What is seasonality in the hospitality industry?

• A. Fluctuations in customer preferences
• B. Changes in business through days, weeks, months, or years
• C. Variations in employee availability
• D. Consistent business activity throughout the year

Answer: (B)

Seasonality in the hospitality industry refers to the changes in demand for services that occur throughout different times of the year. This concept is critical as it can significantly impact revenue management, staffing, and operational planning for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality entities. Options reflecting fluctuations or consistency, such as customer preferences or consistent business activity, do not encapsulate the essence of seasonality. Instead, the correct interpretation acknowledges that demand may spike during certain seasons (like summer vacations) while dwindling during others (such as the winter months in some locations), thus leading to changes in business levels across days, weeks, months, or years. This awareness enables hospitality operators to effectively manage resources and align their marketing strategies with expected demand cycles.