America turns 250 years old this weekend, and, in between your fireworks and hot dogs, I hope you also reflect on how much has changed during that semiquincentennial period.
Additionally, maybe you can look at what's stayed the same — or mostly stayed the same. I think a solid throughline for this country between now and 1776 is its hospitality industry. And, I should note, America isn't unique in the fact that its always needed a place for weary travelers to rest their heads.
However, in my research for my recent article rounding up four colonial-era inns, I was reminded how important these types of businesses have been — to the families who run them, the would-be famous individuals who sought respite from them and the communities they are located in — for all 250 years and then some.
I was endlessly fascinated by the histories of these hotels, all four of which wear their storied pasts with honor. In fact, I'd say that with each property, its history is an amenity in itself — a part of an experience that more travelers are looking for these days. Yes, this includes some ghostly guests as well.
Writing that story might seem like a sharp contrast to other work I've done recently, which has included reporting on technology and marketing trends from the recent HITEC and HSMAI conferences I attended in San Antonio earlier this month.
But actually — at panels and presentations at both events — experts opined about how, despite the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, hotel business fundamentals remain the same. Travelers will always need a place to stay and they will always turn to hotels for their adventures. Moreover, while they might be increasingly AI-enabled, people will always be a part of the equation.
Hospitality isn't going anywhere, and, while it has evolved — even those four colonial inns have upgraded their guest experience over the years — its consistency in this country since its origin is something I find fascinating and exciting.
Chances are, barring any insane advancement of healthcare I'm not holding my breath for, we won't be around to see what the hospitality industry in America looks like in another 250 years. But, we can imagine what it can look like. My crystal ball still shows heads in beds, how about yours? Connect with me on LinkedIn to let me know.
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