Hospitality is hard work. Having been in travel since 2001, I have experienced all sides of hospitality. From guiding groups on camping safaris to running guesthouses and bush camps, I know that hospitality is a full-time job on steroids.
When I used to receive vegan travelers in the mid-2000’s, I had no clue what to feed them.
I knew nothing about veganism, and truthfully, I felt quite “indignant” that they would make their “problem” my problem.
Fast-forward 20 years, and I am a dedicated and passionate vegan myself, in my 7th year currently, and thriving. It made sense to combine my vegan & sustainability passions with my experience in travel, and voila, I became a Vegan Hospitality Consultant.
So the reason for this article? I just wanted to share a few thoughts with you all – owners/managers in hospitality – and show you that as vegan consultants, we can help you “bridge” and embrace the inevitable changes that are already happening in hospitality.
How can you change your “annoyance” to your greatest “asset”?
Firstly, we are trying to make your lives easier. No more floundering and frantically researching at the last minute because you have vegan guests coming. Or someone with celiac disease. Or someone who’s flexitarian (what’s a flexitarian you ask?). No more awkward conversations at the coffee station, or at the dining table, because you and your staff are not quite sure what these guests can and cannot have. No more “having to make a plan”. We are trying to help you adjust, prepare and anticipate every possible scenario, and confidently serve and accommodate every single guest that may have a health, allergy or sustainability concern.
Imagine the amount of time and headspace you will save by simply being ready for anything?
Secondly, we are also passionate about making the vegan guest experience at your establishment not just an “ok” one, but a fantastic one! It’s one thing for you to be able to “make a plan”, but imagine the impression you will leave when you truly understand their needs, and offer the same exceptional kind of hospitality that is being extended to your traditional guests? Imagine standing out amongst your competitors in your sustainability efforts (plant-based options are plan(e)t-friendly), and actively attracting travelers who care about our planet? Imagine the raving reviews these conscious and grateful travelers will leave, and all the free marketing and publicity pay-offs you’ll receive? No one can afford to leave beds and tables empty, and by being plant-forward you are proactively preparing for the future.
So, in short, we are not here to annoy you. We are here to help you. And the planet.
Your previous “annoyance” could become your greatest “asset”!
Please do feel free to reach out and apply for a FREE 30-min strategy session (on the “contact” page) to see if we are a good fit to work together on making your establishment a haven for plant-forward guests.
Are you already very vegan-friendly and would like the travel world to know about it?
Find out if your hotel qualifies for a Vegan Hospitality & Tourism Certification.
