THE APPLICATION OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT TO LARGE HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS

Abstract

Rapid growth, advances in communications and continuing ease of travel in the last century, have allowed the travelling dreams of many to be realised. This has resulted in a proliferation of hotels of all types, especially in South East Asia, to cater to the diversified needs of the multitudes of tourists and businessmen travelling through the region. The process of developing a hotel is complex and long drawn. Coupled with the restriction of budget, time and the perceived need to open the hotel as soon as possible to bring in revenue to the investment, project management of hotels has become very demanding. Familiarity with the various types of hotels, the variations in hotel facilities and their circulation patterns are essential in the planning of hotel developments. Essential project management strategies for hotel developments could only be formulated after an in-depth appreciation and study of the various hotel designs, operations and management concepts. The preparation of a detailed Design Brief, as well as thoroughness in addressing the hotel soft-opening requirements during the conceptual planning and feasibility stages, are some of the other crucial ingredients that would contribute to the success of a hotel development.