Haley Maltz, CRME, Area Director of Revenue Strategy, CoralTree Hospitality and HSMAI Rising Revenue Optimization Leader Council Member
Following the HSMAI Revenue Optimization Leaders Council meeting on the challenges faced and strategies undertaken during the reporting period and budget, Haley shared 10 takeaways for future planning and continuous improvement:
- Adapt to changes in historical data: Relying on historical data is a challenge whenever there are changes to the hotel and the PMS system. Adaptability and the need for agile methods are vital to ensuring that historical insights remain relevant despite structural changes.
- Reassessment of market position and competition: The intense focus on understanding market positions relative to competitors has highlighted the dynamic nature of the industry. You must understand the importance of ongoing market analysis and the need to adjust strategies in response to changes in market segments and competitive growth rates.
- Value interdepartmental collaboration: The annual budget season reaffirmed the valuable insights gained from inclusive interdepartmental collaboration.
- Methodology mattersThe debate between top-down and bottom-up approaches arose in our discussion. Many are now seeking a more hybrid approach, combining the efficiency of top-down management with the detail and inclusiveness of bottom-up budgeting.
- Adopt dynamic budgeting: We analyze the limitations of static budgets as the industry faces unforeseen changes.
- Addressing what has not been said: The recognition of issues that were not discussed in depth generated a call for more open and in-depth discussions around the budget.
- Growth rate and competitive benchmarking: It is important not only to track the growth rate, but also to actively compare it with that of your competitors.
- Diversification as a risk mitigation strategy: The emphasis on diversified distribution strategies has proven its value in a time of market volatility and change.
- Navigating Financial Pressures: The challenges of budgeting under financial constraints and inflationary pressures have taught us to balance ambition and realism.
- Investing in the brand for long-term stability: Focusing on building a lasting brand, rather than relying solely on immediate sales channels, has become a key strategy.
As organizations look to the future, the lessons from this budget season offer guidance for more resilient, responsive, and strategic budgeting.