Hotelkeepers should take note because they are facing serious criticism! Women account for more than half of all business travelers, but hotels are not doing enough for them. This is evident from the results of a questionnaire distributed to hotel guests by the Business Travel Association. These show that the number of complaints made about the way women guests are treated is increasing.
The Harbor Hotel in Hong Kong also conducted a recent survey of. Hong Kong's businesswomen, which reveals that 70% feel they receive an inferior service.{{U}} (8) {{/U}}The attitude of hotel staff made them feel out of place in public areas: for example. 62% chose to eat in their rooms because they were made to feel uncomfortable by staff when dining alone.{{U}} (9) {{/U}}Four years ago, for example, a similar survey had revealed that a significant number of women traveling alone and wishing to use the hotel restaurant were actually turned away.
Many of the suggestions for improved services put forward by the Business Travel Association are relatively simple.{{U}} (10) {{/U}}Placing tables in restaurants in a way that allows the head waiter to introduce guests to one another, so they can choose to sit together over a meal, was a further suggestion. Guests in the dining room would then have the opportunity to meet up with others who might, for example, be attending the same conference, or have the same business interests.
Wendy Wang, Executive Manager of the Harbor Hotel, agreed with the Business Travel Association that hotel star ratings should be influenced by the level of service they offer lo female business guests.{{U}} (11) {{/U}}Our survey highlighted the unwillingness of many women to air their views if they are treated badly, ' Wendy Wang pointed out.
A group of influential businesswomen recently met to discuss the results of the Business Travel Association questionnaire. They suggested that businesswomen should not hesitate to make it clear if they have a problem.{{U}} (12) {{/U}}Once clients have gone. it is all too easy all the issue to be ignored by hotel managers, and it will also be forgotten by the overworked business executives themselves.
A. The hotel staff assumed they should be booked into the same room.
B. But there is clear evidence that things are slowly improving.
C. This would enable women to make an informed choice about a hotel, and they would not be placed in the uncomfortable position of having to complain about poor service.
D. It is advisable for them to do this during their stay rather than waiting until they check out.
E. Making sure that facilities in guest bedrooms eater equally to the needs of male and female guests is one such idea.
F. Most of the women, when questioned further, thought that the reason for this was that they were female and traveling alone.
G. This is evident from the results of a questionnaire distributed to hotel guests by the Business Travel Association.