The hospitality business is ever-changing. A sector that was dominated a hundred years ago by local inns and eateries is now so diverse that large chains like Marriott, Choice and W, as well as restaurants including Chili’s, Outback and Red Lobster, spread their big brands all over the world while smaller operations still pop up.

Last year in Advantages magazine, the Advertising Specialty Institute reported that travel is on the upswing. This is one of the many reasons why promotional products distributors should consider targeting the hospitality sector for new and recurring business.

Hotels

Corporations including the Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton are rebranding to rejuvenate profits while also reworking logos and interiors with new design. Meanwhile, large hotels aim to fill more hotel rooms with direct booking campaigns, new places to stay from the quaint country bed and breakfast to urban hotels blossom. Even Robert DeNiro has gotten into the hotel game with one in New York and another in development in London, leaving prospective hotel guests with the question, “You stayin’ with me?”

A recent article on a popular consumer finance blog called Money & Career Cheat Sheet talked tongue-and-cheek about how “everyone steals” and Americans are comfortable snatching up these seven things without much thought. The good news is that some hotel amenities, pens and other items are designed with the intent to be taken to spread the brand names featured.

Independent hotels and hotel chains know that their guests love amenities. It is one of the many things that make a guest experience pleasant and refreshing. That is why, aside from the usual hotel take-home items like soaps, shampoos and toiletries and stationary, hotels are beginning to offer other items to make stays cozier or reflect the local flavor.

For beachside locations, promotional flip-flop sandals, beach balls or golf giveaways might be great perks. In addition, depending on what’s happening about town, hospitality providers can also welcome guests with giveaways that celebrate local festivities, holiday celebration like Halloween or the 4th of July, and sporting events. Some hoteliers even provide pop culture-related amenities.

Restaurants

When you think about bar and restaurant promotions, it’s easy to envision the colorful keychains and beer bottle openers we typically see around St. Patrick’s Day or Cinco de Mayo. Yet there are plenty of independent restaurants and smaller chains that want to build their brand names. Instead of following the crowd with typical promotions, many new establishments want to differentiate themselves from other local family restaurants, sports bars, or even restaurants within the same food category. As such, FSR magazine, which publishes content about full-service restaurants, advises easteries not to “fall prey” to commonplace beer promotions.

Moreover, just opening a great restaurant with an excellent menu doesn't guarantee success. In a post on RestaurantOwner.com, Jim Laube sites the importance of marketing. “Marketing is getting the word out about the restaurant and positioning it correctly in the minds of the public. It includes public relations, community involvement, advertising, promotions and projecting the right image.”

The good news is that food and drink establishments have plenty of options. Specialty advertising and promotional products can range from classy to campy and unique. For example, last spring Eater (the online magazine of all things cozy and culinary) posted “A Brief History of Restaurant Matches”. The article points out that, like most promo products, matches are useful but also have become a collectible for some. That’s why both high-end hotels and the local diners love giving away branded matchbooks to customers.

Restaurant promotional products that customers can take home definitely add sizzle. Among them, bottled hot sauce and seasonings are a favorite, as is quality branded drinkware. National diner chain Cracker Barrel went so far as to partner with college football’s Arkansas Razorbacks on a new shirt for hungry football-loving fans.

For distributors of promotional products, the hospitality ground is fertile for generating new business. Hotels and restaurants comprise a sector that will never go away. Make one (or more) your newest customer.

Idea Custom Solutions can ensure their logos are represented perfectly on hard goods and wearables with our vector artwork and embroidery digitizing services. On top of that, if more creative campaigns are needed, we have dedicated designers to produce t-shirt layouts and other promotional product artwork that go beyond logos. And if it is time for their logos to be refreshed or completely made over — we’re your one resource for all things graphic design!