Trends in the international hotel industry

Purpose - This paper aims to analyse the evolution, current challenges, best practices, and trends in the international hotel industry. Design/methodology/approach - The foundation for this paper was laid during a well-attended Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) roundtable discussion between industry leaders and hospitality educators in May 2012. International hoteliering is discussed in the context of the theme for the 2012 Canadian WHATT roundtable and the strategic question: "What innovations are needed in the Canadian hotel industry and how might they be implemented to secure the industry's future?" Findings - Through analysis of past and present trends, the paper predicts that current challenges such as labour shortages will continue to affect the industry in the near future. Practical implications - In the conclusion the paper advocates innovative approaches for hospitality education, and states that Canada should learn from international trends and become more innovative and competitive if it is to secure the industry's future. Originality/value - The paper draws on the vast experience in international hotel management of the co-authors. As the team of authors represents both industry and academia, this paper will be of immense value to students, educators, researchers as well as managers. The co-authors include a former president of the world's largest professional association for hotel managers (HCIMA/Institute of Hospitality) and a former CEO of the world's largest trade association for hotel managers (International Hotel and Restaurant Association).