Spiritual Tourism, Bourbon, AI Mentor, and what Gen Z really wants

Six Senses Douro Valley

In this month's edition of The Hospitality Mentor newsletter, we're heading on a spiritual journey with hotels connecting at a deeper level with their guests, learning about Green Berets that have created an award winning bourbon, plus, we're shining a spotlight on our new AI tool The Hospitality Menot GPT and giving you an inside look at what Millennials and Gen Z really want to have. Enjoy!

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. 🌿

🛎 WHAT'S HOT IN HOSPITALITY: Spiritual Tourism

Post Ranch Inn Sound Healing

In the constantly evolving world of travel and hospitality, a rising trend is capturing the attention of both industry professionals and travelers alike: Spiritual Tourism. This growing niche isn't just about relaxation or sightseeing, it's about destinations and experiences that resonate on a deeper, more personal level, offering spiritual fulfillment and rejuvenation.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Douro Valley: At the forefront of this trend is the Six Senses resort in Douro Valley, Portugal. Known for its underwater sound therapy, this haven, nestled in Portuguese wine country, offers a holistic wellness experience that goes beyond traditional spa treatments. Imagine floating in a pool, enveloped by subterranean orchestral music, followed by a session in the wine library. Then embark on a transformative wellness journey with Dr. Ana Moreira, merging medical knowledge with energetic practices. This retreat offers holistic healing and rejuvenating spa treatments.

Kimpton Fitzroy Tarot Cards

Kimpton Fitzroy London: In the heart of London, The Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel offers a unique 'Time to Tarot' package. Here, spirituality intertwines with the charm of the city. Guests are treated to personalized tarot readings amidst the hotel's historic architecture, offering a blend of spiritual insight and luxury.

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California: Provides an exceptional spiritual experience with its 'Soulful Journey' program. From December 8-14, guests can indulge in transformative sessions led by renowned practitioners, including intuitive and medium Tina Powers, resident shaman Rob Somers, and herbalist Micha Merrick. These sessions offer deep exploration into spiritual and emotional well-being amidst the stunning landscapes of Big Sur.

Advice for Hoteliers: While not all hotels or resorts can be designated spiritual destinations, integrating elements of nature, wellness, and meaningful activities can significantly enhance the guest experience. Consider embracing local culture, offering wellness programs, or creating spaces for peace and connection. Even if your hotel isn't inherently a spiritual destination, these elements can attract guests seeking deeper, more fulfilling travel experiences.

Spiritual tourism is more than a trend; it's a shift towards more mindful and enriching travel experiences. As hospitality professionals, it's an exciting opportunity to innovate and connect with guests on a deeper level!

🍸 WHAT I'M SIPPING: Horse Soldier Bourbon

In the world of bourbon, Horse Soldier Bourbon stands out not just for its rich flavor, but also for its remarkable backstory. This bourbon's journey began with a group of Green Berets, known as the "Horse Soldiers," who heroically ventured into Afghanistan shortly after 9/11. This extraordinary tale of bravery is the essence of Horse Soldier Bourbon, a brand that embodies the spirit of American resilience and dedication.

Crafted with meticulous attention to quality, Horse Soldier Bourbon is the product of founders who, inspired by their profound experiences, pursued excellence in distilling. Their dedication shines through in each bottle, from the hand-selected, all-natural ingredients to the award-winning taste that has garnered accolades at prestigious world spirits competitions.

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a bourbon dinner hosted by the founder, where the depth and craftsmanship of Horse Soldier Bourbon were unmistakably clear. Each sip revealed layers of flavor, a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence and its profound historical roots.

Having a bourbon like this on your bar can elevate the guest experience, adding a unique story and depth to your offerings. Horse Soldier Bourbon is more than a drink, it’s a tribute to history, a testament to craftsmanship, and a symbol of the enduring American spirit.

📝 WHAT I'M WORKING ON: Hospitality Mentor GPT

I am excited to share with you, something I really wish I had when I was starting out in hotels and even as an executive. It's our newest creation, the Hospitality Mentor GPT. This isn't just another tool, it's like having a personal mentor at your fingertips, tailor-made for all of us in the hospitality world.

Imagine a platform filled with all of our podcasts, articles, newsletters, and loaded with many of the industry's best practices. That's what we've packed into the Hospitality Mentor GPT. It's designed to help you at every step, whether you're brainstorming your next big restaurant idea, trying to elevate your hotel's guest experience, or even learning more about your favorite wine.

And the best part? It's all about personal growth and professional development. This AI-powered Hospitality Mentor is here to guide you, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro. It's like having a chat with a mentor who knows the ins and outs of hospitality, offering advice, strategies, and even some problem-solving tricks.

So, whether you're planning, dreaming, or just looking to up your hospitality game, the Hospitality Mentor GPT is here to help. I'm stoked about this and can't wait for you all to try it out. Check it out and let it transform your hospitality journey: Hospitality Mentor GPT. Let's keep pushing the boundaries and make our mark in the hospitality industry!

💭 WHAT I'M INSPIRED BY

Have you been noticing the shift in our industry recently? It's something quite remarkable. Millennials and Gen Z are steering us towards a new horizon where experiences are valued more than possessions. This is not a fad its the future of hospitality.

Take Disney's record-breaking theme park revenues as an example, or the increase in international travel despite rising costs. These trends are a clear indicators of the growing experience economy. It’s an exciting time for us in hospitality, offering a chance to innovate and create something truly memorable.

Here’s how we can harness this shift to cater to the experience-driven preferences of these younger generations:

Embrace Local Experiences: There's a growing appetite for authenticity and local culture. How about integrating local culinary tours or cultural workshops into our offerings? It's about providing a genuine taste of the locale, something that resonates deeply with Millennials and Gen Z.

Personalization is Key: The era of standardization is giving way to tailored experiences. Each guest is unique, and recognizing this through personalized services like curated dining experiences to custom itineraries, this can significantly enhance guest satisfaction.

Technology as an Enhancer: In this digital age, integrating technology can offer new experiences. It's about blending technology with hospitality to create extraordinary moments. Ones they will photograph and share with their friends and connections.

The projection for growth in experiences and hospitality shows a huge demand for roles centered around creating these experiences. This is a great sign for us to focus more on our experiential offerings.

View this as an opportunity to rethink how we engage with our guests. We're not just providing a service, we're crafting unforgettable experiences. This shift towards the experience is a long term trend here to stay. Let's embrace this change and work to create experiences that create life long memories. If you need help with this the team at Turk Hospitality Ventures can help.

🎙 Listen: The Podcast

Coming up on The Hospitality Mentor podcast is an amazing lineup, tune into my conversations with Ignacio Garcia-Menocal, CEO at Grove Bay Hospitality Group, Hamish Brown, Partner at 1508 London, Christopher P. Calabrese Vice President & General Manager at JW Marriott Resort & Spa and Marriott Cancun.

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 December!

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