Melissa has been with TrevPAR world for just on two weeks now, it is always great to get to know our Interns, we hope you enjoy the Q&A with Melissa,
What social media channels are you on and why have you selected them?
I am active on multiple social media channels such as, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. I chose these channels as I feel that they are all unique in their own way. I tend to use Facebook to keep updated with my family and friends. In my free time I enjoy browsing Instagram and I think it is a wonderful tool to use to create a social media presence for yourself as well as see how brands utilize it to boost their products. Lastly, I use LinkedIn to stay up to date with the going-on’s in the hospitality industry and to boost my own online presence.
What is your favourite thing to do and why?
I love reading and learning. I’ve always enjoyed expanding my knowledge wherever I can therefore I can say that I enjoy being busy or being on a mission as my friends like to call it, because once I have set my mind to something I will strive to get it done, whether it be work related or something else. I also thoroughly enjoy spending time with my family and my friends.
In terms of Industry, what do you always stick by when looking at revenue growth?
When looking at Revenue growth, I generally stick to looking at the KPI’s, which are your ADR, RevPAR and Occupancy levels within any given establishment. These can help determine how well the company is doing as well as their short comings. Next are the distribution channels as these also play a large role regarding revenue growth as they create extra reach to gain more guests and to retain loyal ones.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that nobody would expect;
I was home-schooled for most of my schooling career, although this surprises most people as there is the stereotype that kids who are home-schooled are generally weird and anti-social which I am the opposite as I’d like to think that I am outgoing. Maybe a little weird though, but then again aren’t we all?
Why Revenue & Distribution? What drew you to this unique field?
I was drawn to this field in the hospitality industry because I enjoy a challenge. Whilst I was at Stenden South Africa I wanted to push my comfort zones therefore I opted to do the revenue minor. Little did I know that I would absolutely enjoy it and find my passion.
Who and where is the best hotel you have ever stayed in?
The best hotel, well Lodge I have ever stayed in hands down has to the Xigera Camp in the Okavango Delta, run by Wilderness Safaris. The food was amazing, and the friendliness of the staff was incredible. Being in the wilderness was amazing and the wildlife, my family and I were able to see was magnificent.
I also did a tour in Europe a few years ago where I stayed in multiple hostels but the one that stood out for me the most was the Generator hostel in Barcelona, it was beautifully decorated, clean and priced just right.
Where do you see Revenue Management in 5 years from now?
In five years from now I believe that revenue management will have changed quite drastically as it is already so dynamic and fast-paced. Thinking back to the STR lectures at Stenden I recall that in the next few years there is possibly that there is going to be a focus shift from RevPAR to GOPPAR (Gross Operating Profit Per Available Room) as this KPI is able to show you what value your asset has at any given time. Only time will tell where revenue management will go but I’m excited to be on this journey with it.
In your opinion what is more important in terms of Revenue Measurement – ADR, RevPAR or Occupancy?
Personally, I believe that each of these revenue measurements hold a significant importance as they work together. Although it is difficult to maintain all three, thus hotels generally focus on one more than the others. In my opinion I believe that RevPAR and ADR are most important. RevPAR because it encompasses both revenue and occupancy and ADR because it is the hotel’s average daily rate and sets a precedent for comparisons against the hotels competition. Thus, using the data collected from all three of these KPI’s, an accurate reading can be taken which should be done daily to get the best results and to optimise revenue for the hotel.
I think that these three KPI’s are the basics of revenue management and without them hotels would still be counting lights in windows.