pinjo pointed out.
According to her, Serbia as a destination has had very good investment projects in recent years.
– Recently, the opening of a hotel from the Marriott chain in Vranjska Banja was announced, and that will significantly change the entire environment, and I hope to motivate others to invest as well. It is up to us to better prepare some projects outside Belgrade, and there is great potential in spas – she said.
Natasha Bajc, CXO and CTO of Volynt stated that Serbia is a relatively immature market.
– On the one hand, that is good, because it moves things forward – Bajc pointed out.
According to her, in the future of hospitality, the price will be the experience as a “complete package”.
– Hospitality is a feeling that you are welcome, both in space, ie design and architecture, and as far as services are concerned – she stated.
Tobias Siegel, Consultant, PKF HOTELEXPERTS points out that in the future the focus will be on security.
– Apartments can offer guests a sense of security, because there are, for example, separate kitchens and there is no great need to interact with other guests – Siegel believes.
Patrizia Zueck, Sales Manager, Zoku stated that the decision of the investor where to invest is influenced by a variety of factors, and flexibility is key to good business in the coming period.
– In the future, it is important to be hybrid and use the space for as many purposes as possible. For example be able to reallocate space for coworking. It is also important to remain attractive to the local population – stated Zueck.
Frank Reul, VP & Head of Development – Accor Eastern Europe believes that Belgrade has everything needed for the development of hospitality and emphasizes its great potential.
– Apart from Belgrade, spas and mountains have potential in Serbia – Reul pointed out and added that optimism has not left investors, eKapija reports.
