Uber. Airbnb. Two behemoths that exemplify exactly what is great about the emergence of the sharing economy. Using existing infrastructure to offer innovative services, without the additional strain on limited resources. Uber uses existing cars. Airbnb uses existing homes.
And now the hospitality industry is getting its piece of the sharing pie. Innovative and forward-thinking hotels have turned one of their biggest money-pits into money-generating machines: the swimming pool.
According to hospitality statistics, hotel pools are empty close to 85% of their operating hours. And whereby a regular hotel room, when empty, puts minimal strain on resources (heating, electricity, etc), hotel pools are constantly draining resources even when they are empty. Heating costs for a typical hotel swimming pool (just to heat the water) are equivalent to the heating costs of 25 rooms. When you factor in the heating for air, chemical costs, pumping & ventilation electrical requirements, regular maintenance and cleaning costs… well you see the logic behind the ‘money pit’ comment above.
Enter the opportunity.
With the emergence of rental-based private swim schools, like the Canada Swim School, that are built on the foundations of the sharing economy, hotels are now making the most of their resources. Swim schools like CSS rent their pool space from various partners, including municipal pools, fitness centers, and yes, hotels.
And the advantages stretch far beyond generating revenues. The exposure to the local community, the additional services for their guests, the opportunity to align themselves with a cause that encourages health, fitness and even survival for kids. These all check the boxes of social responsibility that many hotels have outlined in their various mission statements.
More and more hotels are adapting their strategies to and developing partnerships with these up & coming private swim clubs. But, like any other emerging industry, the opportunities are limited and are being snatched up fast by those who are open to and quickest to embrace change. Early research shows that hotels who are the first in their local region to partner with a swim club stand to generate tens of thousands in extra revenues within their first year.
Incredible, isn’t it?
Are you a hotel, or do you know a hotel who wants to get involved while the opportunities are still red-hot? We’d love to hear from you.
