Jon Farzam on Ways Gen Z Is Changing the Hotel Industry

For many years, hospitality professionals have been planning strategies to cater to the Millennial generation’s needs. However, the oldest members of this demographic are now entering their 40s. This means that they are about to be joined by Generation Z.

The guest demographic most likely to be affected by the changes in the hospitality industry is the Digital Information Generation, born during the 1990s and 2000s. Gen Z is known to have digital literacy. This level of knowledge is expected to change the ways of the traditional hotel industry.

Gen Z Guests

Despite being financially independent, most members of Generation Z are still very social. By interacting with the online community, they can compensate for their lack of financial independence.

While Gen Z hotel guests rely on their parent’s financial support to travel, they also have specific requirements that affect their parents’ spending. Since this demographic is going through puberty, many parents of Gen Z hotel guests book their vacations based on their child’s preferences. The actual spending power of Gen Z hotel guests is revealed by the length of their stay and the amount of money they spend on their family vacations. This demographic is also more likely to spend on their children’s activities.

Booking for Gen Z

Gen Z hotel guests will have a say in where the family’s holiday will be as they get older. You can also reach out to them through social media campaigns. Hiring a professional photographer is one of the most essential factors you should consider when it comes to enhancing the image of your hotel. This will allow you to represent your business better and provide a memorable experience for your guests.

This generation is likelier to avoid following the rules when traveling with their parents. Instead, they prefer to take their parents’ business somewhere else. The correct image will allow them to show off their vacation on their social media platforms easily.

Gen Z as Hospitality Employees

Many of your staff members are already Generation Z. What can you expect from them, and how can they benefit your hotel? This generation is more likely to be able to handle the tasks and responsibilities of managing your hotel’s property management system without having to undergo training.

The main reason why Gen Z is more likely to be able to handle the tasks and responsibilities of managing your hotel’s property management system without having to undergo training is due to their expectation of automation and integration. This generation is also likely to welcome any changes you make to the system.

About Jon Farzam

Jon Farzam is the Vice President of The Shore Hotel, a family-operated and earth-friendly boutique hotel based in Santa Monica, California. While his family has been in the hospitality business for years, his decision to stay in the industry is based on his love for the team effort it takes to create an incredible guest experience. Jon possesses a Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management, where he serves on the Alumni Board and is a member of the International Hospitality and Tourism Management Honor Society.

Jon Farzam is grateful to be part of a team. He often finds himself inspired by his employees and the lives they lead. As such, he is a big proponent of work/life balance, both in his own life and in the lives of those he employs. Jon understands that someone’s professional and personal life are inextricably linked, no matter what you do. He encourages a healthy work and life balance as it ensures his employees bring their A-game both in and out of work.

When it comes to his personal life, Jon looks for ways to foster his calm demeanor. To find catharsis, he can often be found traveling, in a match on the tennis court, mountain biking in the stunning California hills, or racing cars. Jon Farzam is also a passionate philanthropist and is active within many causes including the Surf Bus Foundation, a local organization that hosts bus trips for inner city kids to visit the beach—many of which have never even seen the ocean.