The emerging markets in China and India represent key areas of growth in the hospitality industry, according to a report published today (June 7) by international consultancy Deloitte.
The rising middle classes of these two countries will drive "significant new demand" for business hospitality, according to Alex Kyriakidis, Deloitte's Global Tourism's Hospitality and Leisure leader.
"The greatest future potential in these markets will lie in developing mid-market and economy-branded products aimed at the business traveller," he said.
"Hospitality operators who understand the drives and needs of these growing demographics will reap the rewards and become the future leaders in the industry."
The report predicted that tourism in China and India will have year-on-year growth greater than that of the UK, France or Japan.
Along with baby boomers in the United States looking for experiential travel, the middle classes in China and India will be "drivers of change" in the hospitality industry, according to Deloitte.
The report, Deloitte hospitality 2015: Seven key trends to shape future success, said the hospitality industry would need to address growth in China and India, along with a number of other issues, of it is reverse its recent downward trend and achieve future growth.
Other key areas of action include engaging with social media, investing in technology and managing sustainability.
"Sustainability will become a defining issue for the industry in 2015 and beyond. Rising populations and increasingly scarce resources will provide a challenging business environment in which sustainability will need to be embedded within all facets of the hospitality industry," said Deloitte.
www.deloitte.co.uk