Canada's 10 Most Amazing Hotels to Experience In 2023 April2023

Global Insights

Ulizing Business Insights for Boosng Hotel Revenue

Industry Outlook

Latest Development for Elevang Hotel Growth

Let’s get to ready luxuriate. ,,

Editor’s Note

Canada's Evolving Hotel Experience

Inrecentyears,Canada'shotelindustryhasundergone

aremarkabletransformation,reflectingthechanging preferencesandexpectationsoftravelers.Fromthe breathtakinglandscapesoftheRockiestothevibrant cityscapesofTorontoandVancouver,thehospitalitysector isadaptingtocatertoadiverserangeofvisitors.

Oneofthenotableshiftshasbeentheintegrationof sustainabilitypracticesintotheheartofthehotel experience.Manyestablishmentsareembracingecofriendlyinitiatives,incorporatingenergy-efficient technologies,andsourcinglocallyproducedgoods.Thisnot onlyalignswithglobalconservationeffortsbutalso resonateswithtravelerswhoseekresponsibleand consciouslodgingoptions.

Technology'sinfluenceontheguestexperiencecannotbe ignored.Contactlesscheck-ins,smartroomcontrols,and personalizedservicesthroughmobileappsarebecoming commonplace.Theseinnovationsstreamlineprocessesand provideamoretailoredandseamlessstay,cateringtothe tech-savvytravelerwhilemaintainingahighstandardof convenience.

Diversityinaccommodationofferingsisanotherhallmark ofCanada'shotelevolution.Boutiquehotelsthatcapture

theessenceoftheirsurroundings,luxuryresortsthat pamperwithworld-classamenities,andbudget-friendly lodgingsthatprioritizecomfortareallpartofthelandscape. Thisvarietyensuresthateverytraveler,regardlessoftheir preferencesorbudget,canfindaperfecthomeawayfrom home.

AsCanada'shotelindustrycontinuestoadaptandinnovate, itremainsacrucialcomponentofthecountry'stourism sector InsightsSuccess,throughitslatesteditionof Canada's10MostAmazingHotelstoExperienceIn 2023,bringsforththeleader'sblendofnaturalbeauty, moderncomforts,andculturalexperiencestocreatean alluringtapestrythatcapturestheheartsofbothdomestic andinternationalguests.

Haveamesmerizingreadahead! -PrashikD.Bombarde

Visualiser Michael Warner

Art & Design Head

Co-designer

Art & Design Assistant

Deepanjali Jeena

Lauren Smith

Sherin Rodricks Business Development Manager

Marketing Manager Jenny jordan

Chelsea Wilson, Edwin Copper Business Development Executives

Technical Head Chris Darcy Assistant Technical Head

Technical Consultants

Logan Harper, Julie Davis

Sagar Lahigade

Research Analyst Helena Smith

Circulation Manager Finn Wilson

April, 2023

Hotel Featuring Brief Hotel Featuring Brief Hotel

Featuring Brief

Abigail's Hotel abigailshotel.com

Allison Fairhurst

General Manager

Located in romanc downtown Victoria, Brish Columbia, Abigail’s is a bouque bed-and-breakfast hotel that blends historic accommodaon with a disncve and charming guest experience.

Auberge du Vieux-Port aubergeduvieuxport.com

Dimitri Antonopoulos

President & CEO, Gray Collecon

Formerly a 19th-century warehouse, Auberge du Vieux-Port is a charming bouque hotel in Old Montreal, featuring a convivial restaurant, rooop terrace and unique event spaces.

Chelsea Hotel chelseatoronto.com

Josef Ebner

RVP & MD

At the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, has many services and offerings related to pets, accessibility and fun extras like the Family Fun Zone and E|CLUB Lounge.

Hotel Zed Kelowna hotelzed.com

Mandy Farmer

CEO

Hotel Zed thrives on rebellion, celebrang the unordinary and obsessed with combining a retro aesthec with modern comfort. The hotels are the andote to boring travel, with amenies and services.

The Wickaninnish Inn wickinn.com

Charles McDiarmid Managing Director

The Wickaninnish Inn is situated on the tradional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht

First Naon, and they wish to acknowledge and recognize the lands on which they stand and share.

Le Monastère des Augusnes monastere.ca

Isabelle Duchesneau

Founding Director & Head of Strategic Development

Le Monastère offers visitors a unique experience in global health as well as a living contact with the heritage of the Augusnes. Welcoming visitors without disncon of culture or religion and approach the religious from its historical and cultural angle.

Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel Montréal lesaintsulpice.com

Marc-Andre Dandeneau

General Manager

Among the first Old Montreal bouque hotels, Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montreal exudes authencity. History feels alive here.

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

oakbaybeachhotel.com

Madone Pelan General Manager

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel, an elegant luxury bouque resort nestled on the shores of Vancouver Island. A hideaway that retains its old-world charm while offering contemporary style and memorable service.

White Point Beach Resort whitepoint.com

John Cudmore General Manager

The Holman Grand theholmangrand.com Memorials are an important part of culture's history and tradions. For this reason, The Homan Grand wants to share how honoured they are to have the Holman name as the foundaon of the hotel brand.

Dylan Meisner General Manager

White Point Beach Resort has weathered nine decades of Nova Scoa’s history, catering to the needs and wants of their guests.

Intoday'smodern-daylives,weareboundtoget grumbledwithinthespiralsofattainingawork-life balance.Nomatterhowdeterminedweare,wetendto failtoachieveit.Thereasonscouldbedifferent,butallwe wanttoachieveisleisureandpeacewhilestrikinga balance.

Beingstuckwiththeschedulesbringsusbacktothe question,howcouldweattainthetasteofluxurywhile havingtimeforwellness?Well,itdefinitelydoes!Andthe answertothatliesinthesocioculturalwellnessventurethat goesbythenameLeMonastèredesAugustines.

ThispropitiousparadisesituatedinQuebecoffersan abundanceofculturalandspiritualhorizonstothevisitors towardstheirjourneyofexperiencingsocialandspiritual accompaniedbytheinspirationoffervorandcompassion. Comeswithadashofwarmandheartyhospitalitythataids withrestandrenewalfortheiracquaintances.

Withasheercommitmenttoabidingbyitshistoricheart thatliesintheheritageandbeautifulmemoryof AugustinianSisters,theybelievedintheancestorialand spiritualhistoryassociatedwithdefinitionsofwellnessthat decadesback,andtheystillshinebrightlyupontheirorigin. ThepremisesofLeMonastèreisstronglyboundtoits origins.Thevisitorshaveexperiencedandtendto embracethemintotheirspiritualexistence.It embarkswithenhancedaccommodation, museum,andarchivecentersalongwith programs,boutiques,andspecialized servicesasneedbe.Theyalsohave heritageeventroomsforseveral eventplanningandmuchmore.

Without further ado, let's dive in:

HistoricConnect

"Le Monastère des Augustines is a haven of peace, culture, and wellness."

Mentioningthehistoricalconnection,Isabellesharesthe variousaspectsofLeMonastèreandthewayitconnects withitsgenerichistory.Shestates, "Nearly four centuries, the Augustinian Sisters devoted themselves to caring for bodies and souls while laying the foundation of the North American healthcare system."

Confrontedbytheircommunity'sdecline,theypassedon theirpreciousheritagewithintheirlifetime.Todoso,they entrustedtheirfoundingmonastery,aswellasthecollection andarchiveshousedwithintheir12monasteryhospitals,to thepublic.

Eversinceitsofficialopeningin2015,LeMonastèreoffers itsguestsanunprecedentedjourneytowardwell-beingand aprivilegedconnectionwiththeuniqueandtouchingstory ofacommunityofnurseswithUniversalvalues.

Addingtothat,sheadds, "Le Monastère offers visitors of all cultures and beliefs a unique pathway to wellness in the heart of history."

Thenon-profitorganizationalsoofferssupportandrespite tocaregiversthroughitssocialmission.Eachvisitmakesa differenceasitgivesbacktothecommunity

LuxuryExperiencesatLeMonastère

Isabelleproudlystates, “As soon as you set foot in Le Monastère des Augustines, the experience begins. The historical character of the building, combined with a modern touch, offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to the guest.”

Beingmorespecificaboutthewelcomegesturesandthe wayvisitorsarewelcomed,sheexceedssaying, "The visitor notices a smell that is unique to Le Monastère, its signature scent of the essential oil 1639. This unique atmosphere is known as the “spirit of the place.”

Withthespecialtreatmentsgivenattheirfacility,she shares, “Le Monastère welcomes individual guests, group retreats, and business events. Each visitor lives a unique

experience as we customize the stays to respect the needs of everyone.”

What also sets us apart is the coherence and integration where culture, wellness and the quest for purpose come together.

SecretAmbiance

Theinfrastructurestaystruetotheantiquenesswhile servingalltypesofguests,andthesettingofLeMonastère isuniqueinitsway

Mentioningtheinfrastructure,shesays, “The hotel is in a restored former cloister, whose rooms and hallways are dotted with pieces from the Augustinian collection, giving the impression of sleeping in a museum. There are two different types of rooms to choose from.”

Describingtheroomsandtheirsenses,Isabelleadds, “The authentic rooms are in restored former nuns' cells. The contemporary rooms offer all the modern comforts in a refined décor in harmony with the heritage character of the place.”

ThefeaturesofLeMonastèreincludethetreatments, describingthatshesays, “The group invites guests to slow down and disconnect from their busy lives to connect with their inner selves. Although Wi-Fi is provided, there are no televisions or telephones in the rooms.”

Theadditionalfeaturesincludethedisconnectand reconnectingwiththemselves,statingthesameshesays, "Le Monastère offers visitors several ways to connect with the Augustinian heritage like experiential accommodation, a museum, a program of activities around holistic health and culture, mindful & healthy cuisine, and spa treatments."

SpecialAttributesLeMonastère

WhiletalkingabouttheambianceatLeMonastère,Isabelle states, “The first thing that comes to mind is the authenticity and the history of Le Monastère, which is more relevant than ever.”

Whilementioningthesimplicity,shesays, “We underestimate the importance of simply getting back to basics.”

Theexperiencecomesaccompaniedbythetouchofan immenselyrichvarietyofdelegacies.Theexperience offeredcomesinavarietyofpackagesthatallhaveone thingincommon,thatis, “Helping our guests achieve balance and wellness whilst keeping alive the material and also the immaterial legacy of the Augustinian Sisters.”

Elaboratingontheabove-mentionedlegacies,sheclarifies, stating, “The material legacy refers to the building and the collections. While the immaterial legacy refers to the knowhow and the values of the Augustinians.”

Furtherdescribingtheculture,shesays, “Le Monastère has been cultivating a legacy of care for almost 4 centuries. We are dedicated to helping people become more conscious of how important it is to care for themselves first, to care for others, and to care for our planet.”

Anexcellentexampleofimmaterialheritageis “The silent breakfast.” Furtherelaborating, “Just like the Augustinian Sisters devoted mealtimes to silence because this allowed them to be present with themselves and others, ponder, and experience a moment of inwardness.”

Theenthusiasticstaffwarmlywelcomestheirguests; talkingaboutthewelcomegestures,shesays, “Le Monastère invites its guests to live a similar experience, to be present, to experience mindful eating, and to start the day in a calm setting with a precious moment for themselves.”

ThisisonlyoneofthemanyexamplesinwhichLe Monastèreprovidesanexceptionalhotelexperience empoweredbytheimpactofthecultureandpeoplewhoare passionateabouthistoryareenlightenedbytheirwellness activities.

Isabelle'sTouchIntotheMaking

Depictingherexpertiseintheindustryandinnovationsthat camealongtheway.Sheopensupaboutherexperiencetill now,saying, “My 37 years of management experience in the tourism field and passion for holistic health led me to join the wonderful adventure of Le Monastère des Augustines in 2012, three years before its opening.”

Isabelle,thefoundingdirector,narratesherjourney mentioningthebeginning, “I built the business model of the non-profit organization and later led its creation, implementation, start-up, and development until the beginning of 2022.”

Statingthecurrentscenarioswhilstbeinginherview, “I continue to help Le Monastère in its strategic development in addition to acting as a Strategic Advisor for organizations and companies interested in sustainable tourism and wellness.”

TokensofLuxuryatLeMonastère

ThehistorygoesbacktotheAugustianSisters;while addingtoit,shesays, “The Augustinian Sisters devoted their lives to caring with benevolence and compassion for the sick and the poor.”

Similarly,today Le Monastère pursues its values of hospitality, respect, commitment, compassion, and benevolence.

DescribingthecultureofhospitalityatLeMonastère,she shares, “Every guest is welcomed as any family member would be welcomed. Listening and being present to our guests is crucial as we wish to accompany them according to their needs.”

Talkingabouttheirstaff,shestates,"Our staff chooses to work with us mainly because the values rooted in our management philosophy around sustainable development and our corporate culture correspond to theirs. It gives meaning to their work as they are involved in collaborative project bigger than any of us."

EnrichingServices

Whileembracingthechangesinthehospitalityindustryhas witnessedafast-pacedchangeinthelastfewdecades,and organizationsneedtouseavarietyofnewtechnologytools todaytoensurebusinesssuccessandcustomersatisfaction.

StatingthescenariosatLeMonastère,shementions, "We are constantly seeking the valuable balance between the use and update of many essential technological tools and the need for human contact and personalized service for our guests' profiles in connection with the nature of our unique product."

ViableDevelopmentalAdvances

Theneedtoinstilladvancementsintoallthearenasof developmentstillneedstoentrailtheoriginalitywhilst fleetingtoadvancingventures.Thereby,describingthe basisofLeMonastèreanditsreputedlegacy,shestates,

"The very nature of Le Monastère is pursuing the Augustinian heritage full of traditions, values, and knowhow."

Theonesinalreadyapartoftheindustry,likeownersand managers,standbyafewhacks,statingthoseshesays, "As owners & managers of many hospitals, apothecaries, and caregivers, circular economy and responsible use of all resources were very important and part of their DNA. As sustainability, today is an important and integral part of our management philosophy at all levels of the organization.”

Forinstance,ifweconsiderlookingatthewaymanyhave takenvariousactionsinsustainabledevelopmentduringthe renovationofthehistoricbuilding.Theyhavecarried integratedpracticesthatwereimplemented,theuseof renewablenaturalgasheating,broadwellnessprogramsfor guestsaswellasforemployees,urbanbeekeeping,local andeco-responsiblepurchasingpolicyandinstallationof chargingstationsforelectricvehiclestoo.

Furthermore,speakingoftheirpersonalizedmissions,she shares, “Our cultural and social missions include a multilevel pricing policy to provide access to all. Our cultural and educational programming highlights ancestral know-how.”

Addingmoretoit,shesays, "Including special programs dedicated to a family caregiver, respite and renewal for healthcare workers, and partnerships accompanied with community-based organizations including food surplus, work integration of people with disabilities, and much more."

FacingtheChallengesoftheHotelBuzz

Intothehotelbuzz,whilstprovidingexclusiveluxuryorientedexperiences,requiresdealingwithnumerous barrierstoo.Beitanyindustry;itisjustanobviouspartof it.

Describingtheadversities,shestates, “There are many challenges faced by our industry, especially since the pandemic, such as the rise of costs, labor shortages, operational issues, and changes in traveler's behavior.”

Specificallymentioning,Isabellesays, “Here at Le Monastère, creativity (thinking outside the box), authenticity, resilience, flexibility, constant questioning ourselves, proactivity, and adaptation to change are at the

heart of our management philosophy to navigate through these many challenges.”

Statingthecurrentscenarios,shefurtherstates, "We are focused on building our corporate culture around the sense of purpose and well-being of our employees, refining our unique positioning by staying on top of global trends, and delivering an authentic wellness experience to our guests."

WordofAdviceforAspirants

Whileadvisingaspirants,shestatesthatinafieldlikethe hotelindustry,authenticityisextremelyessential;she furtheradds, “Stay authentic to yourself and take care of yourself so you may better care for others such as your employees, your guests, and your family.”

Isabellementions, "Make sure you get to know yourself better so you may surround yourself with competent people who can complement you. Lastly, think of integrating sustainable development and individual and collective wellbeing into your management philosophy."

ContinuingtoExclusiveLuxury-orientedFuture

SharingthemajorpeculiaritiesofLeMonastère,shestates, “The particularity of Le Monastère is that we must consider the balance between the development of both economic and social aspects to ensure the viability of its mission for future generations as well as the financial health of the organization.”

Creatingavisionforthefuturerequiresfuturisticplansthat woulddefinethevisionsforthefuture;Isabellementions, “Before making important decisions on the development of new products and services, in 2023, we will launch a research project. Which would be in collaboration with experimented researchers to assess the benefits of our current programs on the health and wellness of our guests, to better refine our approach, products, and services for the future.”

Dimitri Antonopoulos President, and CEO Gray Collecon

The hotel's unique Montreal experiences are highly sought aer by travelers searching for an unforgeable journey. This can set the hotel apart from other hospitality businesses, helping to draw in more patrons.

Auberge du Vieux-Port

A Luxurious Retreat in the Heart of Old Montreal

Weallknowtheimportanceoftaking abreakfromourfranticschedules. Inaworldwherecompetitionis intensifying,itcanbedifficulttofindthetimeto pauseandtakeabreatherfromourresponsibilities Takingadayofffromthehustleandbustleofour dailylivescanbeagreatwaytorefreshand rechargeforthenextdayahead.Whetheritbeaday spentrelaxingathomeoraquickgetawaytoafar-off destination,takingapausefromthedailygrindisan opportunitytofindamuch-neededescape.

Forthoselookingforaluxuriousyettimelessescape fromtheturmoilofeverydaylife,AubergeduVieuxPortinOldMontrealistheperfectdestination.Boastinga uniquemixoftraditionalEuropeancharmandmodern refinement,thehotelofferscobblestonestreets,picturesque architecture,livelycafés,andexceptionalculinaryoptionsAllcombiningtocreateanunforgettableexperience.

Itsluxuriousamenities,includingtworestaurantsanda rooftopterrace,providetheperfectopportunitytotakea breakfromthestressofthedayandindulgeinsomemuchneededrest.

Nestledwithinthebeatingheartofthecity’srichhistoryis theluxuriousAubergeduVieux-Port,whereawarmand welcomingambianceawaits.Thisdazzlingabodeboastsa splendidfusionoflivelyculture,grandiosearchitecture,and endlesspossibilities.

FromthecozycoffeeshopsdottingtheOldPorttothechic

boutiquesliningtheMileEnd,thisdreamlandcaterstoall yourdesires.Beitaromanticgetawayoranimmersive culturalexpedition.

Forover25years,thischarminggemnestledintheheartof OldMontrealhasstoodtallasabeaconofhistorywithits elegant19th-centuryarchitecture.Renownedforits dedicationtocreatingaunique,heartfeltexperience,this remarkablehotelishousedinastunninglyrestoredand modernizedhistoricalbuilding,withjust45roomsthatare elegantlydesignedwithplushfurnishings,statelywroughtironbeds,brickandstonewalls,aswellasexposedwood beams.Everydetailhasbeencarefullycraftedtomakesure guestsfeelateaseandpampered.

As we progress on this remarkable journey of extravagance, let us explore further:

PleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourHotel,itsUSPs, andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasaprominentname inthehospitalityindustry.

OwnedbyGrayCollection,AubergeduVieux-Porthas beenaboutiquehotellocatedinOldMontrealforover25 years.Thehotelishousedinahistoricbuildingthatdates backtothe19thcentury,anditoffersauniqueblendofoldworldcharmandmodernamenities,alongwiththree sought-afterfoodandbeverageoutlets.

AubergeduVieux-Portisauniquehotelsituatedinthe heartofOldMontreal,ahistoricandcharming

neighborhood.Itslocationprovidesguestswithstunning viewsoftheSt.LawrenceRiverandeasyaccesstomany attractions.Moreover,thehoteliscommittedtodeliveringa warmandpersonalizedexperience,with45roomshoused inarenovatedandrestoredhistoricbuilding.Eachroomis beautifullydecoratedandequippedwithtop-notch amenitiesandiron-rodbeds,whilethebrickandstonewalls andexposedwoodbeamsofferanextratouchofcharm.

Shedsomelightonyourofferingsandhowtheyimpact thehospitalityindustryaswellasyourclients.

Thehotel’suniqueMontrealexperiencesarehighlysought afterbytravelerssearchingforanunforgettablejourney

Thiscansetthehotelapartfromotherhospitality businesses,helpingtodrawinmorepatrons.

Furthermore,AubergeduVieux-Port’sexceptionalofferings haveasignificanteffectonthecustomerexperience, resultinginpositivereviews,returningcustomers,and word-of-mouthreferrals.Thisenhancesnotonlythehotel’s prestigeandprofitability,butalsoit’sstandinginthe hospitalityindustry.FromBrasserieGaspartoPincette,the rooftopterrace,andthecozylobbylivingroomwitha fireplaceandachesstable,guestsaresuretoenjoyaunique andmemorablestay

Pleasebriefusaboutthefeaturedperson’s (s)journeyintheindustryandhowthey havecontributedtothecompany’ssuccess.

DimitriAntonopoulos,PresidentofGrayCollection,isa renownedfigureinthehospitalityindustry.Hisfamilyhas beenpartofitformorethan50yearssincehisGreek immigrantfather,Costa,andhisuncleTonyfirstopened theirrestaurantLeCoin(NowVieuxPortSteakhouse),and thentheirfirsthotel,theAubergeduVieux-Port,in Montreal.Dimitri,alongwithhissiblingsandcousins, beganhiscareeratayoungageinthefamilybusiness, eventuallyleadingtotheformationofGrayCollectionwith hisfather,Costa,andhissiblingsin2022.Thisventurewas createdtodeliverauthentichospitalityexperiences, highlightingthebestofMontrealwhilehonoringitshistory.

Costa’sguidanceandsupportandDimitri’sleadershiphave enabledGrayCollectiontobecomeoneofMontreal’s premierhospitalitybusinesses.AubergeduVieux-Port, HotelWilliamGray,andLePetitHotelofferluxurious lodgings,attentiveservice,anduniqueexperiences.With ambition,theorganizationfurtherextendedtoOttawa’s MetcalfeHotel,itsfirstventurebeyondMontreal.Dimitri’s powerfulleadershiphascreatedaninventiveandhospitable corporateatmosphere,incorporatinghighlytrained personnel.Additionally,heandhisfamilyhavemade

beneficentcontributionstoMontrealcharitiesand advocatedthemetropolisasatouristdestination.Thus,his achievementshavebeenacknowledged,andhisinfluence willundoubtedlyberemembered.

Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow theadoptionofmoderntechnologieshasimpactedthe hospitalitysector.Howhasyourassociation incorporatedsuchtechnologiesintoitsdailyoperations?

Thehospitalitysectorhasbeensignificantlyimpactedby theadoptionofmoderntechnologiesinrecentyears, allowinghotelsandotherbusinessestoincreasetheir efficiencyandprofitability,aswellasenhanceguest experiences.Digitalization,withonlinebookingsystems, mobileapps,anddigitalmarketingchannels,hasbeenakey factorinthisshift.TheGrayCollectionhasembraced automationandAI-poweredtechnologiestoimproveits guests’experiencesandstreamlineoperations;cost reductions,coupledwithpersonalizedrecommendations andsupport,havebeenamajorcontributortotheirsuccess. Thus,thecombinationofmoderntechnologyandhuman interactionhasproventobebeneficialforthehospitality sector.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothehospitalityindustry?

Beforejumpingintoanybusinessventure,it’simportantto dothoroughresearch.It’scrucialtohaveauniqueconcept thatsetsyouapartfromthecompetition.Butthemost importantelementisthathospitalityisallaboutproviding excellentcustomerserviceandcreatingamemorable experienceforyourguests.Focusondeliveringexceptional service,creatingawelcomingenvironment,andgoingthe extramiletoexceedyourcustomers’expectations.

HowdoyouenvisionscalingyourHotels’functionsand offeringsin2023andbeyond?

Itwillbeimportanttokeepourguestexperienceinmindby addingnewamenitiesandservicesthatalignwithourbrand andvisitors.Wewilllookforwaystopersonalizeeven moreourguestjourney,suchasofferingcustomized packageswithunderstatedlocalluxurymoments.And experiences.

Aimingtogrow,GrayCollectionwillexploreextendingour hospitalityservicesbeyondwhatistraditionallyoffered. Thiscouldbedonebyextendingourphysicalpresenceor joiningforceswithotherbusinessesinthehospitality

Tomorrow’s hospitality lies at the intersecon of human connecon, sustainability, and technology. While technological advancements will connue to drive efficiency and convenience, the human aspect of the industry will remain crucial for success. Personalized service, creang meaningful connecons with guests, and building authenc relaonships will connue to be the foundaon of our industry. As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, hotels will need to priorize sustainability to remain compeve. Implemenng eco-friendly pracces, sourcing locally produced goods, and offering sustainable acvies can all appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Leveraging technology can also enhance the guest experience, such as using mobile apps for guest communicaon or implemenng automated check-in/check-out processes.

Ulmately, the future of the hospitality industry will need to balance the human touch, sustainability, and technology to remain successful in a rapidly changing world.

sector.Ultimately,wearedevotedtoprovidingour customerswiththesamewarm,hospitableservicethatwe havealwaysbeenknownfor,asitisthecornerstoneofour continuedsuccess.

Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsofyour clients/customersandalistofawards/recognitionsthat accuratelyhighlightyourassociation’spositioninthe market.

Herearesomequotesfromguestswhohavestayedat AubergeduVieux-Port:

“AubergeduVieux-Portistheperfectblendofmodern luxuryandhistoriccharm.Thestaffwasfriendlyand attentive,andtheroomswerebeautifullydesignedand comfortable.”

“IhadanamazingstayatAubergeduVieux-Port.The locationisunbeatable,theviewsarestunning,andthe servicewastop-notch.”

“AubergeduVieux-Portisatruegemintheheartof Montreal.Thehotel’suniquearchitectureandcozy atmospheremakeittheperfectplacetorelaxandunwind.”

These are some of the awards and recognitions that the hotel has received: April, 2023

1. CondéNastTravelerReaders’ChoiceAwards:Auberge duVieux-Porthasbeennamedoneofthebesthotelsin CanadabythereadersofCondéNastTraveler.

2. Travel+LeisureWorld’sBestAwards:Thehotelhas beenrankedamongthetop10hotelsinCanadabythe readersofTravel+Leisure.

3. TripAdvisorCertificateofExcellence:Aubergedu Vieux-PorthasreceivedtheTripAdvisorCertificateof Excellence,whichisawardedtohotelsandbusinesses thatconsistentlyearngreatreviewsfromtravelers.

4. ForbesTravelGuideFour-StarAward:Thehotelhas beenrecognizedasaForbesTravelGuideFour-Star hotelforitsexceptionalserviceandamenities.

5. QuebecTourismAwards:AubergeduVieux-Porthas receivedmultipleQuebecTourismAwards,including theGrandPrizeforTourism,Culture,and Communications.

6. PrixUlysse:ThehotelhasreceivedthePrixUlysse fromtheAlliancedel’industrietouristiqueduQuébec foritsoutstandingcontributiontothetourismindustry inQuebec.

Thehospitalityindustryisinastateofcontinuous

evolution,drivenbychangingguestpreferences, technologicaladvancements,andglobaltrends.In thisever-shiftinglandscape,hoteliersarekeenlyfocusedon stayingaheadbyembracingthelatestdevelopmentsthat havethepotentialtoelevategrowth.

Further, we delve into some of the most impactful and promising trends that are shaping the future of the hotel industry:

SustainablePractices:TheGreenWave

Sustainabilityhastranscendedfromabuzzwordtoacritical driverofhotelgrowth.Asenvironmentalconsciousness growsamongtravelers,hotelsareactivelyadoptingecofriendlypractices.Fromenergy-efficientsystemsandwaste reductioninitiativestosourcinglocalandorganicproducts, sustainabilityinitiativesresonatewithmoderntravelersand contributetoapositivebrandimage.

TechnologyTransformation:SeamlessGuest Experiences

Technologycontinuestoredefinetheguestexperience. Mobilecheck-ins,keylessentrysystems,andsmartroom controlsarebecomingcommonplace,allowinggueststo haveaseamlessandpersonalizedstay Additionally, advancementsinArtificialIntelligence(AI)areenabling chatbotsandvirtualconciergeservices,enhancingguest interactions,andprovidingquickassistance.

WellnessandWell-being:AHolisticApproach

Thewellnesstrendhastranscendedbeyondspatreatments andfitnesscenters.Hotelsareofferingholisticexperiences

thatcatertoguests'physical,mental,andemotionalwellbeing.Yogaandmeditationclasses,healthydiningoptions, anddedicatedspacesforrelaxationarebecomingintegral partsofthehospitalityexperience.

ContactlessEverything:Post-PandemicAdaptations

TheCOVID-19pandemicacceleratedtheadoptionof contactlesstechnologies.Onlinebookings,digitalmenus, andtouchlesspaymentsystemshavebecomestandard offerings.Astravelrebounds,hotelsarelikelytocontinue implementingthesemeasurestoensureguestsafetyand convenience.

BleisureTravel:BlendingWorkandLeisure

Theriseofremoteworkhasgivenbirthto"bleisure"travel, whereguestsmixbusinesswithleisure.Hotelsareadapting tothistrendbyofferingflexibleworkspaces,high-speed internet,andpackagesthatcombineworkamenitieswith recreationalactivities,enticinggueststoextendtheirstays.

AuthenticLocalExperiences:BeyondTouristTraps

Moderntravelersseekauthenticlocalexperiencesthatgo beyondtheusualtouristattractions.Hotelsarecollaborating withlocalartisans,guides,andbusinessestocurateunique experiencesthatofferagenuinetasteofthedestination. Thisapproachenhancesguestsatisfactionandencourages repeatvisits.

CreativeFoodandBeverageConcepts:Culinary Exploration

Foodandbeverageofferingshavebecomeasignificant differentiatorforhotels.Creativemenus,farm-to-table concepts,andcollaborationswithcelebritychefsare elevatingtheculinaryexperiencesforguests.Hotelsare alsoofferingcookingclassesandcurateddiningeventsto engageguestsonadeeperlevel.

Data-DrivenDecisionMaking:PersonalizationatScale

Dataanalyticsisrevolutionizinghowhotelsoperateand marketthemselves.Byanalyzingguestpreferences, bookingpatterns,andfeedback,hotelscanpersonalize marketingcampaignsandtailorguestexperiences.This targetedapproachenhancesguestsatisfactionanddrives loyalty

BoutiqueandLifestyleHotels:UniqueAppeal

Boutiqueandlifestylehotelsaregainingpopularityfortheir distinctivedesignsandpersonalizedservice.These propertiescatertonichemarketsandofferexperiencesthat

resonatewithspecificguestsegments,contributingtobrand loyaltyandrepeatbusiness.

HealthandSafetyStandards:BuildingTrust

Thepandemicunderscoredtheimportanceofhealthand safety.Hotelsareimplementingrigorouscleanliness protocolsandtransparentcommunicationtobuildtrustwith guests.Certificationsandpartnershipswithhealth organizationsreassuretravelersthattheirwell-beingisa priority

DestinationWeddingsandEvents:CelebratoryEscapes

Hotelsarecapitalizingonthedemandfordestination weddingsandevents.Byofferingpicturesquelocations, comprehensiveeventplanningservices,andunique experiencesforattendees,hotelsarepositioningthemselves assought-aftervenuesforcelebratoryoccasions.

VirtualReality(VR)andAugmentedReality(AR): ImmersivePreviews

Virtualrealityandaugmentedrealityaretransforminghow guestspreviewaccommodationsandexperiences.Hotels areusingVRandARtoofferimmersivevirtualtours, allowingpotentialgueststoexplorerooms,amenities,and surroundingsbeforemakingareservation.

CollaborationwithOnlineTravelAgencies(OTAs): StrategicPartnerships

HotelsareformingstrategicpartnershipswithOTAsto expandtheirreachandboostbookings.These collaborationsallowhotelstotapintoOTAs'extensiveuser baseandbenefitfromtheirmarketinganddistribution channels.

To Conclude,

Thehotelindustry'sevolutionismarkedbydynamictrends thatcatertochangingguestexpectationsandmarket dynamics.Fromsustainabilityinitiativesandtechnology integrationtowellnessofferingsandpersonalized experiences,thesedevelopmentsareshapingthefutureof hospitality Ashotelsnavigatethislandscape,embracing thesetrendscanleadtoelevatedgrowth,enhancedguest satisfaction,andsustainedsuccessinacompetitivemarket.

- P. D. Bombarde

Marc-André Dandeneau

General Manager

Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel Montréal

Canada's 10 Most Amazing Hotels to Experience In 2023

Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel Montréal

Lifecanfeellikeanever-ending loopoffamiliaractivities, leavingusfeelingtrappedand uninspired.Manyofushaveadaily schedulethatcanfeellikeachore,with thesamemorningalarm,same commute,samelunch,sameevening walk,andsamebedtime.Whileit’s easytobecomecomplacentandstuck inamundanecycle,itdoesn’thaveto bethisway

Seekingfreedomandabreakfromthe regularcanbeachallengewhenstuck inthesameplace.Ifyou’relookingfor atranquildestination,diversecuisine, captivatingviews,andanincredible experience, Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel Montréal mightbeyourbestbet.

LeSaint-SulpiceHôtelMontréalis anoasisinthishecticworld,inviting peopletolivelifetothefullest.It’sa placewhereyoucanescapethe monotonyofeverydaylifeand immerseyourselfinaworldofluxury andcomfort.

Itisauniqueandelegantboutique hotelthatboastsablendofmodernand classicstyles.Thehotelisdesignedto provideguestswithaluxuriousand comfortableexperienceduringtheir stay.Eachroomandsuiteisuniquely designedandequippedwithallthe modernamenitiestoensureyourstay isnothingshortofspectacular.

Thehotelissurroundedbysomeofthe mostfamouslandmarksinMontreal, includingtheNotreDameBasilica,the OldPortofMontreal,andmanyother historicalandculturalattractions.The locationisidealforanyonelookingto experiencetherichhistoryandculture ofthecity.

Itisalsorenownedforitsexceptional hospitalityandpersonalizedservice. Thestaffishighlytrainedtocaterto everyguest’sneedsanddesires, makingsurethattheirstayis

comfortableandenjoyable.Whether youarevisitingMontrealforbusiness orleisure,LeSaint-SulpiceHôtel Montréaloffersanunparalleled experiencethatwillleaveyoufeeling pamperedandrejuvenated.

Join us as we delve into the journey of comfort and luxury!

Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyour Hotel,itsUSPs,andhowitis currentlypositionedasaprominent nameinthehospitalityindustry.

LeSaint-SulpiceHotelMontrealisa4star,4-diamondluxuryboutiquehotel locatedinthecenterofOldMontreal. Offering108suiteswithavarietyof individualstylesandstunningviewsof eitherthehistoriccobblestonestreets ofOldMontrealorthehotelgardens,it istheperfectdestinationfora luxuriousstay

Shedsomelightonyourofferings andhowtheyimpactthehospitality industryaswellasyourclients.

Location,location,location!

Everythingisaboutlocation.Rightin theoldtown,ourestablishmentis

renownedforthelargestsuitesin downtownMontrealandourhidden gardenintheinwardcourtyard.Le Saint-SulpiceHotelistheperfect postcardtopromoteMontrealasa destinationofchoice.

Pleasebriefusaboutthefeatured person’s(s)journeyintheindustry andhowtheyhavecontributedto thecompany’ssuccess.

Marc-Andréhasmorethan20yearsof experienceinthehospitalityindustry.

Heworkedfordifferentbrandsand independenthotels.Hegraduated fromtheITHQ(QuebecHospitality andTourism)andspecializedin hotelopeningsandrestructuringof operations.

Beinganexperiencedleader, shareyouropiniononhowthe adoptionofmoderntechnologies hasimpactedthehospitality sector.Howhasyourassociation incorporatedsuchtechnologiesinto itsdailyoperations?

Technologiesarehelpinghotelstobe moreefficientintheircommunication withtheirguests,reducelabor expenses,increaseroomrevenueand otherrevenues,andbequickerto improveourstandardsandprocesses.

Whatinitialchallengesdidyouand yourassociationface,andhowdid youdriveyourHoteltosustain operationswhileensuringthesafety ofyourcustomers?

It’sallabouttheemployees.Afterthe pandemic,wehadsomesafetyissues inmanyhotelssincewewereshortstaffed.Notonlyhavingafullteamis important,buttheirtrainingis paramount.Oncetheteamiswell trained,it’simportanttokeepthem engagedandhappyintheirworkplace

withgoodbusinessculture.A committedemployeewillgiveitback incustomerserviceandsafety awareness.Empowermentand ownershiparethekeystosuccess!

Whatwouldbeyouradviceto buddingentrepreneurswhoaspireto ventureintothehospitality industry?

It’saquestionofpassion.Passionfor theserviceandthepeople.Bestadvice: surroundyourselfwithexpertsintheir fields.Youdon’tneedtobegoodat everything.Youjusthavetoinspire trustandgiveittoyourteaminreturn. It’simportanttohaveaclearvisionof whereyouwanttotakeyourteam.

Howdoyouenvisionscalingyour Hotels’functionsandofferingsin 2023andbeyond?

Withtechnology,wetendtoforget abouthumanbeings.Mostofthehotels areprettymuchthesame.Intheend, thedifferenceisthepeople!Creatinga uniqueguestexperienceisthebestway todifferentiateourestablishmentfrom others.

Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsof yourclients/customersandalistof awards/recognitionsthataccurately highlightyourassociation’sposition inthemarket.

● 2013:WewontheWorldwide HospitalityAwards:forour campaignLavalise(thesuitcase: shortfilmmarketingcampaign); info: https://www.lesaintsulpice.com/en/h otel/indulge-your-imagination

● 2015:HoteliaAwardforourbook SuiteStories,editedbythehotel

● 2022,2021,2020Tripadvisor Travellers’choice.

● 2019,Marc-AndréDandeneau receivedthespecialmentionJuryof theHoteliaawardfortheHuman resourcesinitiatives.

www.insightssuccess.com

Whatisyouropiniononthefuture ofthehospitalityindustry concerningchangingcustomer preferencesduetoadvancements andinnovativeservices?

Intheupcomingyears,hotelswillface twotypesofguests:thosewho prioritizetechnologyforefficiencyand thosewhovaluehumaninteraction. Meetingguestexpectationspromptlyis crucial,includingreducingwaittimes, providing24-hourservices,and respondingquicklytoemails.New technologieslikemobileroomkeys, robotsforroomservice,andchatbots forcustomerservicecanhelp,but personalizationandwarmthshouldnot besacrificed.Incorporatingnew technologiesisnecessarytomakeup forstaffshortages,buthotelsmust maintainapersonalizedexperiencefor guests.LeSaint-SulpiceHôtel Montréalisembracingnew technologieswhileprioritizinga personalizedcustomerexperience throughtheirsignatureSoSulpice! initiative.

OriginalTours:Wehavecreated originalroutesthatyouwillnotfind anywhereelseandareaccessibletoour guestsonly!Thisuniqueactivity allowsourgueststovisitother neighborhoodslikeMontrealer,thanks toroutesdevelopedbyouremployees orbyMontrealerexperts.

LocalDiscoveries:Wewillhelpour guestsdelightinexclusive,tailored Montrealermomentsduringtheirstay! Dependingontheseason,weoffer themsomelocalspecialtytastingsin thelobby,butalsotheopportunityto discoverlocalbusinessesormerchants orthefruitsofthelaborofQuebec artistsorMontrealartisans.

ExclusiveExperiences:Inoffering guestsmorethanjustahotelstay,they canenjoyoriginalexperienceswithour localpartners.Weprovide opportunitiestodiscoverwhatgoeson

behindthescenesofashow oraccesstemporary exhibitionsoutsideof generalpublicopening hours.Additionally,guests canenjoyprivileged meetingswithQuebec artists.Ourhotelalsooffers anexclusiveexperience, withartandculturebeinga partofourDNA.A permanentexhibitioninour publicareafeaturestalented Montrealphotographersandartwork bythefamousQuebecdesignerJeanClaudePoitras.

SuiteStories:ACollectionof Short StoriesbyCanadianandInternational AuthorsinthecomfortoftheirSuite.

VIPEvents:Thehoteloccasionally hostseventsforallguestsinMontreal, whichincorporatetechnologysuchas QRcodes,digitalplatforms,andsmart TVstocommunicateefficientlywith customers.However,theseexperiences arenotsolelybasedontechnology

Global Insights

Intoday'sdynamicandcompetitivehospitality landscape,hoteliersareincreasinglyrelyingondatadrivenbusinessinsightstoenhancetheirrevenue strategies.Frompersonalizedguestexperiencesto optimizedpricingstrategies,harnessingthepowerof businessinsightshasbecomeparamountforhotelsseeking toremainprofitableandrelevant.

This article explores how hotels worldwide are utilizing business insights to boost their revenue, offering a global perspective on these transformative practices:

1.TheEvolutionofDatainHospitality

Thehospitalityindustryhasevolvedsignificantlyoverthe years,withtechnologyplayingapivotalrole.Theriseof onlinebookingplatforms,reviewsites,andsocialmedia hasgeneratedamassiveamountofdata,offeringvaluable insightsintoguestpreferences,behavior,andmarkettrends. Hotelierswhocandecipherthisdataandextractmeaningful insightsgainacompetitiveedge.

2.PersonalizedGuestExperiences

Personalizationhasbecomethecornerstoneofmodern hospitality.Byanalyzingguestdata,hotelscantailor experiencestoindividualpreferences.Fromroomamenities todiningoptions,understandingguestpreferencesallows hotelstocurateuniqueexperiencesthatresonatewiththeir clientele.Forinstance,aguestwhofrequentlyordersroom servicemightreceivespecialoffersontheirfavoritedishes.

3.OptimizedPricingStrategies

Dynamicpricingisakeyrevenueoptimizationstrategy.By analyzinghistoricaldata,marketdemand,andcompetitor pricing,hotelscanadjustratesinreal-timetomaximize revenue.Thispracticeisparticularlycrucialduringpeak seasonsorevents.Data-drivenpricingstrategiesalso involveidentifyingbookingpatternsandoffering promotionstofilloccupancygaps.

4.DemandForecasting

Accuratedemandforecastingisagame-changerforhotels. Businessinsightsenablehotelierstoanticipatefluctuations indemandandaligntheirofferingsaccordingly.By analyzinghistoricalbookingdata,localevents,andmarket trends,hotelscanoptimizestaffinglevels,inventory management,andmarketingefforts.

5.MarketingandGuestAcquisition

Businessinsightsempowerhotelstorefinetheirmarketing strategies.Byanalyzingcustomerdemographics,online behavior,andengagementwithpreviouscampaigns,hotels cantailortheirmarketingmessagestospecificsegments. Thisapproachnotonlyincreasestheeffectivenessof marketingeffortsbutalsominimizeswastageofresources.

6.EnhancedGuestLoyaltyPrograms

Loyaltyprogramsareanexcellentwaytoboostrevenue, anddatainsightsmakethemevenmoreeffective.By analyzingguestpreferences,stayhistory,andspending patterns,hotelscanofferpersonalizedrewardsthat encouragerepeatbusiness.Thisnotonlyenhancesguest loyaltybutalsodrivesadditionalrevenuefromreturning customers.

7.OperationalEfficiency

Efficiencytranslatesdirectlytocostsavingsandrevenue enhancement.Businessinsightshelphotelsstreamline operationsbyidentifyingbottlenecks,optimizing workflows,andreducingwastage.Forinstance,analyzing dataoncheck-inandcheck-outtimescanleadtoimproved guestexperiencesandincreasedroomturnover

PredictiveMaintenance

Forhotelswithextensiveinfrastructure,maintenanceisa crucialaspectofoperations.Predictivemaintenance, enabledbybusinessinsights,involvesanalyzingequipment datatoanticipatemaintenanceneeds.Byidentifying potentialissuesbeforetheyleadtobreakdowns,hotelscan ensureuninterruptedguestexperiencesandminimize downtime.

CompetitorAnalysis

Understandingthecompetitivelandscapeisessentialfor revenueoptimization.Businessinsightsallowhotelsto monitorcompetitorpricing,offerings,andguestreviews. Bybenchmarkingagainstindustrypeers,hotelscanidentify areasforimprovementandinnovation,ultimatelydriving higherguestsatisfactionandrevenue.

GlobalInsights:CaseStudies

Let'stakeaglimpseathowhotelsacrosstheglobeareusing businessinsightstodriverevenue:

1. Singapore: Luxury Hotel Chain

AluxuryhotelchaininSingaporeutilizesdatafromguest feedback,socialmediamentions,andonlinereviewsto refineitsservices.Byidentifyingtrendsandareasof improvement,thechainhasachievedasignificantincrease inpositivereviewsandrepeatbookings.

2. Spain: Resort with Dynamic Pricing

AresortontheSpanishcoastemploysdynamicpricing basedonhistoricaloccupancyrates,weatherforecasts,and localevents.Thisdata-drivenapproachhasresultedin optimizedpricingduringpeakandoff-peakperiods,leading toasubstantialrevenueboost.

3. USA: Urban Boutique Hotel

AnurbanboutiquehotelintheUSAleveragesdatato customizeguestexperiences.Byanalyzingguest preferencesandbehavior,thehotelofferspersonalized amenities,suchasroompreferences,welcomegifts,and exclusiveoffers.Thisapproachhassignificantlyelevated guestsatisfactionandloyalty.

4. Australia: Sustainable Eco-Resort

Aneco-resortinAustraliausesdatainsightstoenhanceits sustainabilityefforts.Byanalyzingenergyconsumption patternsandguestfeedback,theresortidentifies opportunitiestoreducewasteandenhanceitseco-friendly initiatives.Thisalignswiththepreferencesof environmentally-conscioustravelers,attractinganiche marketsegmentandboostingrevenue.

Inconclusion,

Theglobalhospitalityindustry'sadoptionofdata-driven businessinsightsisrevolutionizingrevenuestrategies. Frompersonalizedexperiencestooptimizedpricing,these insightsenablehotelstostayaheadinacompetitivemarket. Astechnologycontinuestoevolve,thepotentialfor leveragingdatatoboosthotelrevenueremainslimitless. Embracingtheseinsightsandadaptingtochangingguest preferenceswillundoubtedlybeakeydriverofsuccessfor hotelsaroundtheworld.

- A. K. Tarade

How Well Do You Know Your Customers? Protecting Finance Providers From the Rising Tide of Document Fraud

Fraudulentattacksremainoneofthelargestthreats facedbybusinessestoday Thisisofparticular concernforloancompaniesandbanks,whoalready havetomitigatetheinherentrisksoflendingmoneyto customerswhomaybeunabletopaythedebtback.It’san age-oldtruththatfraudspikesalongsidespikesineconomic hardship.Aslendingfraudcontinuestoincrease,smalland medium-sizedfinancialservicescompaniesarebeing identifiedasthemostvulnerabletargetsofdocumentfraud duetoalackoftechnologicalinnovationintheir operationalprocesses.Thesebusinessesareatriskof revenuelossesandreputationdamage,whichultimately impedestheirorganization’scapacityforsecurityandfuture growth.

Rampantfirst-partyfraudspikesduringtimesof economichardship

Effectiveloanfraudpreventionisessentialforprotectinga business’sfinancialstability,maintainingcompliancewith regulations,safeguardingabusiness’sreputation,and guaranteeingcontinuityinoperations.

Loanapplicationfraudistheactofprovidingincompleteor entirelyfalseinformationthatmisrepresentsone’scredit historyorfailingtodiscloseotherdebtsandoutstanding loans,makingone’sselfappearmorecreditworthythanis true,inordertoincreasethechancesofbeingapprovedfor aloan.

AccordingtoarecentCIFASreport,‘1in13Britsadmitto committingatleastoneformoffirst-partyfraudinthelast year,withthose16-34themostlikelytodoso’.

Whypeoplecommitdocumentfraudandthesolutionto preventingit

Numerousfactorshavecontributedtothegrowthin applicationfraud,anditcanbedifficultforbusinessesto maintainadequatefraudmeasureswhilstsimultaneously

ensuringthattheycontinuetoprovideafrictionless customerexperience.

Acumbersomevalidationprocesscaninterferewiththe customerjourney,causinghassle,delays,oroutright abandonmentoftheprocess.Thepressureonbusinessesto maintainaseamlessexperiencefornewcustomersmeans thatoftentimestheirKYCverificationchecksarekept simple,oftentimesleavingroomforfraudsterstotake advantageofthesecuritygaps.Further,theriseinthe availabilityofpersonalidentityinformationstoleninlargescaledatabreacheshascontributedtoariseinsynthetic identitytheft.

Withsomanyfactorstoconsider,whatcanbusinessesdoto reduceloanfraudriskswithoutcompromisingtheir customerexperience?

Homeppl’sfraudriskdocumentassessmenttechnology, FraudFinder,hasmaderiskassessmentincrediblyeasy Thetechnologytakescustomerdatapresentorembeddedin commonfinancialdocuments,suchasbankstatements, investmentportfolios,utilitybills,andIDdocuments,and findsfraud,aswellasassessesaffordability.91%ofthe fraudweidentifyforourclientscomesfrommodifying bankstatements.Ourdocumentanalysistoolsexamine everyaspectofafile,fromitsfonttoitsmetadata.Itcan recovermultiplepreviousversionsofasingledocument andshowexactlywheremodificationshavebeen.Thetool runsinstantlyand,insomecases,hasreducedtheloan applicationreviewtimesofbusinessandconsumerlenders byupto40%.

DeliveredasanAPIorasecurewebapplication,aseriesof authenticitychecksareemployedbythetechnologyto highlightanydocumentanomaliesandinconsistencies. Transactiondataisalsoconvertedintostandardizedcode, sounderwriterscaneasilyassessaffordabilitywithoutthe painofmanualreview Ariskreportisinstantlygenerated andavailableforeachandeverydocumentchecked.

Customerdatagoesin,andamuchbetterunderstandingof customerriskcomesout.

Notjustfightingfraudwithcustomerdatabutfostering inclusion

Loanautomationreducesbiasandenhancesfairnessin creditevaluationsbyopeningdoorsforindividualswitha limitedcredithistoryorunconventionalemployment profiles,providingthemwithmoreequitableaccessto financialproducts.

Traditionallendingprocessesoftenrelyonsubjective assessmentsandmanualdecision-making,whichcan introducebiasesthatdisproportionatelyaffectcertain individualsorcommunities.Automationmitigatesthese biasesbyimplementingstandardizedevaluationcriteriaand data-drivenalgorithms.

Byleveragingadvancedtechnologiessuchasmachine learning,automationsystemscananalyzevastamountsof data,includingalternativedatasources,toassess creditworthinessobjectively

Automationlevelstheplayingfieldbyconsideringa broaderrangeoffactorsbeyondtraditionalcreditmetrics.It canincorporatealternativedatasourcessuchasutility payments,rentalhistory,oreducationalbackgroundto assessanindividual’sfinancialcapabilitiesmore comprehensively.

Thisapproachbenefitsindividualswithlimitedcredit historyorunconventionalemploymentprofileswhomay havepreviouslystruggledtoaccessfinancingduetorigid lendingcriteria.

Manyofthestandardcreditreferencingagenciesinthe UKstruggletoassessthecreditworthinessofapplicants whohavethinornoUKcreditfiles.Theseprofiles typicallyincludeindividualswhohavebeenhistorically marginalized,suchasimmigrants,low-incomeearners, internationalapplicants,orthosewithlimitedaccessto traditionalbankingservices.

Automationcanbreakdownbarriersbyleveragingfraud andrisktechnologytoassesscreditworthinessbasedona comprehensiveunderstandingoffinancialbehaviorsand capabilities.Byincorporatingalternativedata,lenderscan extendfinancingoptionstotheseunderservedcommunities, enablingthemtopurchasevehicles,rentalagreementsand accessmorelinesofcredittoimprovetheirfinancial mobility.

About the Author

An ex-Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Counter Intelligence Forces specialist, Alex Siedes co-founded Homeppl in 2016, an innovave proptech company that uses arficial intelligence and customer data to assess applicants’ creditworthiness where tradional credit reference agencies fall short. Homeppl began in the real estate sector, qualifying tenants for rental properes before expanding into the financial services market. Homeppl work with Fortune 500 and Blue Chip companies, including Greystar, CBRE, and Knight Frank, as well as prominent lenders such as Yonder Card and Portman Asset Finance.

In the realm of luxury hotels, every moment is crafted to be extraordinary.

,,

T H E

Wickaninnish

Indulge in a Haven of Luxury and Sustainability

Experienceultimateluxurywithaconscience.

Sustainabilityisn’tabouthavingtosacrifice;it’sabout makingsmart,consciousdecisions-oneofwhichis choosingluxurywithsustainability.

Unveilingaworldofunparalleledluxuryandecoconsciousness,WickaninnishInnstandsasashining exampleofabalancebetweenopulenceandsustainability. OverlookingthemajesticPacificOcean,thisstunningresort ontheruggedVancouverIslandcoastisbuiltwiththe utmostrespectfortheenvironment,incorporatingefficient systemsandlocallysourcedmaterials.Indulgeinahavenof luxuryandsustainabilityatWickaninnishInn.

NestledamongthelusciousforestsofCanada’sPacific Northwest,WickaninnishInnisaone-of-a-kindexperience thatblendsthebestofbothworlds:theserenityandbeauty ofthenaturalsurroundingsandtheopulenceofaworldrenownedluxuryretreat.

WickaninnishInn,ahavenforeco-friendlyhospitality,was bornfromtheaspirationsof Charles McDiarmid, whohas beenthe Managing Director since 1996. Thefamilyhad dreamedofitsinceCharles’father’srelocationtothewild westcoastofVancouverIslandinthe1950s.

Charles’hardworkpaidoffwhenhegraduatedfrom Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration in 1979. Thisearnedhimapositionatthe prestigiousFourSeasonsHotelsandResorts,wherehe workedinbothoperationsandsalesmanagementfor thirteenyears.Buthisjourneycamefullcirclewhenhe wrotethebusinessplanfortheTofinohotel,bringinghis family’sdreamtofruition.

Inadditiontoitscommitmenttosustainability, WickaninnishInnalsooffersawiderangeofactivitiesand amenitiestoguests.Fromfreshlysourcedcuisineandspa treatments, WickaninnishInnofferssomethingfor everyone.

Today,WickaninnishInnisabeaconofsustainable hospitality,offeringguestsauniquewildernessexperience whileminimizingtheirenvironmentalimpact.

We sat down with Charles McDiarmid to delve deeper into their commitment to comfort and luxury, which has garnered them countless awards and accolades.

PleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourHotel,itsUSPs, andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasaprominentname inthehospitalityindustry.

WickaninnishInn,aRelais&Châteauxpropertysince 1997,overlooksthePacificOceanfromarockypointon VancouverIsland’sruggedwestcoast,neartheeclectic townofTofinoandPacificRimNationalPark.Two contemporarycedarbuildings,setagainstabackdropof ancientrainforest,boastanextensivelocalartcollection (complementedbytheneighboringwoodcarvingshed),and allroomsandsuitesofferoceanorbeachviews,agas fireplace,asoakertub,andanindividualbalcony. Uncompromisingservice,includingaClefsd’Orconcierge team,isstandard.ThesoleresortonChestermanBeach, Tofino’slongestat2.5kilometers(1.5miles),theInnis hometorefinedWestCoastcuisineatThePointe Restaurantandnaturallyinspiredtreatmentsatitsintimate AncientCedarsSpa.

Shedsomelightonyourofferingsandhowtheyimpact thehospitalityindustryaswellasyourclients.

Innoffers12spacioussuitesand63deluxeguestrooms,all withoceanand/orbeachviews,afireplace,asoakertub withaview,andindividualbalconiestosetthestagefor experiencingrusticeleganceonnature’sedge.ThePointe RestaurantandOntheRocksBarofferpanoramic260degreeviewsofChestermanBeach,thePacificRim NationalParkReserve,andtheopenocean,all complimentedbyrefinedWestCoastcuisineandan extensiveandwell-curatedwinecellar

ThehighlyregardedandimmenselypopularAncient CedarsSpa,alsolookingoutovertheopenocean,isfor manyacapstoneoftheirWickaninnishInnexperience. OvertheInn’s27yearsofprovidinginnovativeand constantlyevolvinghospitality,theInnhasconsistently beenratedasoneofthefinestpropertiesinNorthAmerica bythereadersofbothTravel+LeisureMagazineand

CondeNastTraveller,earningthehalloffamedesignation frombothpublicationssincetheinceptionofthis designation.Whilethemanyaccoladesovertheyearshave beenconsistent,thetouchstoneof WickaninnishInn experiencehasalwaysbeenandcontinuestobethe consistentlyhighlevelofprofessionalyetunobtrusive personalizedservicethatseekstocreateasubtlesenseof magicforeveryguest.

Pleasebriefusaboutthefeaturedperson’s(s)journeyin theindustryandhowtheyhavecontributedtothe company’ssuccess.

CharlesMcDiarmidgrewupinTofinoandhasbeenthe drivingforcebehindtheWickaninnishInnsincethe McDiarmidfamilyenvisioneditscreationintheearly 1990s.

AfterattendingBrentwoodCollegeSchoolandMount DouglasSecondarySchoolinVictoria,BC,McDiarmid

Charles McDiarmid Managing Director Wickaninnish Inn

graduatedfromCornellUniversityin1979withaBachelor ofScienceinHotelAdministration.Hewasrecruitedby FourSeasonsHotelsandResorts,beginninghishospitality careerinCalgary,Alberta.Heworkedwiththeluxuryhotel chainforover13yearsinvariousoperationalandsales managementrolesinWashington,D.C.,Dallas,Texas, NewportBeach,California,andSeattle,Washington.

OnceinSeattle,McDiarmidresearched,developed,and wrotethebusinessplanforhisfamily’sdreamofthe WickaninnishInn.WhileinSeattle,hewasrecruitedbythe VancouverConventionandVisitorsBureaufortheposition ofdirectorofsales,whichheheldfortwoyears.Itwas duringthistimeinVancouverthatMcDiarmidsourced financialsupportforhisWickaninnishInnbusinessplan.

Aone-yearstintatVancouver’sDeltaPlaceHotel(nowthe MetropolitanHotel)producedasuccessfulsalesrecordas wellasastrongworkingrelationshipwithfrontoffice managerChristineStocker,whobecameandremainedthe directorofoperationsatWickaninnishInn.

In1995,aftersecuringfinancingandthenecessarypermits, McDiarmidbeganconstructionofTofino’spremierluxury resort.UnderMcDiarmid’svisionofsustainability,theinn wasbuiltwithlocalredcedarandreclaimedDouglasfir sourcedonVancouverIsland.Theinnopeneditsdoorsin August1996,receivingsignificantmediaattentionforits spectacularoceanviews,hand-adzeddetailing,culinary program,andsuperiorservicelevels.Thepopularconcept ofwinterstormwatchinginTofinowascreatedand elevatedbyMcDiarmidandfoundedonafamilytradition ofgatheringwindow-sidetowatch30-footwavesrollby thefamilycabinsituatedonthefirstpointwestoftheInn. In2003,McDiarmidoversawtheopeningofthe Wickaninnish-on-the-Beachbuilding,adding30roomsand suitestotheinnwhileminimizingtheimpactonthe surroundingold-growthforest.

McDiarmidhasservedonseveralboardsinthetourism industry,includingasix-yeartermwithDestinationBCand severalyearsontheboardoftheTourismAssociationof VancouverIsland(TAVI).Currentlyaboardmemberand pastchairoftheTourismTofinoBoardofDirectors,healso continuestobeactivelyinvolvedintheday-to-day operationsandmarketingofWickaninnishInnasManaging Director Theinnhasbeentherecipientofseveralhonors, notablyin2002,whenreadersoftheesteemedTravel+ Leisuremagazinevotedtheinnthe#1resortinNorth Americaand#2intheworld.

Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow theadoptionofmoderntechnologieshasimpactedthe hospitalitysector.Howhasyourassociation incorporatedsuchtechnologiesintoitsdailyoperations?

Toprovidesomecontext,whenweopenedtheinnin1996, wehadtwocomputersandafledglingwebsite,nointernet orevencellservice.Todaywehaveover55desktops, laptops,andotherdevices,alldrivenbyastate-of-the-art virtualcomputernetwork,anextensivecustomwebsite, high-speedfiberinternetasfastasyoucangetinthecity, ubiquitouscellservice,andatabletineveryguestroom. Technologyhelpstodriveourservicelevels,allowingusto provideeverhigherlevelsofguestattentionandinteraction ratherthanreducingourrelianceonthehumantouch.We openedinthedaysofgianttubeTVs,andtodayourHDflat screensriseoutofthedressersorfoldoutoftheceilingon guestcommandorremainhiddenaway,allowingthelarge picturewindowslookingoutovertheopenPacificOceanto havetopbilling.

Westrivetoprovidealevelofadvancedtechnical convenienceforourguests,whoenjoytheinnovationsthis technologyprovides,whileatthesametimealsodelivering allservicesonapersonalanalogbasis,oneonone.

Whatinitialchallengesdidyouandyourassociation face,andhowdidyoudriveyourHoteltosustain operationswhileensuringthesafetyofyourcustomers?

HavinggrownupinTofino,whenfacedwiththemany unknownsoftheCOVID-19pandemicinMarchof2020, wehonoredoursmalltownofTofinoandvulnerable surroundingFirstNationscommunitiesbybeingthefirst hotelinourregiontocloseourdoorsandultimatelythelast toopen.Financialconsiderationsweredefinitelywelldown thelistofprioritiescomparedtothehealthofourteam,our guests,andourcommunity

Wewaivedtherentforour90-plusbedsofstaff accommodationuntilwereopened.Fortunately,we managedthebusinessinafairlyconservativemannerand wereabletowithstandtheshock,andwhengovernment supportarrivedshortlyafterourinitialclosure,wewere abletoretain30%ofourstaffonpayrolltobothmaintain thepropertyandworkonprojectstoimprovetheguestand staffexperienceaswelookedforwardtotheuncertainday wewereabletoreopen.

Elementslikefullmaskingforourteamandguests,the requirementforstaffandgueststobefullyvaccinatedonce theywerewidelyavailable,socialdistancing,shields,onemeterspacinginFood&Beverageserviceareas,andeven theofferofaRoombatocleanguestroomcarpetswhenit wasnotdeemedsafeforourstafftoenterguestroomswere allpartoftheprocessthatevolvedalmosteveryday,and ourmanagementteamconstantlymettoadaptandadjustto thebestpracticesandrequirementsofourpublichealth officials.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothehospitalityindustry?

Ensureyoulovehospitalityandyouwillneverhavethe feelingofgoingtowork;findinvestorsthattrustyour visionandrespectwhatittakestodeliveronanoperational level;buildanddevelopateamthatwillbetherewithyou throughthickandthin;andfinally,believeinyourvision andbepreparedtotoughitoutthroughthemanylongdays andnightsduringyourstart-upyears.

HowdoyouenvisionscalingyourHotels’functionsand offeringsin2023andbeyond?

Striveeverydaytobejustalittlebitbetterthantheday beforeandworkonplanstobealittlebitbettertomorrow thantoday.Constant,steadyimprovementistheanswer, andpartofthattodayisalwayslisteningtoourguest commentcardsandourteammembers,especiallyour youngerteammembers,sowecanadapttotheirneedsand expectationsinaworldwheretheyoungergenerationisin thedriver’sseat.

The future of top-er hospitality will lie, much as it always has, in providing a level of customized service delivered just the way our future guests prefer it. Today, it will be a blend of technology and analog, always striving to ulize the efficiency of technology to provide enhanced customer service, not reduced customer service.

Testimonials

Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsofyourclients/customersanda listofawards/recognitionsthataccuratelyhighlightyour association’spositioninthemarket.

Honestly, it was faultless, and we loved every minute. We relaxed as soon as we checked in, as we knew we were going to love our stay. If any hotel can make you feel like it is an extension of your home and family, this is it. Every wish is catered for and oen ancipated with smiles all around. The level of detail and thought put into every stage of your stay is unrivaled in our opinion, and we have been staying at Relais & Chateaux hotels for 30+ years.

Thurston Surrey, UK

We love the beauful seng on Vancouver Island and how we can always count on the rooms and service to be stellar. Thanks for the last twenty years of enjoyment and for the next twenty going forward!

Dr. Montgomery BC, Canada

Aenon to detail without a sense of being a showplace. Laid-back ambiance, friendliness, and comfort are first concerns. Relaxing wood, forest color, and natural decor everywhere. Friendly staff everywhere Safety measures were excellent. And all this in the middle of a pandemic? An astonishing achievement.

Bernard Victoria, BC

Consistently ranking in Canada’s top er by the readers of both magazines for the past twenty years has earned the Inn Condé Nast Traveler’s coveted Planum Circle and Travel + Leisure’s Hall of Fame list. To be included in the Planum Circle, a property must have been on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List for five years running. Inclusion in the Hall of Fame list requires a player to have made the top er for a minimum of 10 years in a row. Wickaninnish Inn remains the only hotel in Canada on the Hall of Fame list.