Simulation games are the future of sustainable hospitality training

Tim Rogmans discusses the role of simulations in enhancing sustainability management skills in the hospitality sector, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. Traditional methods, like classroom learning and on-the-job training, fall short in effectively teaching sustainability concepts, which often seem abstract and removed from hotel operations. Simulations provide a dynamic and engaging way for learners to make decisions as decision-makers in a virtual environment, receiving immediate feedback on their actions. This method has been successful in developing basic management skills and is now seen as a potent tool for teaching sustainability. The article suggests considering various factors while choosing simulations, such as the decision-maker's role, the scope of the simulation, its length, complexity, and customization options. 

Compared to other business disciplines, management training for the hospitality sector is practical in nature. The world’s top schools emphasize the acquisition of hands-on hospitality skills in areas such as food, customer service, construction, and accounting. Not surprisingly, on-the-job training is a large component at many leading schools, enabling students to gain real-world experience that is relevant to their future careers.

When it comes to developing the sustainability management skills that are fast becoming essential for today’s hospitality managers, both the traditional classroom and practical work experience are suboptimal learning methods. In the classroom, textbooks, lectures and videos are often experienced as dry and theoretical. Concepts such as greenhouse gases, emission factors, scope 3 emissions and net-zero appear abstract and far removed from the operational reality of hotels. At the same time, it is challenging to make on-the-job sustainability training a meaningful exercise. Unlike in operational roles, the impact of sustainability initiatives can take time to materialize and is difficult to observe.

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HYB 2024 Hospitality ESG Edition

The global hospitality sector is at a crossroad when it comes to implementing sustainability. Consumers demand trustworthy information while regulators and investors expect transparent disclosure on sustainability performance. Owners, brands and managers aim to mitigate the sector’s footprint thus reaping the financial and reputational benefits. Industry players that fail to adopt a sustainability strategy or fall short in the implementation stage may struggle to remain competitive in the long term. Industry experts and researchers identify key areas where sustainable innovation can have the greatest impact, developing new technologies and solutions to address sustainability challenges, and creating policies and incentives that encourage the adoption of sustainable practices. The HYB 2024 Hospitality ESG Edition aims to unlock the sustainability innovation stack by highlighting the range and interconnectedness of sustainable technologies, systems, and practices that can be combined in a holistic way that creates a more sustainable hospitality ecosystem.
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