IFranchising has had a steady growth since its inception. There is
ample proof of the success franchising has had with more than seventy
five different categories of goods and services being franchised all
over the world. Most services and goods have a franchise; some include
sporting goods, pest control, fast food restaurants and hotels. Many
more new industries join the ranks of franchisors daily.
Buying a franchise is probably the most successful way to become
a financial success with minimal investment and risk. According
to the US SBA (Small Business Administration) less than five percent
of all people who buy a franchise fail each year when compared to
the thirty to thirty five percent failure rate of non-franchised
small businesses. Franchising has become a truly global phenomenon.
Everywhere you turn you will find a successful franchise business,
from the golden arches of McDonald’s to the glamorous Ritz Carlton.
Hotel franchising in particular has always been a profitable business
venture. With the hotels catering to millions of tourists the world
over, the franchising opportunities for hotels are tremendous.
Hotel franchise opportunities
It is currently estimated that sixty five percent of hotels in the
world are franchised. There are several compelling reasons to join
a hotel franchise some of which include: the leadership and expertise
of an executive team with a sound knowledge of the hotel industry,
an international reservation delivery system, national and international
advertising, marketing and promotion, name recognition, brand loyalty,
training programs for staff and upper management, standardized operational
procedures and national purchasing programs. These are a few of the
benefits one can take advantage of by joining a hotel franchise.
It is important that you understand that hotel franchising is neither
cheap nor easy. You need plenty of start up or working capital to
join a hotel franchise and you have to adhere to the sometimes strict
polices that a franchisor can enforce with regards to sanitation,
hygiene and staff management. This should not deter you from joining
a hotel franchise but you must understand that your decision must
be based on sound judgment and not an idealized dream. There are
many fine hotel franchises available, some of which include:
Economy Hotels
Microtel Inns & Suites
Comfort Inn
Best Western
Days Inn
Mid-Market Hotels
Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express
Courtyard by Marriott
Hampton Inn
Five-star Hotels
The Marriott
The Hilton
The Radisson
The Sheraton
Luxury Hotels
Ritz Carlton
Westin Hotels
Omni Hotel
All-Suite & Extended Stay Hotels
Embassy Suites
Amerisuites
Residence Inn by Marriott
Candlewood Suites
The benefits of hotel franchising should not be underestimated since
it helps you gain a much wider target market; in addition, you are
supplied with the necessary marketing tools. While hotel franchising
has it benefits, you need to be aware of all your options.
Features of hotel franchising
Some common features of hotel franchising include:
Bedrooms that are fully furnished with all the necessary amenities.
The furnishings of the room depend on the class of the hotel and
the type of room you book. An economy room may have basic amenities;
a deluxe suite may have a mini bar, a well stocked fridge, considerably
more space, etc.
Free services and amenities offered at franchise hotels include:
wired/wireless high-speed internet access, access to faxes and
copiers, deluxe continental breakfast, local and long distance
access, etc. These facilities also vary according to the class
level of the hotel.
Franchise hotels often offer a fitness rooms with a spa, a swimming
pool, a place for recreational activities and in-house restaurants.
An important aspect hotel franchising is uniformity. The hotel
usually has a standardized operating procedure, which means that
hotels belonging to the same franchise have a similar look and
feel blended in with local culture and customs.
The capital required to start up a hotel franchise is relatively
high and involves plenty of time and effort.
The staff of the hotel depends upon its size. Most hotel franchises
have certain employment criteria that must be fulfilled.
