The Canadian hotel industry: innovative solutions to secure the industry's future

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present practical answers to the strategic question: “What innovations are needed in the Canadian hotel industry and how might they be implemented to secure the industry's future?” It aims to capture the essence of conclusions of seven papers written by 23 experts on aspects related to the hotel industry of Canada for the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) issue on Canada in 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is to integrate all solutions suggested in these seven papers and to seek a succinct response to the strategic question.

Findings

While providing a helicopter view of the key trends and challenges of the hotel industry of Canada, this paper proposes implementable and practical solutions to those challenges. Using the 2012 WHATT Roundtable discussion in Ottawa, Canada as the foundation, this paper addresses some of the most significant issues affecting the hotel industry of Canada today. In conclusion, 12 key suggestions are made.

Practical implications

The paper reviews past concepts and industry practices as well as current practices to identify practical, effective and innovative approaches for the future.

Originality/value

This paper provides fresh perspectives on many relevant issues by analysing inputs, viewpoints, comments, and suggestions of many subject experts. Readers with interests in the hotel industry in Canada or similar tourism destinations around the world would benefit from reading this paper.

Citation

Jayawardena, C.(C). (2013), "The Canadian hotel industry: innovative solutions to secure the industry's future", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 219-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/17554211311314155