Hospitality: U.S. Resort Industry

Hospitality: U.S. Resort Industry

Introduction

There is no exact definition of a resort because the word means different things to different people: it can be a large resort with many facilities, or a cabin by a lake (Ryan and Scheier). The resort industry is divided into three major categories: resorts in resort destinations, full-service resorts in resort destinations, and self-sufficient destination resorts. The first are simply resorts which are located in major holiday destinations such as Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. They provide accommodations, and may have minimal services. The second category, full-service resorts, covers resorts which provide more than just a room for the night. Services may include a fitness center, spa, convention facilities, childrenÆs play areas, pool, restaurants, and shopping so the guests have many of their needs met in one location.

The third category, self-sufficient destination resorts, are completely self-contained destinations such as Club-Med and Disneyland, where the resort, dining, and recreational facilities are all provided in an area which is totally self-contained, with no need for the guest to stray beyond the resort boundaries for their entire vacation needs to be met. These resorts often have an all-inclusive price for accommodations, meals, and entertainment.

The Resort industry is currently out performing every aspect of the Lodging industry in terms of occupancy, growth, and profitability. Since its Birth in America in the late 1700's the resort industry has continued to grow and thrive throughout the world. Resorts can be found all over the world, and they continue to appeal to families, couples, and also businesses. In this essay you will not only learn the history of the resort but you will also learn how and why some resorts succeed and some resorts fail. The number one most important key to managing a successful resort is service. Service must be excellent, and must bend/flex to accommodate each and every guest. The resort was born in upstate New York some time after the American Revolution. Originally three resorts were developed because of their ability to attract visitors. The Ballston Spa, Caldwell at Lake George, and Saratoga Springs were the originals that emerged in America. The Ballston Spa quickly emerged as a favorite to early American Settlers who were fresh of a win in the Revolutionary War and looking for a way to relax and let loose.

Discussion

Travel agents use the different festivals to appeal to different type of tourists. Although the Ballston Spa flourished in early years and enjoyed great success it failed to repeat its early success in later years. Specializations are often necessary for children, healthy eaters, and people with allergies. When a resort is located on a beach or in a skiing area it causes more problems for the housekeeping staff because sand and snow is constantly tracked into the resort. At almost every resort there is a Social Activity Director who is responsible for organizing all of the guests activities ahead of time. Most resorts have an executive chef and a kitchen ...