By: Steve Turk

This month step into the world of Sports Tourism, A Self Pouring Bottle Top, My Favorite Travel Show, and how I am chasing my goal of writing my first book.

Did this newsletter find its way to you through a forward? Don't miss out on future insights sign up here to join our rapidly expanding community of passionate hospitality professionals.

🌿 This issue is proudly sponsored by Biscayne Coffee, your source for delicious coffee with a good cause. Use promo code MENTOR at checkout for an exclusive 10% discount. And remember, we're committed to giving back—10% of your purchase goes directly to the Biscayne Bay Foundation to aid in the preservation of the beautiful Biscayne Bay. 🌿

🛎 Trending in Hospitality: Leveraging Global Sports Tourism

This year marks an exciting era for sports tourism worldwide, with the spotlight shining bright on Paris for the upcoming Olympics. Yet, it's not just Paris that's basking in the glow of global attention. My hometown of Miami is a prime example of how cities can become international hubs for sports enthusiasts, drawing crowds from every corner of the globe.

Miami has been at the forefront of this sporting renaissance, welcoming the world's best soccer player, Lionel Messi, an event that has sparked immense excitement, but the allure doesn't stop there. With Formula 1 racing entering its third year in our vibrant city and the Miami Open tennis tournament drawing fans in droves, it's clear that Miami is a melting pot of sporting greatness.

The influx of visitors these events attract is not just fun, it's a big win for the local economy, particularly for those of us in the hospitality industry. 

If your city is hosting similar marquee events, now is the time to capitalize on this wave of sports tourism.

Creating special packages tailored for these travelers is not just an opportunity, it's a necessity. These could range from exclusive stay-and-watch deals, transportation to and from events, or even themed dining experiences that celebrate the occasion. The goal is to enhance their experience, making it as unforgettable as the events they've come to witness.

What if your city isn't on the global sports map? There's still an opportunity here. Building around the concept of watch parties and creating specials that resonate with trending sports topics can transform your establishment into a local hotspot. It's about creating an atmosphere that mirrors the excitement of being at the event itself.

Whether it's leveraging the global sports calendar or creating your buzz around major sporting events, the message is clear, the hospitality industry has a unique opportunity to turn sports fever into a memorable experience for guests. So, let's get creative, tap into the excitement, and score big with our offerings. After all, in the game of hospitality, everyone should come out a winner.

💭 What I'm Inspired By: Discovering the World Through Reluctant Eyes

In a world filled with travel shows, one show has caught my attention: The Reluctant Traveler. Hosted by the hilarious actor Eugene Levy, the series captures his adventures to extraordinary hotels across the globe and his immersion into the surrounding cultures and locales. What I love about this show is its ability to challenge preconceptions, encouraging those who might be hesitant to step out of their comfort zones to embrace new experiences that they initially thought wouldn't appeal to them.

This show has been an eye-opener, highlighting experiences the world has to offer and igniting a desire within me to explore more of it. Despite the challenges of having a family with young kids, a career, and the responsibilities that come with them, I'm determined to have more adventure in my travels this year. I urge you to do the same. Traveling broadens our horizons, teaching us invaluable lessons about the world and fostering a deeper understanding of each other.

My inspiration comes, in part, from my father, who recently returned from Hong Kong. His experiences there were so different from his initial expectations. That reminded me of the power of travel. His willingness to head out on this journey and his enjoyment of it have inspired me, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

I encourage everyone to seek new experiences through travel, regardless of life's busyness. Whether it's discovering hidden gems within your own country or venturing to far-off lands, every journey is a step towards greater understanding and connection. Let's not allow our reservations or hectic schedules to keep us from exploring the beauty and diversity our world has to offer.

📝 What I'm Working On: Embracing New Challenges

At the close of 2023, I set a big goal: to step into the world of public speaking at world-class events. After years of honing my skills in front of diverse audiences, I'm thrilled to announce that I've started on this new journey. My first official booking as a public speaker is on the books, and I am excited for many more opportunities to come.

But that's not all I've been pouring my energy into. Behind the scenes, I'm crafting something special… a Hospitality Mentor book. This project is close to my heart, aiming to share the advice and wisdom of the amazing guests who've been on our podcast. The goal is to share this wealth of knowledge into a format that's both accessible and practical for readers. I can't wait to share more details with you as the book takes shape.

For those of you who might be interested in having me speak at your event, we've made it easy to reach out. Please follow this link to contact us. My team and I are excited to set up a meeting and explore how we can contribute to your event.

If there's a dream you've been hesitant to chase, I hope my journey inspires you to take that leap. The path to achieving our dreams is often lined with challenges, but it's through embracing these challenges that we grow and find our true potential.

🍷 What I’m Sipping: Revolutionizing Self-Serve with Nina

In an era where efficiency and innovation are paramount, especially when many of us find ourselves short-staffed and in search of new revenue streams, I'm excited to share a discovery that's I believe will be a game-changer, Nina.

This groundbreaking company has introduced an ingenious solution, an automatic, pouring spout designed to fit onto liquor bottles, paving the way for self-serve bar areas.

Imagine guests serving themselves in premium hotel suites, a mobile bar in banquet events, and at trolleys set up in the lobby, each equipped with Nina's technology. It's a concept that not only enhances the guest experience but also offers a stylish nod to innovation in hospitality.

Let me share a couple of real-world examples where Nina's technology can shine for you:

• In Hotel Suites: Envision transforming the in-suite experience by offering guests their own private bar. With Nina's automatic pouring spouts, guests can enjoy their favorite beverages with unparalleled ease and sophistication. It's a touch of luxury that elevates their stay, encouraging longer bookings and improving guest satisfaction.

• Elegant Beverage Trolleys: Imagine sleek, mobile beverage trolleys in the lobby or stationed by restaurant host stands, each equipped with Nina's automatic pouring technology. These trolleys offer guests the delight of self-serving their preferred drinks, adding a layer of sophistication and convenience. Whether welcoming guests upon arrival or providing a unique touch to dining experiences, these trolleys redefine service excellence.

For those excitedby the potential of integrating Nina into your hospitality offerings, I'm here to facilitate that introduction. Click on this link to connect directly with the creators of Nina. Embrace the future of hospitality and redefine what it means to offer a truly innovative guest experience.

🎙 Listen: The Podcast

If you’ve read this far, send me a short reply and let me know what you enjoyed most from this newsletter. See you again in April!

If you found this edition helpful, feel free to forward it on or leave a comment on my LinkedIn Newsletter to help spread the word about The Hospitality Mentor. It only takes a few seconds and makes a huge difference.

Cheers,

Steve Turk

Founder and Host of The Hospitality Mentor