sample of business plan for hospitality

• Revenue Management
• Hotel Consulting
• Operations Management
• Asset Management
• Pre-Opening
• Owner Representation
• Turnaround Management
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Hotel Business Plan

OK, so you have decided to realize your dream and become a hotel entrepreneur, so now you need to start writing your hotel business plan . You have thought out an amazing concept delivering unparalleled guest service. The next step would be to write a hotel business plan. It’s like a road map to the opening. However, as a seasoned hotel revenue management consulting and hotel management company , we have seen that this is where most entrepreneurs get stuck.

Why? Many do not have the time and don’t know what to write or how to do the financials. But until you finish your business plan, you will not be able to get the financing either. So you end up with ideas sitting in your head not realizing your dream.

Really it is not that difficult to make a good hotel business plan. It is merely a structured summary of your idea. Most people try to include everything about their hotel concept in the plan. This leads to an indigestible super novel-like bookwork, aka a mess.

The key is, knowing what to include, and what not to include in your hotel business plan. Create a clear road map for success. Excite investors rather than bore them to death like most business plans full of redundant information do. And you need to lead readers down the exact path you want.

One of the main challenges for example is that after reading the first page most businesses often don’t fully understand what the hotel is all about. For investors and lenders, it is crucial they can quickly comprehend your plan, without reading the whole document.

Hotels 101: The Basics of Business Planning

We have put together a hotel business plan template to help you on your way. Check out our approach based on 10 critical points, being:

• Executive Summary
• Company Analysis
• Industry Analysis
• Customer Analysis
• Competitive Analysis
• Strategic Plan
• Operations Plan
• Management Team
• Financial Plan
• Key Milestones

Steps of your Hotel Business Plan

Let’s dive into the step-by-step checklist of what your hotel business plan should look like.

Infographic by Xotels

1. Executive Summary

This first part should consist of two main parts, being:

• Mission Statement (Introduction): a 1 line company description only the essence of your hotel (not 2 lines or a paragraph). It explains why you are in business or which huge need you are solving, that currently is not being met. For example in the case of Qbic Hotels “Moving modular hotels into under-utilized real-estate to reduce build-out cost and time.” 
• Objectives : What do you hope to accomplish (i.e. “Reach an annual occupancy of 90%”).

 2. Company Analysis

More detailed information on the USPs (unique selling points) of your hotel concept.

3. Industry Analysis

Information on the current industry trends and the current state of the market and how this will impact your hotel. This is needed as investors want to be sure you really understand the hotel industry. This acts as the foundation on which decisions such as trends and developments to follow will be based.  

Streamline Your Hotel Operations

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4. Customer Analysis

In-depth information on your target market, including geographic, demographic, socioeconomic, psychographic, and behavioural segmentation details. It can also help you to keep up to date with the latest hotel marketing trends to understand which are the types of guests who will be staying at your hotel. Explain which features will be meeting the needs and wants of these main segments when thinking of:

Basically, how will consumers answer this question ‘Why my hotel?’

Aim to break it up to the point value can be easily communicated (do not make it too overcomplicated). Think of the following examples:

• Psychographics: interests, lifestyles, personality, values, opinions, and attitudes
• Behavioural segmentation: purchasing behaviour, level of engagement, customer loyalty
• Demographics: gender, age, marital status and education
• Geographics: location (country, state, region, city)
• Socio-economics

Any of the above examples of hotel segmentation can, if described well, be of great value to your business plan. An example of this could be a hotel located in a beach town, where you should be able to describe how demographics and psychographics differ from summer to winter time. Especially, since this example is typically known for lower demand in winter which you could be compensating for with the right hotel marketing strategies on hand.

5. Competitive Analysis

A study of your local competition or global concept competitors, with each of their strengths, weaknesses, occupancy rates and market share ( SWOT analysis ). And don’t forget the most important part; what differentiates you from them. What makes you stand out?

Ask yourself: “can I add value to a specific area”, especially when it comes to hotel-dense areas like city centres or major destinations.

6. Strategic Plan

This exists of 3 parts:

• Marketing : How exactly will you attract customers/guests? How will you position yourself? What will your message be to the different segments of your business mix? How will your direct marketing work? What will be the plan for your hotel website, SEO, SEM and SMM? Will you do offline promotion? In short, your hotel marketing strategy should cover everything there is to know about how to market your hotel.
• Distribution : Which 3rd party channels will you use and how will you manage availability? What technology will you need?
• Revenue management : What pricing and yield techniques will you use? What will your payment and cancellation policies be? Which room types will you be selling, and how will they be individually marketed? How many revenue scenarios will I create? Where can I compensate income/demand streams when necessary?

Make sure you have the capabilities to plan out a strong marketing, distribution and revenue management strategy. 

Things get complicated rather fast, and choosing to outsource hotel and revenue management is likely to give you a strategic advantage, during the planning phase, and the execution of your business plans.

7. Operations Plan

How will you run your hotel? Think of the following elements:

• How many staff and supervisors will you need? 
• What are their job descriptions/responsibilities? 
• What background and experience should they have? 
• When should they start? 
• What are your service standards?
• Will you develop manuals?
• Which supplier will you use?
• How will you manage inventory?

8. Management Team

Include the bios of your team. Focus on what uniquely qualifies you to make your hotel such a success. Having a great team is the key to success , and stakeholders will be impressed with a thorough explanation of the added value everyone brings to the table.

9. Financial Plan

Provide the start-up costs of the hotel (capital investment), the ongoing business costs, operational expenses and revenue projections for the next five years. These figures should be always based on your Hotel Feasibility Study . The KPIs to look at include expected occupancy, ADR (Average Daily Rate) and RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room).

If you are raising money , outline how much funding will be needed and when. Explain how you will generate a return on investment for investors, or when lenders will be paid back.

10. Key Milestones

These are the most important achievements which once they have been completed, will make your hotel more likely to succeed. Think off:

• Location selection
• Permits & Licenses
• Build-out / Construction of the Hotel
• Staffing and Training
• GOP Break-even
• NOI Break-even

Each time one of the key milestones is achieved, the risk of lenders or investors decreases . And once your last key milestone is reached, the chance of success is more or less guaranteed.

11. Appendix

Provide any other relevant information here. Don’t clutter the main sections of your hotel business plan with too many details. Rather support them with attachments in this part.

Putting Your Plan into Action

Many people have great business ideas. But that really doesn’t matter. The difference between dreamers and entrepreneurs is the action mindset. Are you ready to ship your idea to the market? 

The first step is to put your ideas on paper. I hope this free sample will help you write a persuasive hotel business plan. Because no investor or lender will be interested if you cannot present a clear plan.

Follow your dreams and go for it!

Maximize Your Hotel Revenue

Uncover the hidden revenue potential of your hotel or resort.

Need help to Develop and Manage your Hotel Concept?

Our revenue management consulting experts at XOTELS have helped hundreds of hotels to develop and optimize their businesses.

With cost-effective implementations and best practices developed over years of experience, successful business for your boutique hotel, resort, B&B, aparthotel, hostel, or any other lodging concept for that matter.

Hope this template has helped you get inspired to start your own hotel business .

Best of luck in your endeavours!

Patrick Landman

PS. Get in touch with us if you need help developing and managing your hotel concept, and help bring your hotel to the next level with our hotel consulting services.

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Hotel Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Hotel Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your hotel business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their hotel companies.

Sample Hotel Business Plan Template

Below is a template to help you create each of the key elements of your own hotel business plan:

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Pegasus Hotel is a startup full-service independent luxury hotel in Austin, Texas. Owned by two local businessmen, Frank Girard and Miles Butler, it will serve the new up and coming district of the outskirts of Austin and cater to the locals and travelers who crave a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. Pegasus Hotel will be a 10-story, 360-room hotel with a five-star restaurant and bar, relaxing pool and spa, 20,00 square feet of meeting and event space, a spacious and fully-equipped fitness center, and a view of scenic Austin. Pegasus Hotel will hold weddings and events, meetings, retreats, and those looking to unwind and be pampered while staying at the hotel. The service and amenities will be first class and the concierge will treat guests with extreme care and ensure guest satisfaction is held at an exceptional standard..

Service Offering

The following are the services and amenities that Pegasus Hotel will provide:

• 354 luxury rooms, two presidential suites, and four parlor suites
• Olympic size pool with adjacent hot tubs and surrounding cabanas
• First-class full-service spa
• First-class restaurant and bar
• Spacious fitness center
• Over 20,000 square feet of attractive meeting space for events
• Concierge and butler service
• Complimentary wifi
• Valet service
• Laundry service
• Business center

Customer Focus

Pegasus Hotel will target the population of Austin, Texas, its surrounding communities, and travelers visiting Austin for work or play. Guests will be mid to high level income, enjoy traveling, enjoy visiting spas and high-end restaurants, and work in the corporate or government sector.

Management Team

Pegasus Hotel will be owned by Frank Girard and Miles Butler. They will act in an Owner capacity, and will not be involved in the day to day operations of the hotel. Frank and Miles will hire the appropriate staff to ensure Pegasus Hotel is a profitable and successful business.

Lorenzo Falucci, General Manager, has over twenty years of experience in the hotel industry. He has most recently managed another independent boutique hotel in New York and was excited to be recruited by Frank and Miles to operate the Pegasus Hotel.

Lorenzo will hire Lisa Montgomery as the Director of Sales and David Jimenez as the Assistant General Manager. Lorenzo, Lisa, and David will be the senior management team of Pegasus Hotel. They will oversee all other department managers – Maintenance, Housekeeping, Front Desk/Guest Relations, and Food and Beverage. Each department manager will oversee various employees in their respective department and role. The Pegasus Hotel will have a large and sophisticated operation as each department is integral in the success of the hotel.

Success Factors

Pegasus Hotel will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, attentive, and highly responsive staff that caters to each guest and will be able to provide the best guest experience possible.
• Luxurious amenities throughout the hotel that will make each guest feel pampered.
• Modern and contemporary designed hotel tucked against a beautiful Texas landscape perfectly suited to host any event.
• Competitive rates and frequent guest discounts.

Financial Highlights

Pegasus Hotel is seeking $10,000,000 in debt financing to begin constructing the hotel and commence operations of the business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the land lease and the hotel build-out and design. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, initial inventory, and working capital. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Secure the land lot, architecture, build-out, and design: $6,000,000
• Hotel furniture, fixtures, and equipment: $2,000,000
• Initial inventory: $750,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $1,000,000
• Marketing & advertising: $150,000
• Working capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Pegasus Hotel.

Company Overview

Who is pegasus hotel.

Pegasus Hotel is a startup full-service independent luxury hotel in Austin, Texas. Owned by two local businessmen, Frank Girard and Miles Butler, it will serve the new up and coming district of the outskirts of Austin and cater to the locals and travelers who crave a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. Pegasus Hotel will be a 10-story, 360-room hotel with a five-star restaurant and bar, relaxing pool and spa, 20,00 square feet of meeting and event space, and a view of scenic Austin. Pegasus Hotel will hold weddings and events, meetings, retreats, and those looking to unwind and be pampered while staying at the hotel. The mission statement of the hotel is to provide first class service and amenities.

The guests rooms will include luxury beds and bedding with best-in-class furniture and bathroom fixtures. Pegasus Hotel will also have a full-service spa that will be able to provide massages, facials, makeup and/or hair service, steam rooms, and a sauna. The Olympic-sized pool will have adjacent hot tubs with a swim-up bar and surrounding cabanas. Pegasus Hotel will be equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment in its spacious gym. The restaurant will be a high-end steakhouse that will feature entrees from a world-renowned chef and a wine list cultivated by the area’s most respected sommelier. There will also be over 20,000 square feet of meeting space that will hold weddings, bat mitzvahs, reunions, galas, and any special event.

Pegasus Hotel will be independently owned and operated and will feature its own reservation system and operational software. Each employee will be expertly trained and vetted to pass luxury industry guest service standards. Pegasus Hotel is committed to providing the best guest experience possible while maintaining a profitable hotel. Pegasus Hotel aims to be a step above the rest and be an unforgettable experience for all who step foot into the hotel.

Pegasus Hotel History

Pegasus Hotel is owned by two local businessmen, Frank Girard and Miles Butler. Frank and Miles have been friends and business associates for over thirty years. They became friends in college while attending The University of Texas at Austin. Frank is a real estate developer specializing in commercial real estate and multi-use land projects. Miles is a software engineer who has built multitudes of software programs for various companies. They have both been extremely successful in their careers and want to divest their investments in a large-scale full-service hotel in Austin, Texas.

Since incorporation, Pegasus Hotel has achieved the following milestones:

• Acquired a 40-acre lot on the outskirts of Austin, Texas.
• Registered Pegasus Hotel, LLC to do business in the State of Texas.
• Hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for a full-service hotel in Austin.
• Began developing reservation and operational management software for use at the hotel.
• Began the branding image, logo, website, and social media accounts for the staffing agency.
• Applied for a liquor and mixed beverage permit with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
• Hired an architect to begin the design phase of the hotel.

Pegasus Hotel Services

The following will be the services and amenities Pegasus Hotel will provide:

Industry Analysis

The hotel industry is expected to increase to a $133 billion in the next five years. The hospitality industry will benefit from increases in travel spending, corporate profit and general consumer spending.

As consumers earn higher incomes and businesses replenish their budgets, travel spending is projected to increase over the next five years. Inbound trips by non-US residents are anticipated to rise 22% over next the five years, while domestic travel is expected to grow 9% during the same period.

The industry will see particularly strong future growth in extended-stay hotels, boutique hotels, spa and health retreats and resorts segments. As demand for these auxiliary services picks up, industry employment is anticipated to recover and increase over the next five years. Industry players are also expected to continue expanding abroad into emerging economies, such as Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. These foreign markets are expected to somewhat detract from domestic capital investment, as they offer higher growth prospects for industry operators.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

The precise demographics for Austin, Texas are:

Customer Segmentation

Pegasus Hotel will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals and families who have disposable income (mid to high level)
• Frequent travelers
• Individuals who dine out and visit spas frequently
• White collar workers (corporate or government office)

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Pegasus Hotel will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of our direct competitors is below.

Hotel Ella is a historic boutique hotel located in Austin, Texas. Located in downtown Austin and walking distance to the University of Texas campus, Hotel Ella is a stylish boutique hotel housed in the historic Goodall Wooten House, one of Austin’s original landmark estates. Constructed in 1900, the Greek revival-style mansion underwent an extensive renovation in 2013, and now offers the perfect balance between modernity and a rich history rooted in the fabric of the neighborhood and the university. Hotel Ella has 47 guest rooms, a cabana-lined pool, and a wrap-around veranda overlooking the front lawn. Hotel Ella features beautifully designed outdoor and indoor spaces perfectly suited for a vacation, wedding, or corporate event. The hotel also features a diverse collection of Texas Modernist works around the hotel grounds.

All guests of Hotel Ella are treated to warm southern hospitality and superior personalized service during their stay. The historic property is appointed with a variety of elegant 21st century amenities. Hotel Ella also offers the following amenities and guest services:

• Complimentary 24-hour guest services
• Complimentary high-speed wi-fi access
• Complimentary electric car charging station
• Complimentary morning newspapers available in the historic mansion
• Complimentary coffee stations from 5am – 11am
• Twice-daily housekeeping service
• Cabana-lined outdoor pool
• Fitness center
• Same-day valet laundry services
• In-room dining by Goodall’s
• Business services: photocopying, printing, postal services, and supplies

Hotel Ella also welcomes dogs of all sizes at no additional fee.

Kimber Modern

Kimber Modern is located in the hip SoCo district of Austin and is intended to draw in the independent urban traveler seeking a unique escape. It is architecturally designed with clean lines and abundant light filtered through canopies of oaks in an artfully landscaped Courtyard. The hotel also encompasses absolute comfort and attention to detail while providing technologically sophisticated rooms in their boutique guest rooms. Guests booking at Kimber Modern will receive complimentary beverages, parking, and WiFi.

Kimber Modern offers the following hotel amenities to its guests:

• Off street covered parking
• Electric car charging station
• Keyless entry
• Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
• Multi-level courtyard with a 25-foot glass water feature with multiple areas to lounge
• Jura self-serve coffee system featuring a variety of coffee drinks 24/7
• Beverage bar 24/7
• Gourmet teas
• Virtual concierge – computer, printer, and copier
• Meeting space available for groups
• 3pm check-in and noon check-out

Guests are also available to book the entire hotel for their group.

The Cat Noir Hotel

The Cat Noir Hotel is an award-winning 14-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Austin’s east side. The European-styled boutique hotel includes a restaurant and bar partner, Uncle Nicky’s Italian Specialties. Uncle Nicky’s offers a relaxed all-day dining experience that is themed after cafes in northern Italy. The Cat Noir Hotel opened in 2016 and has been ranked #2 by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and Top 20 Best Hotels in Texas by Conde Nast Traveler.

The Cat Noir Hotel’s contemporary design maintains a sense of warmth and a unique aesthetic that is felt through the lobby, outdoor spaces, and each of the unique guest rooms. In addition to the design elements, The Cat Noir Hotel boasts the following features:

• Private roof deck for guests to enjoy the stunning views of downtown, the Texas Capitol, and the University of Texas
• Outdoor patio and courtyard areas on all levels
• Artwork from local artists

Each of the guest rooms include Juliet balconies with neighborhood views, fine linens, and Simmons luxury plush mattresses.

Competitive Advantage

Pegasus Hotel will be able to offer the following advantages over their local competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Pegasus Hotel will offer the unique value proposition to its target local market:

• Professional and attentive staff dedicated to ensure complete guest satisfaction.
• Various amenities throughout the hotel for any guest to enjoy.
• Modern and contemporary design with beautiful Texas views throughout the entire hotel.
• Competitive rates.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Pegasus Hotel is as follows:

Social Media

Pegasus Hotel will invest in advertising the hotel on social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. By using targeted social media marketing, Pegasus Hotel will be able to reach those who frequent nice restaurants and spas and travel frequently.

Website/SEO Marketing

Pegasus Hotel will invest in a strong SEO presence so that when someone enters “Austin boutique hotel” or “first class hotel near me” in their Google or Bing search bar, Pegasus Hotel is at the top of the list. Their website will feature photos of the guest rooms, meeting areas, pool, spa, fitness center, and restaurant/bar. Future guests will be able to make a reservation to book their future stay on the website and access contact information for either a Director of Sales or General Manager of the property.

Pegasus Hotel will request all requests for news stories regarding the development of the hotel, owner/developer information, opening dates, etc. By accommodating the press’ requests for stories, it will also be free advertising for the public to learn about the new up and coming luxury hotel.

Frank and Miles will invest in a billboard in downtown Austin where the mid to upper class of residents frequent. The hotel will be minimalistic but eye-catching. It will feature an attractive rendering of the hotel along with the website. Curious passersby will be directed to visit the hotel’s website for detailed information.

Third Party Booking Websites

Once the hotel is nearing 60 days towards opening, all of the third-party websites will feature Pegasus Hotel so that travelers visiting Austin will be able to see it listed as an option for Austin hotels.

Bridal Shows and Wedding Industry Events

Pegasus Hotel will have a table at all of Austin’s bridal shows and wedding industry events. It will attract those couples searching for a venue to accommodate their special day.

The pricing of Pegasus Hotel will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing its guest rooms and services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Pegasus Hotel.

Operation Functions:

• Frank and Miles will be the owners of the hotel and hire the appropriate staff to manage the hotel. Frank will act as CFO of the hotel and Miles will be in charge of the reservation system and hotel operations software. Miles developed the software and will focus on making sure it’s always functional and efficient.
• General Manager will be hired to oversee the entire staff and hotel operations to include guest satisfaction, oversee vendor contracts, events, and making sure that each department is running effectively and efficiently.
• Assistant General Manager to assist the General Manager with overseeing the staff, with particular attention to guest satisfaction and front desk operations.
• Director of Sales will be hired to sell events, corporate accounts, and group bookings for the hotel.
• Maintenance Engineer will be hired to attend to all mechanical and plumbing issues that may arise.
• Executive Housekeeper will be hired to lead the team of housekeepers to make sure all areas of the hotel are being cleaned to Pegasus Hotel standards and that each guest is receiving all accommodations to their requested schedule.

Milestones:

Pegasus Hotel will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

8/1/202X – Purchase land lot and break ground on new hotel business.

8/15/202X – Finalize architectural renderings and hire a General Contractor to build the hotel.

9/1/202X – Finalize contract with advertising company for them to design the branding image of the hotel, logo, website, billboard, and social media accounts.

9/15/202X – Begin social media and website advertising campaign. Billboard with a teaser of ‘Coming Soon’ will go up in downtown Austin.

10/5/202X – Hire General Manager and Director of Sales.

10/15/202X – Attend annual Wedding Industry Event with a table to begin advertising Pegasus Hotel.

11/1/202X – Pegasus Hotel will go live on third party booking websites.

11/15/202X – Remainder of staff will be hired to begin training program.

11/30/202X – Final walk-thru of newly constructed Pegasus Hotel.

12/15/202X – Begin furnishing and interior design of the hotel.

1/1/202X – Grand Opening of Pegasus Hotel.

Lorenzo will hire Lisa Montgomery as the Director of Sales and David Jimenez as the Assistant General Manager. After an exhaustive search, Lorenzo believes has found the next two senior management positions to ensure the success of the hotel. Each comes with an impressive resume of prior hotel sales and operational experience.

Lorenzo, Lisa, and David will be the senior management team of Pegasus Hotel. They will oversee all other department managers – Maintenance, Housekeeping, Front Desk/Guest Relations, and Food and Beverage. Each department manager will oversee various employees in their respective department and role. The Pegasus Hotel will have a large and sophisticated operation as each department is integral in the success of the hotel.

Lorenzo, Lisa, and David will meet with Frank and Miles monthly to update them on progress and overall operations and sales efforts of the Pegasus Hotel.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Pegasus Hotel are the revenues it will collect when guests book a reservation at the hotel. The hotel will also collect revenues from its restaurant and bar, spa, and events it will host.

The cost drivers will be the payroll and overhead costs to staff the hotel. Other costs will involve the land lease, utilities, marketing costs, and technology fees. There will also be costs associated with the maintenance of the hotel, food and beverage inventory, spa inventory, and hotel guest room supplies.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Initial Number of Room Nights Sold per Month: 8,000
• Number of Events per Month: 30
• Land Lease per Year: $1,500,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Hotel Business Plan FAQs

What is a hotel business plan.

A hotel business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your hotel business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your hotel marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your hotel business plan using our Hotel Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Hotel Companies?

There are many types of hotel companies. Most hotels are affiliated with a hotel franchise company. Other hotel companies distinguish themselves by star level-  4 to 5-star hotels are on the higher end of rate and amenity offerings, whereas 2 to 3-star hotels cater more towards the everyday business travelers and families.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Hotel Business?

The primary source of revenue for a hotel business are the room fees it charges each guest to stay at the hotel. Revenues are also collected for different amenity offerings, such as room service,  restaurant and bar revenue, spa revenues, and guest shop revenue.

The key expenses for a hotel business are the costs for inventory, maintenance, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, technology, and payroll of the staff. Other expenses will be the rent, utilities, and overhead costs, if applicable.

How Do You Secure Funding For Your Hotel?

Hotel businesses are most likely to receive funding from banks. Typically you will find a local bank and present your business plan to them. Angel investors and other types of capital-raising such as crowdfunding  are other common funding sources. This is true for a business plan for a hotel, a resort or a boutique hotel.

What are the Steps To Start a Hotel Business?

Starting a hotel business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a detailed roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your business goals and get started faster.

• Develop A Hotel Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a comprehensive business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This includes market research to identify the potential market size and target audience , the hotel’s services, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  
• Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your hotel business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your hotel business is in compliance with local laws.
• Register Your Hotel Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your hotel business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 
• Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your hotel business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 
• Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 
• Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 
• Acquire Necessary Hotel Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your hotel business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 
• Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your own hotel business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective digital marketing strategy including SEO and paid advertising . You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a new hotel business:

• How to Start a Hotel Business

Where Can I Get an Example Hotel Business Plan PDF?

You can download our example hotel business plan PDF template here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Other Helpful Business Plan Templates

Franchise Business Plan Template Resort Business Plan Template Bed and Breakfast Business Plan Template

• Sample Business Plans

Hotel Business Plan

Have you ever thought of owning a hotel? Great call!

Starting your own hotel business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, as the hospitality industry is booming nowadays, fueled by leisure trips and work vacations.

Whethe­r you’re planning to start a cozy bed & breakfast amenity or a luxury resort, the first thing you’ll need is a solid business plan to make it thrive.

Need help writing your plan in order?

Worry not; we’ve got you covered. This hotel business plan template will help you get started and guide you on what to write in the sections of your plan.

Sounds good? Let’s dive right in!

What Is a Hotel Business Plan?

A hotel business plan is a professional document that outlines your business idea, goals, and strategies to achieve them. Whether you’re a startup or expect to grow an existing one, you’ll need a solid business plan .

It provides a clear understanding of your hotel business, starting from its goals, target market, and service offerings to marketing strategies, financial projections, and long-term growth plans. So, it serves as a strategic blueprint for your entrepreneurial journey.

Now that you know what a hotel business plan is, let’s understand why you need one and how it can help you.

Why You Need a Business Plan for Your Hotel?

As a hotelier, having a good business plan is essential for opening and running your hotel business.

It helps you get your hotel business off the ground and make it successful, navigating all the intricacies of hotel management effectively.

Consider these several reasons why you need a business plan for your hotel:

Define your goals

While writing a business plan, you’ll need to clearly define your specific goals & objectives and the strategies you’ll use to achieve them. So, it’s like keeping a detailed map for your business.

Manage finances better

A well-prepared business plan helps you show how much money you’ll require to start and run your hotel, and how much revenue or profit you’ll earn from it. It also includes detailed budgets, expense estimates, and ongoing operational costs.

Get funding from investors or banks

A comprehensive plan is important if you need money to start and grow your business. It helps you demonstrate to the potential investors or banks that you have a solid plan for success and the potential for return on investment.

Know your competitors & customers

With thorough market research and competitive analysis, your business plan helps you identify and understand your competitors and customers. Also, you can assess the customer needs and distinguish your hotel from the competition.

Identify potential risks

An actionable plan will allow you to anticipate the potential risks and the strategies to mitigate them. This way, you can avoid critical pitfalls before they happen and save meaningful resources.

In simple terms, a business plan is not just a written document, but it’s a valuable tool for planning, managing, and growing your hotel venture.

Now without further ado; let’s explore the key components of a hotel business plan.

Key Components of a Hotel Business Plan

While writing a comprehensive business plan, you should include the following 10 key components in your hotel business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first and foremost section of a hotel business plan, providing a high-level overview of your entire business strategy.

Generally, it would be written at the end once all the other sections are finalized. This is so because it highlights the most important points you mentioned in the rest of your plan.

In your executive summary, consider including the following details:

• Your business idea & goals
• Vision-mission statements
• Market opportunities
• Target audience
• Marketing efforts and USPs
• Financial outlook

In short, this section is your chance to present a persuasive and compelling snapshot of your business that impresses potential investors or readers. And ensure you keep it short and simple (2 or 3 pages).

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2. Company Overview

The company overview section provides a detailed description of your business, from its basic information (name, size, and location) to objectives.

So, it clearly explains your hotel business concept in detail and outlines the future goals that every potential investor or lender needs to know.

For instance, you may ask yourself these questions to plan this section:

• What is the size and legal structure of your hotel? (e.g., LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership)
• Who are the hotel owners or shareholders?
• What is your business’s background and founding story?
• What milestones have you achieved till now?
• What are the short-term goals and long-term objectives?

Overall, your company overview section is an in-depth understanding of your business, so make it engaging and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of a business plan provides a thorough explanation of the hospitality industry based on the scale of your hotel.

So, you’ll need to conduct comprehensive market research and industry analysis to identify the market size & growth potential, target market, customer behavior, market demand, and regulatory environment.

In addition to that, you may include data on market trends that might impact your business, such as technology, politics, environmental concerns, or global health issues.

This way, you can position your business strategically and justify your hotel’s future growth in the current market.

4. Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis is a meticulous study of your key competitors depending on where your hotel is located.

Here, you should consider including details of your direct and indirect competitors in the local market, along with their strengths & weaknesses.

This section is an important aspect of market research that helps you evaluate the competitive environment and determine what sets you apart from others. You can even explain your competitive advantages and identify your USPs.

5. Service Offerings

In this section, you should mention details of the primary services and amenities you plan to offer.

You may include different types of rooms and amenities available, any special services such as event hosting, spas, restaurants, and any unique products offered.

This will help investors understand what exactly your business offers, how much it charges, and what value it brings to the market.

6. Sales and Marketing Strategies

The sales and marketing plan outlines promotional strategies and tactics you’ll use to reach your target audiences and maximize revenue.

It involves careful consideration of several key aspects, like who you’re trying to reach, what message you want to tell them, and how you plan to attract and retain them.

A well-crafted sales and marketing plan is essential for brand awareness, revenue growth, profitability, and long-term success, as it ensures your hotel stands out and thrives in the hospitality industry.

As a hotel business owner, your strategies may include online and offline marketing or external promotional campaigns that must align with your hotel’s goals and objectives. For example:

• Unique Selling Propositions(USPs)
• Social media marketing
• Strong web presence
• Word-of-mouth promotions
• Networking with other businesses

Well, this section assists potential investors to better understand how you’ll promote your business and generate bookings.

7. Management Team

The management team section is an integral part of a hotel business plan as it introduces the hotel owners, key executives, and managers.

So, you may consider highlighting their roles and responsibilities, qualifications, industry experience, and expertise that help grow your hotel business. For easy understanding, refer to the below hotel owner profile:

Apart from that, clearly explain your compensation plan and organizational structure that will help you make better strategic decisions. You can even give brief bios of your external advisors, consultants, or board members(if any).

8. Operations Plan

The operations plan describes the day-to-day business operations and activities that keep your hotel running smoothly.

For instance, you may consider including insights into the operational structure of your hotel and details about facilities management, staffing & training, customer service policies, and administrative processes.

Additionally, you can mention any technology or systems that will be used to support hotel operations.

9. Financial Plan

Preparing a strong financial plan with realistic financial projections is very crucial in business planning. Typically, it covers the financial projections for the first few years.

Your hotel financial plan offers a detailed roadmap for the hotel’s financial future, summarizing sales & revenue projections, cash flow estimates, balance sheets, and profit & loss statements.

Besides these financial statements, you may consider adding your financial requirements, startup costs, and risk analysis & mitigation plan.

Simply put, a well-written financial plan provides a clear understanding of the ROI potential and ensures the hotel’s success and long-term sustainability.

10. Appendix

In the appendix, you can attach any supporting documents that don’t fit into specific sections but support your plan. It includes

• Market research data and surveys
• Licenses & permits
• Leases or contracts
• Resumes of key executives
• Architectural blueprint of the facility

You may also include any additional documents or attachments that your readers might use for reference.

Download Free Hotel Business Plan Template

Need extra help or any sample business plan to start writing your hotel business plan? Well, here you go; download our free hotel business plan pdf now and get started.

This advanced business plan template has been specifically designed for your hotel business. With step-by-step instructions and examples, it assists you in developing your own plan.

Simply import data into your editor and use it as a reference!

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Start Preparing Your Business Plan with AI

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It’s a modern, AI business plan generator that helps small business owners and new entrepreneurs create professional business plans in minutes.

From easy-to-follow guides and 400+ sample business plans to financial forecasting features, Upmetrics offers everything to streamline the entire business planning process.

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Guide to Making a Business Plan Presentation

Frequently asked questions, do i need to include financial projections in my hotel business plan.

Of course, you have to include projections in your hotel business plan. These projections help you present a complete overview of your financial strategy and the financial viability of your hotel. Also, you can show your business’s profitability to attract potential investors or financial institutions and secure funding or loans.

What marketing strategies are effective for a new hotel?

For a new hotel, these marketing strategies are the most effective ones:

• Developing and optimizing a professional website for your hotel
• Leveraging social media channels and email marketing
• Utilizing Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) for bookings
• Advertising through events or travel trade shows
• Offering loyalty or referral programs

Where can I find resources and templates for writing a hotel business plan?

Using business planning software like Upmetrics can be a good choice. It provides hundreds of business resources and a sample hotel business plan template to write your hotel business plan. Simply export the template in the editor and finish your plan in a few hours.

What tips can help secure funding for a hotel business?

If you want to secure funding for your hotel, consider following these tips:

• Writing a comprehensive business plan
• Showcasing the potential profitability of your hotel
• Reaching out to family and friends for investments
• Creating a polished & compelling pitch
• Visiting hotel industry conferences and events

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Hotel Business Plan Guide + Sample Plan

July 6, 2023

Adam Hoeksema

The hospitality industry offers immense potential, while some might believe that operating a hotel is straightforward, involving only accommodations and foot traffic, careful planning and meticulous execution are essential for achieving success, hence a well-structured business plan is indispensable.

Our primary expertise lies in hotel financial projection models but we understand that some of our clients require comprehensive business plans. That's why we've taken the initiative to delve into this topic and cover the following:

• Why Write a Business Plan For a Hotel?
• What to Include in a Hotel Business Plan?

Hotel Business Plan Outline

How to select a location for a hotel, how to analyze the competition for a hotel, how to create financial projections for a hotel, example hotel business plan, hotel business plan faqs, why write a business plan for a hotel.

For Hoteliers seeking financial support from investors, banks, or financial institutions, a well-structured business plan is a fundamental prerequisite. Demonstrating a thorough evaluation of the market, a clear and strategic approach, and a thoughtful assessment of potential risks and rewards is paramount to attracting the necessary funding for your venture.'

What to include in a hotel business plan?

A hotel business plan should provide investors and lenders with compelling reasons why guests will choose your hotel, demonstrate why you or your team are the ideal operators for the hotel, and present a financial projection that ensures their investment is secure. Below is a comprehensive outline of our complimentary hotel business plan template .

We suggest the following sections for your Hotel business plan

Executive Summary

Company Description

Market Analysis

Product and Service Offerings

Marketing Plan & Customer Acquisition

Operating Plan

Financial Plan

Choosing the right location for your hotel is a critical step in ensuring its success and captivating your target audience. To help you make the best decision, we present three essential points to consider when selecting a location for your hotel  Local Demand and Visitor Profile: Assess the local demand for hotel accommodations in the area. Analyze the type of visitors who frequently visit the locality, such as tourists, business travelers, or event attendees. Understanding the local visitor profile will help you tailor your hotel's offerings to meet their needs and preferences.

Proximity to Key Points of Interest: Look for a location that is in close proximity to key points of interest within the local area. This could include popular tourist attractions, convention centers, business districts, or entertainment venues. Being near such attractions increases the chances of attracting more guests and ensures a steady flow of potential customers.

Accessibility and Transportation Links : Ensure that the location is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Consider the distance from major transportation hubs like airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Also, evaluate the availability of public transportation options nearby, as this will make it convenient for guests to travel to and from your hotel.

By focusing on these three points, you can identify a suitable local location for your hotel that caters to the specific needs of the local market and maximizes its potential for success.

There are a couple of tools that I like to use when analyzing the competition in the hotel industry. 

Ahrefs – Ahrefs will allow you to look up a competitor hotel's website, and you can see how much organic traffic they are getting and exactly what keywords are sending that traffic. For example, we can see that the Bottleworks Hotel in Indianapolis is receiving roughly 3,500 monthly visits from organic Google Search.  

We can also see what keywords are sending the most traffic to that page below:

By understanding the SEO strategies and keywords that competitor hotels are targeting, you can develop your content and marketing strategies to compete in the same spaces or identify underserved areas to capitalize on. This can assist in improving your hotel's online presence and attracting more guests through search engines.

TripAdvisor – Although mainly known as a review site, TripAdvisor can be a free and powerful tool for analyzing competition within the hotel industry. You can see guest ratings, read reviews, and understand what customers appreciate or dislike about different hotels in your area. This qualitative information can help you identify where your competitors are succeeding or failing and where you might have an opportunity to differentiate your services.

Just like in any industry, the hotel business has its own unique factors that impact financial projections, such as occupancy rates, room pricing, seasonal demand, and guest service expenditures. Utilizing a hotel financial projection template can simplify the process and increase your confidence. Creating accurate financial projections goes beyond showcasing your hotel venture's ability to generate revenue; it's about illustrating the financial roadmap to profitability and the realization of your hospitality goals.

To develop precise projections, consider the following key steps:

Estimate startup costs for your hotel business, including property acquisition or leasing, renovation or construction, furnishing and decoration, staff training, and initial marketing and branding expenses.

Forecast revenue based on projected occupancy rates, average room prices, ancillary service income (such as restaurants, spas, conference facilities), and potential growth in the customer base.

Project costs related to ongoing operations like housekeeping, food and beverage services, guest amenities, and maintenance.

Estimate operating expenses such as staff salaries, utility costs, property insurance, marketing expenses, guest support, and administrative costs.

Calculate the capital needed to launch and sustain your hotel business, covering initial expenses and providing working capital for continued growth, including funds for unforeseen challenges such as seasonal fluctuations.

While financial projections are a critical component of your hotel business plan, seek guidance from experienced professionals in the hotel industry. Adapt your projections based on real-world insights, leverage industry resources, and stay informed about hospitality trends and evolving consumer behavior to ensure your financial plan aligns with your goals and positions your hotel venture for long-term success.

Explore our Hotel Business Plan, presented below. If you prefer, you can access a downloadable Google Doc version of this hotel business plan template , allowing you to personalize and tailor it to your specific needs. Additionally, a helpful video walkthrough is available, guiding you through the process of customizing the business plan to perfectly align with your unique hotel concept.

Table of Contents

1. executive summary.

1.1 Organization Overview

1.2. Objectives

1.3. Mission Statement

2. Organization Description

2.1. Organization History

2.2. Legal Structure

2.3. Unique Value Proposition

2.4. Target Beneficiaries

3. Market Analysis

3.1. industry overview.

3.2. Collaborator and Competitor Identification

3.3. Target Beneficiaries

Key Point  1

4. Marketing and Fundraising

4.1. Strategic Plan

4.2. Program or Service Offerings:

4.4. Distribution Channels

4.5. Promotions and Fundraising

Key Point  2

5. Organizational Structure and Management

5.1. Organization’s Facility & Location

5.2. Staffing Plan and Volunteer Management

5.3. Governance, Financial Management, and Accountability

Key Point  3

6. financial plan.

6.1. Startup Costs

6.3. Expense Projections

6.4. profit and loss statement, 6.5. cash flow projections, 6.6. break-even analysis, 7. appendix.

7.1. Supporting Documents

7.2. Glossary of Term

7.3. References and Resources

Key Point  5

 1.1. company overview.

Briefly introduce the hotel's background, products or services, and target market.

      -  Example: Seaside Crest is a tropical-themed hotel located in Key West, Florida, offering a unique and luxurious experience for guests seeking a beachfront getaway.

   1.2. Objectives

Outlines the hotel's short-term and long-term goals.

        - Example:  Establish Seaside Crest as the premier destination for tropical hospitality in Key West, providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for our guests.

        - Example: Long-term: Expand our presence in other tropical destinations while maintaining our commitment to quality and guest satisfaction.

  1.3. Mission Statement

 Describes the hotel's purpose and core values.

        - Example:  At Seaside Crest, our mission is to create a haven of relaxation and tropical paradise for our guests. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality, breathtaking surroundings, and personalized service, ensuring that every guest's stay is a memorable one.

  1.4. Keys to Success

Highlights the factors that will contribute to the hotel's growth and success.

        - Example:  The success of Seaside Crest lies in our commitment to creating a tropical ambiance, offering top-notch amenities, providing outstanding customer service, and delivering a seamless guest experience. 

2. Company Description

   2.1. company history.

Provides context on the hotel's background and founding story.

        - Example: Seaside Crest is the brainchild of founder and hotelier, Emily Roberts, who envisioned creating a tropical paradise in Key West, Florida. With a passion for hospitality and a deep love for the coastal beauty of the region, Emily embarked on the journey of bringing Seaside Crest to life.

   2.2. Legal Structure

 Describes the hotel's legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation).

        - Example: Seaside Crest operates as a limited liability corporation (LLC)

 2.3. Unique Selling Proposition

  Emphasizes the hotel's competitive advantage or unique offerings.

        - Example: Seaside Crest distinguishes itself by offering a one-of-a-kind tropical-themed experience, combining luxurious accommodations, breathtaking beachfront views, vibrant island-inspired decor, and personalized service. 

  2.4. Target Market

Defines the hotel's ideal customer base.

        - Example: Seaside Crest caters to discerning travelers and vacationers who seek an extraordinary beachside retreat in Key West, Florida. 

  Presents a general overview of the industry, its trends, and growth potential.

        - Example: The tropical hotel industry in Key West, Florida, is a thriving sector driven by the city's popularity as a tourist destination, the allure of its tropical climate, and the abundance of natural beauty that surrounds it.

3.2. Competitor Analysis

 Evaluates the hotel's direct and indirect competitors, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.

        - Example: Other hotels and resorts in Key West offering tropical-themed accommodations.

        - Example: Vacation rentals, bed and breakfast establishments, and boutique hotels in the area.

3.3. Target Market Analysis

Explores the hotel's target customers, their demographics, preferences, and pain points.

        - Example: Seaside Crest targets vacationers and travelers seeking a tropical getaway in Key West. Our primary market includes couples, honeymooners, and families looking for luxurious accommodations with a distinct tropical ambiance and proximity to the beach.

3.4. Market Opportunities

Identifies potential opportunities for the hotel to grow within the market.

        - Example: Seaside Crest can capitalize on market opportunities by offering unique amenities and experiences such as beachfront dining, spa services inspired by tropical traditions, and curated excursions to explore the natural wonders of Key West. Collaborations with local businesses for island-inspired dining and entertainment can further enhance the guest experience.

• Example 1: Conduct a survey among tourists in the area to determine their preferences for tropical-themed accommodations and their interest in a hotel with a beachfront location. (e.g., 80% of surveyed tourists express a strong preference for hotels with a tropical theme and direct beach access)
• Example 2: Analyze the occupancy rates and average daily rates of existing hotels in Key West to assess the demand and pricing trends in the market. (e.g., The average occupancy rate in Key West hotels during peak season is 85%, indicating a high demand for accommodations)

4. Marketing and Sales Strategy

4.1. product or service offerings: .

Describes the hotel's products or services in detail.

        - Example: Seaside Crest offers a range of tropical-themed accommodations and amenities, including luxury guest rooms, beachfront dining, spa services, and curated excursions.

4.2. Pricing Strategy

 Outlines the hotel's approach to pricing its products or services.

        - Example: Seaside Crest adopts a competitive pricing strategy, providing value for money while maintaining the exclusivity and high-quality experience associated with a tropical-themed hotel.

4.3. Sales Strategy

  Explains how the hotel plans to generate sales and build customer relationships.

        - Seaside Crest will implement a comprehensive sales strategy that includes online booking platforms, direct marketing to travel agencies, and partnerships with local tour operators to attract and engage potential guests.

 Describes the methods through which the hotel will deliver its products or services to customers.

   - Example: Seaside Crest will primarily distribute its services through online travel agencies, direct bookings through its website, and collaborations with travel agencies specializing in tropical getaways.

4.5. Promotions and Advertising

 Details the hotel's promotional efforts and advertising strategies.

        - Example: Seaside Crest will employ targeted marketing initiatives, utilizing social media and search engine platforms, to enhance brand visibility and attract new guests seeking a tropical-themed hotel experience in Key West..

• Example 1: Collaborate with local travel agencies to offer exclusive vacation packages that include a stay at Seaside Crest, showcasing the unique tropical experience and attracting potential guests. (e.g., 50 vacation packages sold within the first month of collaboration)
• Example 2: Organize a pre-launch event at a popular local venue, inviting travel influencers and bloggers to experience a preview of the hotel's amenities and share their impressions on social media. (e.g., 10 influencers with a combined reach of 500,000 followers attend the event and generate significant online buzz)
• Example 3: Offer a giveaway on social media to build a following

5. Facility Maintenance and Operations Plan:

   5.1. facility location and layout.

 Specify the hotel's physical business location and refer to the internal arrangement and organization of the space.

        - Example:Seaside Crest will secure a prime location in Key West, strategically positioned in close proximity to the beach and popular tourist attractions. The hotel's layout will be designed for optimal guest comfort and convenience, with thoughtfully arranged spaces and amenities.

5.2. Safety and Security:

Cover the hotel's comprehensive approach to safety and security, including surveillance systems, access control measures, etc.

        - Example: Seaside Crest will prioritize the safety and security of our guests and staff. We will implement robust security measures, including surveillance systems, access control, and trained personnel to monitor and respond to any potential threats or emergencies.

5.3. Cleaning and Housekeeping:

  Involves the hotel's procedures to ensure high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, etc.

        - Example: Our dedicated housekeeping staff will maintain the highest standards of cleanliness throughout the hotel, including guest rooms, common areas, and amenities. We will follow strict protocols to ensure a hygienic and pleasant environment for our guests.

• Example: The founding team of Seaside Crest includes Sarah Johnson, a seasoned hotelier with over 10 years of experience in managing luxury beachfront resorts, ensuring a deep understanding of the hotel industry's dynamics and customer expectations.
• Bennet  Leifer a renowned interior designer specializing in tropical-themed hospitality spaces, brings his expertise to Seaside Crest, ensuring the hotel's aesthetics align with the target market's preferences and create a memorable guest experience.

5.4. Energy Efficiency:

Involves energy-efficient practices and technologies to minimize energy consumption, reduce utility costs, and promote sustainability 

        - Example: As a responsible and sustainable hotel, Seaside Crest will strive to minimize energy consumption and reduce our environmental impact. We will implement energy-efficient practices, such as using energy-saving appliances, LED lighting, and smart systems for temperature control.

5.4.  Inventory Management:

includes tracking and controlling supplies, equipment, and amenities to optimize operations.

        - Example: Seaside Crest will employ an efficient inventory management system to track and manage hotel resources, including linens, toiletries, and other supplies. This system will ensure optimal inventory levels, minimize waste, and support smooth day-to-day operations.

All of the unique Hotel projections you see here were generated using ProjectionHub’s Hotel Financial Projection Template. Use PH20BP to enjoy a 20% discount on the template. 

   6.1. Startup Costs

  Provide a detailed breakdown of the total startup costs requirements, and where you plan for those funds to come from. You will also want to break down how the startup costs will be used including working capital to cover losses before the business breaks even.

        - Example: The total startup costs for Seaside Crest are estimated at $7,335,552. The owner plans to secure a business loan of $15,000, with  $7,500,000 contributed through personal funds.

6.2. Revenue Projections

Provide an estimate of the hotel's future revenue based on market research and assumptions.

        - Example:  Seaside Crest projects increasing revenue over the next five years, with $3,282,587 in the first year and reaching $5,938,052 by the fifth year.

Watch how to create financial projections for your Hotel

 Estimates the hotel's future expenses, including fixed and variable costs.

        - Example:  Seaside Crest's expenses include cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and direct labor and supply costs for the hotel, restaurant, spa, and events.

Summarizes the hotel's revenue, expenses, and net income over a specific period.

        - Example: Seaside Crest expects to achieve net income of $375,657 in the first year, growing to $1,845,652 by the fifth year, demonstrating a consistent increase in profitability.

 Outlines the hotel's projected cash inflows and outflows.

        - Example: Cash flow projections for Seaside Crest consider the seasonality of the hotel industry, ensuring effective financial management throughout the year.

  Determines the point at which the hotel's revenue equals its expenses.

        - Example: Seaside Crest anticipates reaching its break-even point within the first year of operation, indicating a strong potential for early profitability in the hotel industry.

Key Point  4

• Example 1: Benchmark financial projections against industry averages, such as the average revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rate (ADR) for hotels in Key West, to ensure realistic revenue forecasts. (e.g., Seaside Crest's projected ADR is $250, in line with the average ADR of comparable beachfront hotels)
• Example 2: Analyze historical data from similar hotels in the area to estimate seasonality and demand fluctuations, accounting for factors like peak tourism seasons and local events. (e.g., Seaside Crest projects a 90% occupancy rate during the winter season based on the historical occupancy rates of nearby beachfront hotels)

   7.1. Supporting Documents

 Includes any relevant documentation that supports the information presented in the business plan, such as resumes, financial projections, market research data, and permits or licenses.

   7.2. Glossary of Term

 Provides definitions for industry-specific terms used throughout the business plan to ensure reader comprehension.

   7.3. References and Resources

Lists any sources or resources referenced during the preparation of the business plan, including industry reports, market research data, and relevant publications.

• Example 1: the owners of Seaside Crest invest a significant portion of their personal savings into the hotel's development and operations, demonstrating their commitment and confidence in the success of the venture. Additionally, they secure a personal guarantee for the hotel's financing, further aligning their interests with lenders and showcasing their willingness to share the risk.

How do I start a hotel business from scratch?

Starting a hotel business from scratch involves several key steps. Begin by conducting market research to identify a suitable location and target market. Develop a detailed business plan that outlines your hotel's concept, services, and financial projections. Secure funding through personal savings, loans, or investors. Obtain necessary permits and licenses and hire staff with hospitality experience.

What type of hotel should I open, and how do I choose a niche?

The type of hotel you open depends on your target market and location. Consider factors such as the level of service, amenities, and price range. Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and the demand in the local market. Options include boutique hotels, budget accommodations, luxury resorts, or themed hotels.

What marketing strategies can I use to promote my hotel?

Use a mix of digital marketing, social media, content marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach potential guests online. Collaborate with local tourism boards, travel agencies, and event planners to promote your hotel. Encourage positive reviews and testimonials to build credibility.

About the Author

Adam is the Co-founder of ProjectionHub which helps entrepreneurs create financial projections for potential investors, lenders and internal business planning. Since 2012, over 50,000 entrepreneurs from around the world have used ProjectionHub to help create financial projections.

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Here is a free business plan sample for a hotel.

Have you ever envisioned opening the doors to your very own hotel, creating a home away from home for travelers, but find yourself unsure of where to start?

In the content that follows, we will guide you through a comprehensive business plan tailored specifically for the hotel industry.

As any seasoned hotelier will tell you, a meticulously formulated business plan is crucial to thriving in the hospitality world. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your vision, objectives, and the strategies you will employ to turn your hotel into a successful venture.

To streamline your planning process and set a solid foundation for your hotel business, feel free to utilize our hotel business plan template. Additionally, our team of experts is on standby to review and refine your plan at no extra cost.

How to draft a great business plan for your hotel?

A good business plan for a hotel must reflect the unique aspects of the hospitality industry.

To start, it is crucial to provide a comprehensive overview of the hotel market. This includes current statistics and identifying emerging trends within the industry, as illustrated in our hotel business plan template .

Then, you should articulate your project with clarity. This encompasses your vision, pinpointing your target market (such as leisure travelers, business clients, event planners), and the distinctive positioning of your hotel (luxury, boutique, budget-friendly, eco-conscious, etc.).

The subsequent section should delve into market analysis. This requires a thorough understanding of the competitive landscape, market dynamics, and guest preferences.

For a hotel, particular emphasis should be placed on the services and amenities you plan to provide. Detail your offerings - rooms, suites, conference facilities, spa services, dining options - and explain how they cater to the needs and expectations of your intended guests.

The operational plan is equally vital. It should outline the location of your hotel, the layout of guest rooms and public spaces, vendor relationships for supplies and services, and the operational workflow.

For a hotel, it is important to highlight the quality of customer service, room standards, and adherence to hospitality regulations.

Next, address your marketing and sales strategy. How will you attract and retain guests? Consider promotional tactics, guest loyalty programs, and ancillary services (such as tours, transportation, or special events).

Adopting digital strategies, like a robust website, online booking capabilities, and a social media presence, are also crucial in the modern marketplace.

The financial framework is another critical component. This includes the initial investment, revenue projections, operating expenses, and the break-even analysis.

In a hotel, managing cash flow is complex due to the high fixed costs and seasonal fluctuations, so precise planning and a solid understanding of your financials are imperative. For assistance, refer to our financial forecast for a hotel .

Compared to other business plans, a hotel's plan must pay special attention to factors such as location desirability, guest experience, staff training and retention, and the impact of online reviews and ratings.

A well-crafted business plan will not only help the hotelier to define their vision and strategies but also to attract investors or secure loans.

Lenders and investors seek robust market analysis, realistic financial projections, and a comprehensive grasp of the hotel's day-to-day operations.

By presenting a thorough and substantiated plan, you showcase your credibility and dedication to the success of your hotel venture.

To achieve these goals while saving time, you can simply fill out our hotel business plan template .

A free example of business plan for a hotel

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for a hotel .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market data and figures.

The hotel industry is a significant component of the global tourism sector with substantial economic impact.

Recent estimates place the global hotel market value at approximately 570 billion dollars, with projections indicating growth as travel demand increases post-pandemic.

In the United States alone, there are over 54,000 hotel properties, contributing to an annual revenue of nearly 200 billion dollars for the hotel industry.

These statistics underscore the hotel industry's vital role in not only accommodating travelers but also in driving economic growth and employment.

The hotel industry is witnessing several evolving trends that are shaping the future of hospitality.

Personalization and experience-driven stays are at the forefront, with guests seeking unique and memorable experiences tailored to their preferences.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, with eco-friendly practices and green hotels gaining traction among environmentally conscious travelers.

Technology integration, such as contactless check-in, smart rooms, and AI-driven customer service, is enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

The rise of alternative lodging options like boutique hotels and vacation rentals is also influencing the market, offering travelers more diverse choices.

Health and wellness have become a priority, leading to the integration of wellness amenities such as spas, fitness centers, and healthy dining options within hotels.

These trends highlight the hotel industry's adaptability and its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of modern travelers.

Success Factors

Several key factors contribute to the success of a hotel.

Location remains a critical aspect, with hotels in prime destinations or convenient locales more likely to attract guests.

Quality of service is paramount, as exceptional guest experiences can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Modern amenities and comfort are essential for meeting guest expectations and staying competitive in the market.

Brand reputation and online presence, including positive reviews and ratings on travel sites, significantly influence booking decisions.

Adaptability to market trends, such as offering sustainable options or incorporating cutting-edge technology, can set a hotel apart from its competitors.

Lastly, effective cost management and strategic marketing are crucial for maintaining profitability and ensuring the long-term success of a hotel.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our hotel project is designed to cater to the needs of travelers seeking a comfortable and accommodating stay without compromising on their health and lifestyle preferences. Situated in a prime location with easy access to tourist attractions and business centers, our hotel will offer a range of amenities tailored to guests who prioritize wellness and sustainability. The hotel will feature hypoallergenic rooms, organic bedding, a fitness center, a spa offering natural treatments, and a dining area serving nutritious, locally-sourced food with options for various dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian meals.

The emphasis will be on providing a restorative and rejuvenating experience, allowing guests to maintain their healthy routines while away from home.

Our hotel aspires to be a leader in the wellness hospitality sector, setting a new standard for health-conscious travel and accommodation.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our hotel project is centered around offering a holistic and health-focused lodging experience. We understand the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and our hotel is committed to providing an environment that supports the well-being of our guests.

From our fitness and spa facilities to our dining options and eco-friendly practices, we aim to ensure that every aspect of our guests' stay contributes to their health, comfort, and satisfaction.

We are dedicated to creating a space where travelers can feel rejuvenated and aligned with their wellness goals, making our hotel the preferred choice for health-conscious individuals and those seeking a restful retreat.

Our commitment to excellence in service and our focus on well-being will establish our hotel as a cornerstone in the community for sustainable and healthy travel.

Project Owner

The project owner is a seasoned hospitality professional with a passion for wellness and sustainable living. With a background in hotel management and a personal commitment to health and the environment, they are driven to create a hotel that exemplifies these values.

Armed with industry experience and a forward-thinking approach, the project owner is dedicated to innovating the hospitality experience by integrating wellness into every aspect of the hotel's operations.

With a vision of promoting sustainable travel and a healthy lifestyle, they are determined to offer a unique lodging experience that not only meets the expectations of guests but also inspires them to prioritize their well-being even when on the road.

Their dedication to creating a nurturing and eco-friendly environment is the driving force behind this project, aiming to set a new benchmark for wellness-oriented hotels.

The Market Study

Market segments.

The market segments for this boutique hotel are divided into several categories.

First, there are business travelers who require comfortable and convenient accommodations with amenities that support their work-related needs.

Next, there are leisure travelers, including couples, families, and solo adventurers, looking for unique experiences and personalized service.

The market also includes event planners and organizations seeking venues for meetings, conferences, or special events.

Finally, local residents may seek the hotel for staycations, dining experiences, or as a venue for personal events such as weddings or parties.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis of this boutique hotel project reveals several aspects.

Strengths include a prime location, personalized customer service, unique thematic rooms, and high-quality amenities.

Weaknesses could include the high operational costs associated with maintaining a luxury experience and the challenge of building brand recognition in a competitive market.

Opportunities lie in capitalizing on the growing trend of experiential travel, forming partnerships with local businesses, and leveraging online marketing to reach a global audience.

Finally, threats could include economic downturns affecting travel spending, the rise of alternative accommodation options like Airbnb, and the need to constantly innovate to stay ahead of competitors.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis in the boutique hotel sector reveals a diverse range of players.

Among direct competitors are other boutique hotels, luxury chains, and alternative accommodations offering unique experiences.

These competitors vie for discerning travelers who seek more than just a place to stay but a memorable experience.

Potential competitive advantages include exceptional service, exclusive amenities, a strong brand story, and a commitment to sustainability and local culture.

Understanding competitors' strengths and weaknesses is crucial for carving out a niche in the market and for customer acquisition and loyalty.

Competitive Advantages

Our boutique hotel's competitive advantages lie in our dedication to creating an immersive experience for our guests.

We offer uniquely designed rooms, each telling a different story, and personalized services that cater to the individual needs of our guests.

Our strategic partnerships with local artisans and businesses allow us to provide authentic local experiences, setting us apart from generic accommodations.

We are committed to sustainability, ensuring that our operations have a minimal environmental impact, which resonates with eco-conscious travelers.

You can also read our articles about: - how to establish a hotel: a complete guide - the customer segments of a hotel - the competition study for a hotel

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the boutique hotel is designed to establish a strong foothold in the hospitality market.

In the first year, our goal is to build a solid reputation for exceptional service and unique guest experiences, focusing on local and regional markets.

The second year will be geared towards expanding our marketing efforts to attract international travelers and implementing sustainability practices to enhance our eco-friendly brand image.

In the third year, we plan to explore additional services such as event hosting and wellness retreats, further differentiating our hotel in the competitive landscape.

Throughout this period, we will continuously seek to innovate and improve our offerings, ensuring that we remain a preferred choice for discerning travelers.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our boutique hotel targets travelers seeking personalized experiences, luxury accommodations, and health-conscious amenities.

Our value proposition revolves around providing a unique and memorable stay, with a focus on wellness, local culture, and personalized service.

We offer our services through direct bookings via our website and partnerships with travel agencies, utilizing our key resources such as our well-trained staff, luxurious facilities, and prime location.

Key activities include guest services, facility maintenance, and creating tailored experiences for our guests.

Our revenue streams are generated from room bookings, on-site dining, and additional services, while our costs are associated with operations, staffing, and marketing efforts.

Find a complete and editable real Business Model Canvas in our business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is centered on creating a strong brand presence and showcasing our unique selling points.

We aim to attract guests by highlighting our hotel's bespoke experiences, wellness focus, and commitment to sustainability. Our approach includes targeted online campaigns, partnerships with luxury travel influencers, and engagement with travel communities.

We will also collaborate with local businesses and cultural institutions to offer exclusive packages and promote local tourism.

Utilizing social media, we plan to share guest stories and testimonials to build trust and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.

Risk Policy

The risk policy for our boutique hotel focuses on mitigating risks associated with the hospitality industry, such as fluctuating occupancy rates and guest satisfaction.

We will implement dynamic pricing strategies to optimize revenue and maintain a high standard of service to ensure repeat business.

Regular training for staff will be conducted to uphold service quality, and we will invest in robust health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our guests and employees.

Additionally, we will secure comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen events and liabilities.

Why Our Project is Viable

We are confident in the viability of our boutique hotel project, given the growing demand for unique travel experiences and personalized service.

With our focus on wellness, local culture, and sustainability, we believe we can attract a niche market of travelers and establish a loyal customer base.

We are committed to adapting to market trends and guest feedback to ensure the success of our hotel.

We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to create a destination that not only provides a luxurious escape but also enriches the lives of our guests and the local community.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of a hotel - the marketing strategy for a hotel

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for a hotel and our financial plan for a hotel .

Initial expenses for our hotel include acquiring or constructing the hotel property, outfitting guest rooms with furniture and amenities suitable for a comfortable stay, designing common areas to meet hospitality standards, investing in a reservation and management system, staff training for exceptional customer service, as well as costs related to brand creation and launching targeted marketing campaigns to attract guests.

Our revenue assumptions are based on a thorough market analysis of the local hospitality industry, considering factors such as tourism trends, business travel patterns, and the competitive landscape.

We anticipate a gradual increase in occupancy rates, starting conservatively and growing as the reputation of our hotel strengthens.

The projected income statement indicates expected revenues from room bookings, ancillary services (such as food and beverage, event hosting, etc.), operational costs (housekeeping, maintenance, utilities), and operating expenses (rent, marketing, salaries, etc.).

This results in a forecasted net profit essential for assessing the long-term viability of our hotel.

The projected balance sheet reflects assets specific to our hotel, such as property, building improvements, furniture, and equipment, and liabilities including mortgages and other anticipated expenses.

It shows the overall financial health of our hotel at the end of each fiscal period.

Our projected cash flow budget details the expected inflows from guest payments and outflows for operational expenses, allowing us to anticipate our cash needs throughout the year. This will enable us to manage our finances effectively and maintain liquidity.

The projected financing plan lists the specific financing sources we plan to use to cover our startup and operational expenses.

The working capital requirement for our hotel will be closely monitored to ensure we have the necessary funds to finance our daily operations, including purchasing supplies, inventory management, and salary payments.

The break-even point specific to our hotel is the level of occupancy and average daily rate needed to cover all our costs, including startup expenses, and begin generating a profit.

It will indicate when our business will become financially sustainable.

Performance indicators we will track include the average occupancy rate, average daily rate (ADR), revenue per available room (RevPAR), the guest satisfaction index to assess service quality, and the return on investment to measure the efficiency of our capital invested in the hotel.

These indicators will help us evaluate the financial performance and overall success of our hotel.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for a hotel .

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How to Write a Successful Hotel Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for hotel businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every hotel business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Hotel Business Plan Template

What is a Hotel Business Plan?

A hotel business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Hotel Business Plan?

A hotel business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Hotel Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful hotel business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a hotel business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your hotel company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your hotel business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your hotel firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen hotel business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a hotel business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the hotel industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a hotel business’ customers may include:

• Business travelers
• Leisure travelers
• Groups and conventions
• Wedding parties
• Local residents

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or hotel services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your hotel business may have:

• Location : if your hotel is located in an ideal spot for leisure or business travelers, this could be a key competitive advantage
• Amenities : if your hotel offers unique amenities that are appealing to your target market segments, this could give you a leg up on the competition
• Customer service : if you focus on delivering exceptional customer service, this could be a key selling point

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your hotel business via public relations (PR), speaking engagements, or other thought-leadership activities.

Operations Plan

This part of your hotel business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a hotel business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new locations, launching a new product/service, or hiring new employees.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific hotel industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue: how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold: These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss): Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Hotel Business

Balance Sheet

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Hotel Business

Cash Flow Statement

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup hotel business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Hotel Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your hotel company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

As you can see, there is a lot that goes into creating a successful hotel business plan. But with careful planning and execution, you can set your hotel business up for success.  

Finish Your Hotel Business Plan in 1 Day!

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Hotel Business Plan Template

Used 5,745 times

Think you have the solution for local tourism? Kick off your hotels empire with this free hotel business plan template to assure investors and guests.

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Hotel Business Plan

Prepared by: ​ [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] ​ [Sender.Company] ​

Prepared for: ​ [Client.FirstName] [Client.LastName] ​ [Client.Company] ​

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In order to fulfill our vision we will require (Amount) in capital, which will be allocated roughly according to the following table:

If we are fully capitalized, we hope to be profitable by (MM/DD/YYYY)

MARKETING PLAN

Our Clientele

Our Competition

Our Specific Marketing Plan

FACILITIES/SERVICES

Operations plan.

Our Suppliers

Our Personnel

Expense Projection

We expect our monthly outlay of expenses to approximate to the following:

Describe here

​ [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] ​

​ [Client.FirstName] [Client.LastName] ​

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Hotel Business Plan

Turn your dreams into reality with a comprehensive hotel business plan. 

Why do I need a hotel business plan?

Studies show that entrepreneurs who finished their business plan were twice as likely to succeed in growing their business than those with no plan. A hotel business plan provides a detailed roadmap of what needs to be accomplished and why and gives potential investors insight into your business idea.  

Included in this business plan are templates for: 

• Company analysis
• Industry analysis 
• Competitive analysis 
• Operations plan 
• Financial plan

From idea to execution: 10 sections to include in your hotel business plan

What is hotel revenue management the beginner’s guide.

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Hotel Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Hotel Business Plan

If you want to start a new hotel business or expand your existing hotel, you need an effective business plan.

The following hotel business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a solid business plan. In addition to this template, a solid plan will also include market research to help you better understand the hospitality industry trends, and how you plan to attract customers. It will also help you craft your mission statement, marketing plan and strong financial projections.

You can download our Hotel Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Sample Business Plan For a Boutique Hotel

Below are links to each of the key sections of a comprehensive business plan for a hotel:

• Executive Summary – The executive summary provides an overview of your business opportunity and summarizes the business plan.
• Company Overview – The company analysis includes information about your hotel concept, the hotel’s services and business structure.
• Industry Analysis – The industry analysis includes market research that supports your business and provides insights into market trends and the hotel industry.
• Customer Analysis – The customer analysis provides an overview of your target market.
• Competitive Analysis – The competitive analysis should identify your local competition (other hotel businesses, Airbnbs, etc.) and highlight your unique selling point.
• Marketing Plan – The marketing plan includes your hotel marketing strategy, pricing strategy and search engine optimization plan.
• Operations Plan – The operations plan includes information on your hotel operations and processes along with your business goals for long-term growth.
• Management Team – The management team section includes a profile of the hotel owner and hotel management team, their experience and job descriptions.
• Financial Plan – The financial plan includes financial projections, a cash flow statement, profit and loss statement and balance sheet.

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Hotel Business Plan Outline

Business Plan Template for Hospitality Industry Professionals

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Are you a hospitality industry professional looking to take your business to new heights? Look no further than ClickUp's Business Plan Template specifically designed for you!

Crafted with the unique needs of hotel owners, restaurant managers, and event planners in mind, this template will help you:

• Clearly outline your business goals, strategies, and financial forecasts
• Attract potential investors and secure funding for your projects
• Guide your day-to-day operations for maximum efficiency
• Stay ahead of the competition in the fast-paced hospitality industry

Don't waste time reinventing the wheel – use ClickUp's Business Plan Template and set yourself up for success today!

Business Plan Template for Hospitality Industry Professionals Benefits

When it comes to the hospitality industry, having a solid business plan is essential for success. With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Hospitality Industry Professionals, you can:

• Clearly define your business goals and strategies to stay focused and on track
• Create a comprehensive financial forecast that's attractive to potential investors
• Guide your day-to-day operations by outlining key processes and procedures
• Showcase your industry knowledge and expertise to build credibility with stakeholders
• Stay ahead of the competition by analyzing market trends and identifying growth opportunities
• Secure funding and partnerships by presenting a professional and convincing business plan

Main Elements of Hospitality Industry Professionals Business Plan Template

For hospitality industry professionals looking to create a comprehensive business plan, ClickUp offers the perfect solution with its Business Plan Template.

Here are the main elements of ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Hospitality Industry Professionals:

• Custom Statuses: Keep track of the progress of different sections of your business plan with statuses such as Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• Custom Fields: Use custom fields like Reference, Approved, and Section to add specific details and categorize different aspects of your business plan.
• Custom Views: Access various views such as Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to organize and present your business plan in the most effective way possible.
• Collaboration and Goal Management: Collaborate with your team members, set goals, and track progress using ClickUp's task management features.
• Document Management: Utilize ClickUp's Docs feature to create and store all your business plan documents in one place, making it easy to access and update as needed.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template, hospitality industry professionals can create a comprehensive and professional business plan that sets them up for success in the competitive hospitality market.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Hospitality Industry Professionals

Crafting a business plan for your hospitality industry venture can be a daunting task. But with the help of ClickUp's Business Plan Template and these six steps, you'll have a comprehensive plan to guide your success:

1. Define your vision and mission

Start by clarifying your business's vision and mission. What do you want to achieve, and what values will guide your operations? Clearly articulating your purpose will help you stay focused as you build your plan.

Use a Doc in ClickUp to outline your vision and mission statements and share them with your team for feedback.

2. Identify your target market

Understanding your target market is crucial for success in the hospitality industry. Who are your ideal customers? What are their needs, preferences, and demographics? Conduct thorough market research to gather insights that will inform your marketing and operational strategies.

Create custom fields in ClickUp to track key customer personas, market segments, and competitive analysis.

3. Develop your offerings

Outline the products and services you'll provide in the hospitality industry. Will you offer accommodation, dining, events, or a combination of these? Consider how you'll differentiate yourself from competitors and create a unique experience for your guests.

Use tasks in ClickUp to break down each offering and assign responsibilities to team members.

4. Define your marketing strategy

A solid marketing strategy is vital for attracting customers to your hospitality business. How will you reach and engage your target market? Will you leverage social media, partnerships, or traditional advertising channels? Outline your marketing tactics and set measurable goals to track your success.

Use the Calendar view in ClickUp to plan and schedule your marketing campaigns and track their performance.

5. Establish your operational plan

To run a smooth operation, you need to define your processes, staffing requirements, and resources. How will you manage reservations, staffing, inventory, and customer service? Develop an operational plan that covers all aspects of your hospitality business.

Create tasks in ClickUp to outline your operational procedures and assign responsibilities to team members.

6. Set financial goals and projections

A crucial part of any business plan is the financial section. Define your revenue streams, pricing strategies, and cost projections. Determine your break-even point and set financial goals, such as revenue targets, profitability ratios, and return on investment.

Use the Gantt chart in ClickUp to create a timeline for your financial projections and track your progress over time.

By following these six steps and utilizing ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you'll have a comprehensive and actionable plan to drive the success of your hospitality industry business.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Hospitality Industry Professionals

Hospitality industry professionals, such as hotel owners, restaurant managers, or event planners, can use the ClickUp Business Plan Template to create a comprehensive and organized business plan that will help them secure funding, attract investors, and guide their business operations.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a successful business plan:

• Use the Topics View to outline the different sections and topics of your business plan
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do
• The Timeline View will allow you to set deadlines and milestones for each section of your business plan
• The Business Plan View will give you an overview of your entire plan, with all the sections and topics organized in a structured manner
• The Getting Started Guide View will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to use the template and create your business plan
• Use the custom fields Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and categorize your business plan sections
• Update statuses and custom fields as you work on each section to keep track of progress and ensure everything is on track
• Monitor and analyze your business plan to make necessary adjustments and improvements for maximum success.
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Hotel Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Hospitality, Travel & Tourism » Hotel

Are you about to start a hotel and hospitality business? If YES, here is a complete sample hotel business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a hotel business . We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample hotel marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for hotel businesses.

So let’s proceed to the business planning section. All over the world, the hospitality business is being seen as a very serious trade and the reason for this cannot be farfetched.

The reason the hospitality business – especially the hotel business is being taken seriously is because of its relationship with the tourism industry. Starting a hotel business could eventually be one of the best things to attain for yourself. This is because of the lucrative nature and prosperity involved in this industry.

Every day foreigners, as well as local migrants and business people, travel from one point or the other and the option they are faced with is staying in hotels. It is pertinent to note that there are different categories of hotels, like 5-star, 4-star or even 3-star hotels.

One of the essential things that are unique to each category of the hotel is the facilities that make up each. Whatever type of hotel category you may have in view, there is always the most important step to take in making your business stand out, as well as succeed in the long run.

What can this be? Well, that is the hurdle of writing a business plan. You too have the wherewithal to do so, as a well put together business plan is available to you below.

A Sample Hotel Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The hospitality industry has been in existence from time immemorial and it is still waxing strong simply because people can’t do away with the services they offer. When you talk about a hotel, you are talking about an establishment that provides lodging for guests/travelers, tourists, visitors et al, on a short-term basis with a fee.

When people lodge in hotels, they have the option of subscribing to other services the hotel offers; services as feeding, drinks, laundry, fitness center, swimming pool, conference room, and business room, amongst others.

As a matter of fact, the facilities provided by some hotels may range from a basic bed and storage wardrobe to luxury features such as en-suite bathrooms, mini parlor et al. It is the norm for big hotels to provide additional guest facilities like a swimming pool, conference center, business center, childcare, self-service laundry, fitness center, and social function services.

In some countries, hotels are required by law to serve food and drinks to all their clients that are lodged in their facility while in some countries, you would have to choose the additional services you want from the hotel. The bottom line is the higher the amount you pay in hotels, the more the services you are entitled to.

Starting a hotel business is capital intensive and it is considered a long-term investment because it takes a while for the owners to break even and start making profits. No doubt it takes a big-time investor to consider starting his or her own hotel business, which is why loads of hotels are owned by groups of investors.

One good thing about the hotel business is that the business can grow so big that it will not only have an active presence in key cities in the country where it started from but in major cities on all the continents of the world. It is important to state that hotel operations vary in size, function, and cost which is why hotels are classified into different grades (two-star hotels, five-star hotels, seven-star hotels et al).

2. Executive Summary

Sean and Sharon Hotel will be located in the heart of Las Vegas less than 20-minute drive from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, and a few minutes drive from Mandalay Bay Event Center. We are conveniently located in the world’s headquarters for casinos and games; a commercial center.

Sean & Sharon Hotel believes in the passionate pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity, which is why we have decided to venture into the hospitality industry by establishing our own hotel.

We are certain that our values will help us drive the business to enviable heights and also help us attract the number of clients that will make our hotel fully booked all through the year.

We are going to be a customer-centric hotel with a service culture that will be deeply rooted in the fabric of our organizational structure and indeed at all levels of the organization. With that, we know that we will be able to consistently achieve our set business goals, increase our profitability and reinforce our positive long-term relationships with our clientele, partners, and all our employees as well.

Our hotel facility will be decorated in an exquisite and elegant facade, so much so that it will be a conspicuous edifice in the city where it is located. Sean & Sharon Hotel will provide a conducive spot for our customers to take a break from their various busy schedules, to a place where they can find comfort and luxury.

Sean and Sharon’s hotel will be equipped with a business center and a VIP lounge, as well as a Fitness room and self-service laundry which will be made available for resident guests at no extra cost.

We will also install free Wi-Fi that will enable our guests to surf the internet with their laptops in the hotel room free of charge, and there will be wireless access in all the public areas in the hotel; we will also provide mobile phones for a loan to business travelers for their convenience so as to enable them to stay in – touch with their family members, friends, and business partners.

No doubt our business class guest rooms will provide our customers with a warm and comfortable home away-from home experience, a large banquet venue, as well as Chinese and Intercontinental cuisine. We are set to give our esteemed guests an unforgettable experience whenever they patronize our hotel.

Sean and Sharon Hotel is owned by Sean Glacier, Sharon Glacier, and other investors whose names can’t be mentioned in this business plan for obvious reasons. The owners and board members of Sean and Sharon hotel are big-time investors in the hospitality industry.

Sharon Glacier has well over 20 years of experience in hotel management and she has a Master’s Degree in Hotel Management. She will be bringing her wealth of experience to the table to make Sean and Sharon Hotel the number one choice in Las Vegas.

Over and above we are building a hotel business that will be the cynosure of all eyes. One that competes favorably with other hotels that are in existence in Las Vegas. We plan to do this bearing in mind that it would take hard work, loads of financial commitment, as well as well-trained employees who can be indoctrinated in the quest for building a top-notch hotel in Las Vegas city.

3. Our Products and Services

Sean and Sharon Hotel is set to operate a standard hotel service in Las Vegas, Nevada. The point that we want to become a force to reckon with in the hospitality industry means that we will provide our guests with a fitness room, social room, self-service laundry room, and business center; for the purpose of business or leisure and more.

In all that we do, we will ensure that our guests leave with an unforgettable experience that will make them want to come back as well as recommend our hotel to their friends, family members, and business partners. These are the services and amenities that will be made available to our guests;

• Meals (Local Delicacies, Chinese cuisines, and intercontinental cuisines et al)
• Drinks (wines, beers, distilled spirits, martinis, beverages, and non–alcoholic drinks)
• Swimming pool
• Self – service laundry room
• Business center
• Conference room
• Banquet venue
• Shuttle service

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to open a standard hotel that will become the number one choice in Las Vegas
• Our mission is to deliver reliable, genuine, caring, and excellent service superior to what our competition can offer in any location where our hotel will be situated and to ensure that our hotel enjoys over 90 percent occupancy in most parts of the calendar year.

Our Business Structure

The success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available role. Sean and Sharon Hotel will work with a business structure that will give room to employees to explore their creativity, give a sense of belonging, as well as grow through the corporate ladder of the organization.

We will work hard to ensure that we only recruit the right set of people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. We intend to build Sean and Sharon Hotel on this structure;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Hotel Manager

Human Resources and Administrative Manager

• Bartender/Baristas
• Accountants/Cashiers

Facility/Maintenance Manager

• Marketing Officer
• Front Desk Officer
• Cleaners/Washer men

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for recruitment
• Responsible for payment of salaries
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Hotel Manager:

• Responsible for managing the daily activities in the hotel
• Ensures that the facility is in tip-top shape and conducive enough to welcome customers
• Interfaces with vendors
• Reports to the Chief Executive Officer
• Attends to Customer complaints and inquiries
• Prepares budget and reports for the organization
• Responsible for Training and Development in the organization
• Handles procurement
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the CEO
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation, and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings, and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of daily office activities.

Marketing Officer (2)

• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information.
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps increase sales and growth for the company
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Responsible for planning and overseeing building work/renovation
• Responsible for allocating and managing space within buildings
• Responsible for managing building maintenance activities
• Responsible for coordinating cleaning, catering, and parking services
• Responsible for organizing security and general administrative services
• Ensures that facilities meet government regulations and environmental, health and security standards
• Advise on energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Supervises multi-disciplinary teams of staff including maintenance, grounds, and custodial workers

Bartender / Baristas (4):

• Interacts with customers, takes orders for drinks, food, and snacks.
• Plans and presents bar menu.
• Checks identification of the guest to make sure they meet age requirements for purchase of alcohol and tobacco products.
• Mixes ingredients to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
• Mixes drinks, cocktails, and other bar beverages as ordered and in compliance with hotel standard drink recipes.
• Prepares alcohol or non-alcohol beverages.
• Services Wine and Beer to guests.
• Arranges bottles and glasses to make attractive displays.
• Assesses customer’s needs and preferences and makes recommendations
• Makes lists of supplies in conjunction with the bar manager/management
• Prepares inventory or purchase requisitions as needed to replenish supplies.
• Ensures that the assigned bar area is fully equipped with tools and products needed for Mixing beverages and serving guests.

Accountant/Cashier:

• Collect payment for drinks served and balance all receipts.
• Prepare a financial report at the end of every working week
• Handles all financial transactions on behalf of the company
• Interfaces with our bankers
• Responsible for payment of tax, levies, and utility bills
• Handle any other duty as assigned by the CEO/microbrewery manager

Front Desk Officer (2)

• Ensures that customers feel relaxed and at home
• Handles customers inquiries
• Ability to Sell or influence others for up selling and suggestive selling.
• Provides recommendations and suggestions to guest for choosing Drinks, food, and Snacks.
• Serve customers in a friendly and helpful manner.
• Provides guidance to guests on resort activities, dining options, and general resort and Regional information.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of food and beverage products, menus, and Promotions
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the bar manager

  Cleaners/Washerman (6):

• Handles and moves objects, such as glasses, dish,es and bottles, using hands and arms.
• Cleans up after customers and cleans work area.
• Clears ashtrays as and when required.
• Washes glassware and utensils after each use.
• Maintains a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Responsible for handling laundry
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the restaurant manager,
• Ensures that the facility is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organizes parking
• Gives security tips to staff members from time to time
• Patrols around the building on a 24 hours basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Any other duty as assigned by the restaurant manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Sean and Sharon Hotel is fully aware that they are coming into an industry that can be highly competitive which is why they have decided to pay attention to the SWOT analysis for the organization.

We know that once we are able to identify our strengths, our weaknesses, our threats, and the opportunities that are available to us, we will be able to come up with good business strategies that will help us achieve all our business goals and objectives.

We know too well that one of the ways to build a successful business in the long run is the ability to glean some lessons from the weak points we have found ourselves in and convert them into an area of strength. In a case where there is little or nothing that can be done, we may also work so hard so that our areas of strength blossoms more, so that are weak area is very less visible.

Here is a of the result we got from the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Sean and Sharon Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada;

Our area of strength cannot be farfetched; the location of our hotel is perfect for such business, our management team has robust experience in the industry, our customer services are second to none in the whole of Las Vegas and our facility is top notch

Our perceived weakness could be that we are a new business, and we may not have the financial muscle to sustain the kind of publicity we want to give our business.

• Opportunities:

We are in one of the cities in the world that never goes to bed, plus the fact that Las Vegas is regarded as the world headquarters as far as the casino business is concerned.

It means that loads of tourists, business executives, and travelers would want to visit Las Vegas and we are well positioned to welcome them because our hotel facility is just about 20-minute drive from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, and a few minutes drive from Mandalay Bay Event Center.

One of the threats that are likely going to confront us is; unfavorable government policies, the downturn in the economy which is likely going to affect sales, and perhaps the emergence of new hotels (competitors) within the same location where our hotel is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the hospitality industry is such that there are peak periods and off-peak periods. Thus, hoteliers know this and have been able to make provisions to properly handle the change in season.

For example; during summer or during any major sporting event or business summit, most hotels in Las Vegas are almost fully booked. As a matter of fact, that is the period that some hotels make the money that will sustain the business for the rest of the year.

Be that as it may, some hotels are well positioned and they enjoy rich patronage all through the 12 calendar months of the year. Another trending feature in the hotel industry is that it is profitable to build your brand and then venture into the sale of franchises if you know you don’t have the capacity to manage various branches of your hotel.

Over and above, hoteliers are quite aware that they are in the industry not for quick returns on their investments, but to steadily build a brand that can become a global brand while growing their profits year in and year out.

8. Our Target Market

Sean and Sharon conducted her feasibility studies and market survey and we were able to identify those who we expect will eventually become our loyal customers.

We do not intend to waste our time on activities that would yield us nothing, which is why we invested time to create a hotel marketing plan to help us do only the most needful things. These are the category of people that we intend to market our hotel to;

• Corporate Executives
• Business People
• Sports Men and Women
• Government Officials
• College Students
• Traveling Agencies
• Event Managers
• Religious Organizations

Our Competitive Advantage

The competitive edge of Sean and Sharon Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada is the excellent and customized service that we offer to all our guests irrespective of their status. We can boldly say that the location of our hotel is going to give us an edge over our competitors in Las Vegas.

We are in the middle of the happening city in Nevada. From the location of our hotel, you can connect to any part of the city with little or no stress.

Another significant competitive advantage that we are bringing to the industry is the robust experience of our management team. We have a team that has a combination of 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry in the united states and Canada. They are considered core professionals in their own right.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Sean and Sharon Hotel will generate income from the following service offerings;

• Laundry service

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also some of the assumptions readily available in the field. Below is the sales projection for Sean and Sharon Hotel, it is based on the location of our hotel and the services and products that we will be offering;

• First Year-:  $600,000
• Second Year-: $900,000
• Third Year-: $1, 500,000

N.B -: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there wouldn’t be any unfavorable government policy.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We will adopt the following means to attract the kind of people that we want in our hotel per – the time: The model of the bar we intend to run is a neighborhood type of bar, hence, we are not going to rely only on the conventional ways of marketing.

We don’t have the plans to run paid adverts on Local TV stations, local radio stations, or even local newspapers but we will sure maximize every other available means to promote our business.

Our unique selling proposition is that we have a collection of almost all brands of beers produced in America in our bar, we have assorted drinks and tobaccos et al. In view of that, we are going to adopt the following strategies to ensure that we do not only attract customers but generate repeated sales from them; Parts of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

• Open our hotel in a grand style with a party for all.
• Advertise our hotel brand in travel and tours magazines, national newspapers, Satellite TV stations, and Radio station
• Promote our business online via our official website and all available social media platform
• Continuously Improve the performance of our brands
• Hire the services of experts to make our brands the first choice for guests
• Deliver consistent customer experiences to all our guests; making our first impression count positively
• Continuously Improve the efficiency of our hotels and operating processes
• Ensure that we Put our market scale and knowledge to good use
• Using our worldwide scale and experience to convert more hotels to our brands
• Make the most of our global presence – guests choose brands they know when they travel
• Build strong partnerships within our own company and with our stakeholders across the world
• Make use of attractive handbills to create awareness and also to give direction to our bar
• Position our signage/Flexi banners at strategic places
• Position our greeters to welcome and direct potential customers
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us to reward our regular customers
• Engage in road shows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our hotel.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Sean and Sharon Hotel is in the hospitality business to make a profit and we can only make a profit if we steadily increase our customer base. No doubt, in order to remain relevant in the hospitality industry as a hotelier in Las Vegas, you should be able to continue to create hype around your hotel brand and that is exactly the publicity and advertising strategy that we will adopt.

We will ensure that we leverage all conventional and non – conventional publicity and advertising techniques to promote our hotel brand.

Although our hotel is located in Las Vegas, the scope of our market is global which is why we choose to make use of best practices as far as publicity and advertisement are concerned in the hotel business. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Sean and Sharon Hotel, Las Vegas;

• Encourage our loyal customers to help us use Word of Mouth (referrals)
• Advertise our hotel brand in travel and tours magazines, national dailies, Satellite TV stations, and Radio station
• Promote our business online via our official website
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Leverage the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations
• Engage in road shows from time to time
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Our pricing system is going to be based on what is obtainable in the industry, we don’t intend to charge more (except for premium and customized services) and we don’t intend to charge less than our competitors are offering in Las Vegas.

Be that as it may, we have put plans in place to discount our products and services once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers.

• Payment Options

Our payment policy is all-inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that will be available in every of our pubs;

• Payment by cash
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
• Payment via online bank transfer (online payment portal)
• Payment via Mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our payment plans without any difficulty.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

These is the key areas where we will spend our start–up capital on;

• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits: $1,500.
• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Las Vegas, Nevada: $750.
• Marketing promotion expenses (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• Cost for hiring Consultant – $5,000.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation, and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,800.
• Cost of accounting software, CRM software, and Payroll Software – $15,000
• Cost for acquiring facility for the hotel: $500,000.
• Cost for facility remodeling – $100,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000)
• Phone and utility deposits ( $3,500 ).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory – $35,000
• Storage hardware (bins, utensil rack, shelves, glasses case) – $3,720
• The cost for counter area equipment (counter top, sink, ice machine, etc.) – $9,500
• Cost for serving area equipment ( glasses, flatware) – $5,000
• Cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• Office equipment and furniture – $3,600
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound systems, tables and chairs et al): $4,000.
• The cost of Launching a Website: $600
• The cost for our grand opening party: $5,000
• Miscellaneous: $2,500

We would need an estimate of $3.5M to successfully launch Sean and Sharon Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Generating Funding/Startup Capital for Our Hotel

Sean and Sharon Hotel will be financed by Sean and Sharon Glaciers and their business partners. Part of the start–up capital will also be raised as a loan facility from the bank in the United States. These are the areas where we intend sourcing for funds for Sean and Sharon Hotel.

• Generate part of the start–up capital from personal savings and the sale of his stocks (Sean and Sharon Glaciers)
• Generate part of the start–up capital from our business partners
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank.

N.B: Please note that Sean and Sharon Glaciers want to retain the lion’s share of the business shares hence they both are investing a total of 1 million USD. They will also secure a mortgage to purchase the property for the hotel.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Part of the grand plan of sustaining Sean and Sharon’s hotel is to ensure that we provide the best training for our employees, put a succession plan in place, and will not relent in marketing and promoting our hotel brand.

From our findings, another factor that kills new businesses is financial leakages. In order to plug financial leakages, the management of Sean and Sharon Hotel will adopt the use of payment machines and accounting software to run the business.

In the bid to build a successful business, we will ensure that all our employees are comfortable and we will provide them with the best facilities and welfare package that will help them achieve peak performance in all their duties and in turn help the organization achieve its goals and business objectives.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Acquiring facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing/Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, electronic appliances, office appliances, and bar accessories: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – suppliers of all our needed food ingredients, drinks, tobacco, and snacks: In Progress

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Hotels are one of the most lucrative businesses one can get into. They are especially profitable if the hotel business plan in question is located in a busy city or near a popular tourist destination. Being part of the hospitality industry, you will never run out of customers as long as your hotel is managed properly. To run your hotel plan profitability, you must have a proper business plan that will help you dance your worries away. We have various hotel business plan templates applicable for various related businesses and accommodations such as a startup mini hotel, guest house motel, 5 star resort lodge, 3 star spa, and boutique, etc. Keep scrolling!

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General FAQs

1. what is a hotel business plan, 2. what is the purpose of using a hotel business plan, 3. what should a hotel business plan include.

• Executive summary
• A detailed sample analysis of your company and the work you do
• Industry and market analysis
• Client and customer evaluation
• Your competitors and other sources
• Marketing and operation plan, etc.

4. What Is a Successful Business Plan?

5. how do you write a hotel business plan.

• Operations : explain how your organization will operate daily
• Management : mention your management team
• Financial details : this is where you mention all key finances
• Project planning : define all the targets you want to hit
• Appendix and other details.

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How to write a business plan for your hospitality venue (that works)

The ultimate guide on how to write a successful business plan for your hospitality venue. Includes tips and insights from real businesses!

At the start of any business venture, there needs to be a plan for how it will move forward. A business plan is necessary for you to determine whether the investment will be successful or not, and it serves as a road map for developing your hospitality business.

It helps you focus on the goals you set forth while establishing your business. If you are looking for investors, a business plan proves to them that you have done your homework and have a realistic idea of how to make your business successful. 

It’s also one of the first steps to the growth. But what exactly should a business plan include? Here are some of the areas it needs to cover.

Pinpoint your business identity

There are several types of hospitality businesses out there, so establishing the identity of your business is really important. It also sets the scene and will help with your plan and goals moving forward.

Are you a popup food truck? A quick service restaurant? An upscale hotel? A cafe? A bar? All of these hospitality businesses are different and will all have different identities. Keep the concept simple, think about how you would introduce your business to a stranger and if they would understand it. Once you know this, building on the rest of your business plan becomes easier. 

Know your vision and mission 

Your business plan needs to contain the vision that you have for your hospitality venture. This will help with structuring your goals and business purpose, it's your big picture outcome. It's ok if this changes because at the start it can be challenging to predict what your business will look like ten years from now.  In your vision statement, you need to hype your ambitions such as “Our vision is to run the best fine dining restaurant in Washington D.C.” The mission comes next, stating what you intend to do with your business, i.e., “Our mission is to offer excellent and reliable service to all our customers. We shall strive to always be ahead of our competitors by offering high-quality food and beverages while ensuring a high level of customer service and professionalism." 

Identify your business structure

Here, you need to explain the business structure that you’ll use and why you chose this particular model. The success of the business largely depends on this. Get a specialist to advise you on which structure best suits your business .

There are various models, so it’s crucial to get this part right. An experienced adviser has seen numerous business structures and may offer a perspective that you didn't think of - it could set you apart from your competitors. You’ll also need to explain the positions in your business and the role that each plays. Some of the positions you should include are:

• Chief executive officer
• Business partners/investors
• Human resources manager
• Bartenders/Waiters
• Front desk operators
• Security guards

Depending on your business structure, some of these roles may not suit, so you’ll need to research which ones best work for your business.

Have a clear budget and finance plan

You will need an accountant or business adviser to guide you through this step. It includes coming up with a financial plan and budget that will start the business, for example where you expect to raise funds from and the allocation to each sector of the company. It’s also important to know the number of employees that you’ll need and their salaries. Other key costs will include the property (is it new/existing? what are the lease costs?), equipment/tools, your suppliers, and utilities.

Writing a plan helps you to determine whether your hospitality business is financially viable . You will need to include projections of how much money you will make - this is crucial, especially if you’re showing it to potential investors. In the end,  there should be a total figure of how much it will cost you to start and maintain the business.

Identify your services and amenities

The services and amenities that you provide will determine your clientele and customers. Their quality will justify the amount you charge the customers. All those that visit should experience exceptional customer service. If a customer has a memorable experience at your place, they will, in turn, recommend it to friends and family adding to the growth of the business. Depending on your hospitality business, here are some services and amenities to consider:

• Quality food and beverage menu that caters to your customers
• Fitness center/swimming pool
• Conference room
• Transport service
• Outdoor/indoor dining area
• Wifi access

Determine price points and payment options

The price you set should be competitive and match your rivals. If you offer customized or premium services, identify firstly if it’s feasible as guests will pay more, and this will need to be justified. Setting your price points will require significant research from you, especially if the product or services you’re offering are uncommon for consumers.  Offers and discounts to customers can also be used, so long as research is done prior to its effect on your profitability and finance plan. Overall, knowing your price points will help you not to overcharge or undercharge your clients and customers.

Once you’ve identified this, you’ll need to indicate the payment options acceptable in your venue. Some people prefer to pay cash, others via check, cards, mobile money transfer, or bank transfer. Your payment options should cater to all of them.

Research your target market

Who do you intend to target with your hospitality business? Whether it is for specific clients or the general public, your services need to be inclusive. You will need to conduct a feasibility study and some research to determine the type of customers best suited for your business.

Knowing your audience, for example, what they do for a living, and their age will help you in setting up a business that will appeal to them. The neighborhood and location will also play a significant role in the type of customers that you’ll attract. Space, human traffic, parking, and security also need to be considered when identifying your target audience and the location of your business.

Create a marketing strategy

Your marketing strategy will depend on your target audience. The type of strategies that you employ will be useful if they attract the right people. Here are some marketing strategies to consider:

• Advertising online through social media channels
• Advertising on television, radio and/or print
• Employing competent people
• Improving performance and services to warrant referrals
• Creating partnerships with relevant stakeholders
• Having a loyalty program to reward clients

Research the economic conditions of the area that you intend to start your hospitality venture in and the general industry. Identify what marketing strategies have historically been successful and resonate with your target audience. Know who your competitors are, get feedback from your customers and industry experts - all of this information will help in executing the right marketing strategy.

Your business plan will determine your success. The location, pricing, amenities, and services that you offer should be impeccable if you wish to create a community of loyal customers. A large part of this will entail the level of customer service that your clients experience. You will need to come up with a strategy that will put you above your competitors making your hospitality venue the go-to place for every person.

Learn more about business management and start your Typsy hospitality training now on   Improving hospitality business operations   with Eden Sunshine.  

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25 Things To Include In Your Hospitality Business Plan

• by Katie Nelson

minute read

A business plan is an essential document that provides the foundation for building your business. By outlining a clear roadmap of how your venue will take shape, operate and generate revenue, your business plan will provide a set of goals and objectives to keep you on track during the busy run-up to opening your business. 

But what information should your business plan contain, and how should it be structured?

Let’s dive in.

How to structure your business plan

Creating a business plan is a research-intense and time-consuming process, but it’s crucial to set yourself up for success. 

While every business idea is different, there are six chapters that every business plan should contain ; these are:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Market analysis
• Financial analysis and growth

Within each of these chapters, there are several sub-sections that will give a comprehensive overview of your ideas and how your business will operate. 

In this article, we tick off all the sections that you should include in your business plan.  

1. Executive summary

Your executive summary is the first and most important part of your business plan. This section should excite potential investors about your business idea and encourage them to read further.

The executive summary should provide a concise overview of your business idea. It needs to convey your passion and enthusiasm while also providing an overview of the upcoming content in your business plan. It’s essential to keep this section short and to the point and should be no longer than two pages in length. 

Below are some examples for you to consider.

• Mission statement. Your mission statement should convey the aims and values of your business.
• A description of your products and/or services. This section should outline what products and/or services your venue will provide and how these solve problems for your target customers.
• Business goals. Outline where you expect the business to be in one year, three, and five years.
• Target market. This section should outline your ideal customers and your target demographic, e.g. millennials, baby boomers, young families, students or office workers.
• Competition and what differentiates your business. Briefly explain who your competition is and what unique selling proposition will help you succeed.
• Your management team. Highlight your management team, their prior experience, and what they will bring to the table to give your business a competitive edge.
• Financial outlook. This section will provide an overview of potential costs and the anticipated return on the investment.

While your executive summary is the first part of your business plan, it should be the last thing you write. This will enable you to summarise the components that make up your business plan and highlight the key points to grab your reader’s attention. 

2. Company overview

The second chapter of your business plan is the company overview. This section should explain the basic elements of your business by introducing information about your venue’s concept, location, product offering, design features, company structure and service model. 

Within this chapter, you should include four sub-sections.

• Sample Menu and Pricing
• Design and Layout
• Company Structure

3. Company overview – Concept

Start by outlining your concept. You don’t need to go into too much detail; simply provide a short and snappy high-level overview of your idea. 

Consider the following questions when crafting your concept statement:

• Will your venue have a theme?
• What is your brand identity?
• How will you stand out from the competition?
• Where will your venue be located?
• What will your product offering look like?
• What will your service style look like?
• Who is your target market?
• What is your price point or range?

4.  Company overview – Sample menu and pricing

In this section, you should share a sample menu that will be used in your venue and the accompanying pricing strategy. While this doesn’t have to be the final menu or pricing you’ll launch with, it should outline the types of products you’re going to sell.

If you’re planning to open a restaurant, for example, you will need to detail what cuisine you’re going to offer, along with a sample drinks menu. Your sample menu doesn’t have to cover everything, but it should paint a picture of your offering, e.g. a selection of starters, main courses, desserts and side dishes, as well as an overview of your alcohol selection, such as wines and cocktails.

Next, you need to address how you plan to set prices. Consider the following questions when outlining your pricing strategy:

• Do your prices reflect your positioning?
• How does your pricing compare with your competitors?
• How important is price to your target market?
• Will you offer specials such as happy hours?

5.  Company overview – Design and layout

The design and layout of your venue need careful consideration, and this section should outline how the design of your venue will complement your concept. It should also address how your layout will allow staff, customers, food and drink to move through your venue efficiently.

Use this section to answer the following questions:

• What will the interior of your venue look like? E.g. colour schemes, wall art, plants, lighting.
• What furniture will you have, and where will it sit?
• What equipment do you need, and how will this fit into your workflows? 
• How will you store inventory?
• Will your staff wear a uniform? If so, what will it look like?

6.  Company overview – Structure

This is the final sub-section of the company overview chapter and should include an outline of your company structure and the roles and responsibilities within your business. 

No matter the size of your team, it’s essential to highlight the different roles and responsibilities you expect to have in your business to allocate a budget for their salaries.

7. Market analysis

The third chapter of your business plan will tackle your market analysis. 

In this chapter, you’ll analyse the current market, including the hospitality industry, your target demographic, competitors and location analysis. It should also address your market position and how your new venue will bring something unique to your area or address an unmet need. 

Within this chapter, you should include five sub-sections.

• Market research
• Target market
• Competitive analysis
• Location analysis
• Market positioning

8. Market analysis – Research

It’s essential to conduct thorough market research before writing your business plan, and this section is where you’ll outline your key findings. 

Here are some points to consider:

• Industry size – how many people need your product or service?
• Market trends – is the market growing or shrinking? What trends impact the market, e.g. sustainability, evolving technology, increases/ decreases in immigration?
• Target market – how many people in your chosen location are your ideal customer?
• Barriers to entry – what obstacle will you face, e.g. stagnant rental market and high levels of competition in the immediate area?
• Threats and opportunities – what threats and opportunities will your business face, e.g. staff shortages, high cost of goods and supply chain issues?

9. Market analysis – Target market

The Australian hospitality industry is highly competitive, so it’s important to understand who your venue will appeal to and how you will attract customers.

This section should be used to outline who your target customers are and what makes them tick. Researching all of this information in detail will enable you to craft targeted marketing materials and tailor your customer experience.

To get the ball rolling, start by answering the following questions.

• Who is your ideal customer?
• What is their age/ income level/ occupation?
• What are their values and beliefs?
• How do they prefer to order and pay?
• What is their budget?
• What is their repeat purchasing potential?
• What marketing channels do they use?
• How easy is it to communicate with them?

10. Market analysis – Competition 

Your competitive analysis should assess the current competitive market in your chosen location. 

To start with, list all other hospitality venues in the area and note down each venue with a similar concept to yours. From there, you can narrow down who your direct competitors are likely to be. 

To make it easier to directly compare your venue with your competitors, create a matrix table with your venue in one column and your competitors in separate columns. You can then add several rows to your matrix to quickly compare key points of difference between each venue and your own. 

Some examples include:

• Number of seats in each venue
• Opening hours
• Marketing channels used by each venue
• Price points
• Menu offering
• Customer base

11. Market analysis – Location  

Your location analysis should focus on the general area or suburb where you plan to open your venue.

This section should answer the following questions.

• Why did you choose this location? E.g. local population growth and increased residential development.
• Which demographics live in or regularly frequent the area? E.g. retirees, young families, students, office workers, tourists etc.
• Is there a lot of foot traffic in the area?
• Are there good links to public transport?
• Is there ample parking?
• What times of day and days of the week are the busiest, and when is it quiet?
• How much competition is in the direct vicinity?

12. Market analysis – Positioning

The final sub-section in the market analysis chapter will be your market positioning.

This section must highlight how your venue will differ from others in the area. Will you provide products currently lacking in the area, for example?

It’s also crucial for your market positioning to hammer home your adaptability, as this will emphasise your ability to innovate, grow and, ultimately, generate revenue.

Here are some examples to spark your imagination.  

• Retail products – reusable coffee cups, coffee beans, signature sauces, bottled cocktails or branded tote bags.
• Monthly events – barista or cocktails courses, cooking classes, live music events, trivia nights, wine tasting. 
• Sustainability – sustainably focused products and venue. 
• Cook-at-home kits – recipe cards and ingredient packs for popular menu items.
• Online ordering – offering online ordering for customers to order ahead or for delivery. 

13. Marketing

The fourth chapter of your business plan is all about marketing. This chapter will detail your marketing strategy and how you plan to communicate with your customers. 

This chapter will contain three sub-sections.

• Marketing channels
• Loyalty program
• Events and offers

14. Marketing – Channels

Use this section to outline what marketing channels your target demographic will likely consume and how you will use each channel to communicate with your customers. 

Select the most relevant channels for your target market from the list below:

• Paid and organic social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tiktok) 
• Email marketing
• Content marketing and search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Print marketing (brochures, flyers, business cards)
• Public relations (features on Broadsheet, Concrete Playground, Time Out etc.)
• Word-of-mouth

15. Market analysis – Loyalty program

If you’re going to offer a loyalty program, this section should outline the specific details of your loyalty program, such as how customers will earn points and what rewards you’ll offer. If you don’t plan to offer a loyalty program, you can exclude this section from your business plan. 

Consider the following questions to give a comprehensive overview of your loyalty program.

• How will you run the program? E.g. will you create your own or use loyalty and rewards software ?
• How will customers earn rewards?
• What incentives and rewards will you offer?
• How will customers track their points? E.g. will they be given a card or have an app on their phone?
• What benefits will the loyalty program bring to your business? E.g. encourage repeat visits and increase average order value.

16. Market analysis – Events and offers

This will be the final sub-section of your marketing chapter and should outline the specific details for any offers or events you plan to run. Please exclude this section if you don’t intend to host events or have special offers. 

To get started, it’s important to consider the following questions.

• What special offers will you promote, and how will these impact your bottom line?
• What events will you host, and how regularly will they occur?
• How will you promote your events and offers?
• What benefits will these events and offers bring to your business?

16. Operations

The fifth chapter in your business plan should cover operations and will address how your venue will operate day-to-day once you have opened your doors. 

This chapter should include three sub-sections. 

• Staff and training
• Work health and safety standards

17. Operations – Staff and training

The staff and training section will outline how you handle training, staff scheduling, payroll and performance insights. 

Use this section to address the following points:

• Industry award (this will determine minimum rates of pay, work hours and leave entitlements for your staff)
• Certificates and training needed by staff to be compliant
• Recruitment procedures
• Onboarding procedures
• Wage procedures, e.g. pay cycles, payslips, timesheets
• Staff scheduling

18. Operations – Work health and safety standards

In the wake of the pandemic, health and safety are critical for hospitality businesses. Therefore, it’s essential to outline how you’ll address health and safety procedures in your venue.

This section should cover the following:

• Your cleaning procedures
• Food health and safety guidelines
• How you’ll handle customers with food allergies
• Fire safety and evacuation procedures
• Certificates and licences you’ll need to operate legally, such as liquor licences and fire safety certificates
• Kitchen hygiene plan

c. Operations – Suppliers

This section will be the last in your operations chapter and should include a list of potential suppliers you’ll need to run your business efficiently.

We suggest creating a table in this section to analyse suppliers and their respective costs quickly. 

To get started, research local suppliers in the following categories.

• Inventory, e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat and alcohol suppliers.
• Technology, e.g. POS platforms , online ordering, payment and delivery partners.
• Hardware, e.g. receipt printers, tablets, cash drawers, EFTPOS machines
• Cleaning, e.g. disinfectant, chemicals, bathroom supplies.

20. Financial analysis & growth

The final chapter in your business plan will outline your financial objectives for your first year and how you plan to grow the business.

This chapter will include four sub-sections.

• Investment plan
• Projected P&L
• Break-even analysis
• Expected cash flow

21. Financial analysis & growth – Investment plan

Your investment plan is crucial if you’re using your business plan to pitch to investors; you can exclude this section if you don’t need to pitch for investment. 

Use this section to explain the initial investment you require and what you plan to use the investment in your first year. This usually includes kitchen equipment, furniture, payroll, legal fees, marketing, etc.

22. Financial analysis & growth – Projected P&L

Your projected profit and loss (P&L) statement is an integral part of your business plan as it highlights exactly how much cash is coming into your business versus what’s being spent. As this is only a projection, you’ll need to make several assumptions about your finances.

Download our free Profit and Loss Template to get started. 

23. Financial analysis & growth – Break-even analysis

This section should explain how much revenue you will need to generate to break even once all of your overhead and operational costs are factored into the equation.

We recommend creating a couple of different break-even analyses to address different scenarios. For example, your payroll costs will vary each month, and seasonality can affect sales and operating costs. 

24. Financial analysis & growth – Expected cash flow

This section will be the last in your financial analysis and growth chapter and conclude your business plan.

You should address how you will track the amount of cash your business has on hand at any given time. Your expected cash flow should (based on your expectations) highlight how your venue can support itself even during quiet periods without additional investments and support.

Download your free business plan template

We have created three in-depth business plan templates for aspiring bar, cafe and restaurant owners. The easy-to-use templates help you outline your vision by detailing how your business will take shape and operate. 

• Bar business plan template
• Cafe business plan template
• Restaurant business plan template

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Hospitality

Katie is a Senior Content Specialist at Lightspeed. She has a degree in Journalism and now specialises in writing insightful content for businesses in the hospitality and retail industries.

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Advancing social justice, promoting decent work ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations

Youth entrepreneurs in Timor-Leste's hospitality and tourism sector have gained new skills to start and improve their businesses.

16 July 2024

BANGKOK, Thailand (ILO News) – Young entrepreneurs in Timor-Leste's hospitality and tourism sector have sharpened their entrepreneurial skills at a business plan competition. 

The event was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the HOTL Association, Pro Ema and Fundacao Cicanda (STVJ) to support young aspiring and existing entrepreneurs gain practical knowledge and skills on entrepreneurship and business development. It also connected them with key actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including investors, partners and business development service providers.

The 12 finalists of the business plan competition gave their pitches in front of judges and the audience. The finalists participated at the 3-day training by the ILO, STVJ and Pro Ema on 27-29 May 2024 to develop and refine their business plans, using selected modules of the Small Business Competitiveness (SBC) Programme. The SBC Programme provides guidance to enterprises and aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality and tourism sector.

The event featured a career talk by an entrepreneur who shared her entrepreneurial journey that saw her transform her passion for nutrition, health and food science into a sustainable business. Representatives from the BNCTL commercial bank provided participants with information on financing, Pro Ema on mentoring and training opportunities and HOTL Association on the benefits of its membership.

A participant said, “This business plan competition motivated me to keep learning and achieve my goals.”

A representative from HOTL Association said, “HOTL Association looks forward to continue working with the ILO to build a strong, sustainable and thriving hospitality and tourism sector in Timor-Leste.”

Over 60 participants joined the event, including representatives from the public and private sector, training institutions, and the Japanese Embassy in Timor-Leste.

The event is part of ILO's Building Youth Capacity and Network in Asia Pacific project funded by the Government of Japan. It aims to develop a network of development partners to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills needed to start their own businesses and become drivers of sustainable development. One of the project activities focuses on promoting employment and decent work opportunities for youth in the hospitality and tourism sector in Timor-Leste.

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Whether your industry faces challenges from geopolitical strife, fallout from a global pandemic or rising aggression in the cybersecurity space, the threat vector for modern enterprises is undeniably powerful. Disaster recovery strategies provide the framework for team members to get a business back up and running after an unplanned event.

Worldwide, the popularity of disaster recovery strategies is understandably increasing. Last year, companies spent USD 219 billion on  cybersecurity  and solutions alone, a 12% increase from 2022,  according to a recent report by the International Data Corporation (IDC)  (link resides outside ibm.com).

A disaster recovery strategy lays out how your businesses will respond to a number of unplanned incidents. Strong disaster recovery strategies consist of disaster recovery plans (DR plans), business continuity plans (BCPs) and incident response plans (IRPs). Together, these documents help ensure businesses are prepared to face a variety of threats including power outages,  ransomware  and  malware  attacks, natural disasters and many more.

What is a disaster recovery plan (DRP)?

Disaster recovery plans (DRPs) are detailed documents describing how companies will respond to different types of disasters. Typically, companies either build DRPs themselves or outsource their disaster recovery process to a third-party DRP vendor. Along with business continuity plans (BCPs) and incident response plans (IRPs), DRPs play a critical role in the effectiveness of disaster recovery strategy.

What are business continuity plans and incident response plans?

Like DRPs, BCPs and IRPs are both parts of a larger disaster recovery strategy that a business can rely on to help restore normal operations in the event of a disaster. BCPs typically take a broader look at threats and resolution options than DRPs, focusing on what a company needs to restore connectivity. IRPs are a type of DRP that focuses exclusively on  cyberattacks  and threats to IT systems. IRPs clearly outline an organization’s real-time emergency response from the moment a threat is detected through its mitigation and resolution. 

Why having a disaster recovery strategy is important

Disasters can impact businesses in different ways, causing all kinds of complex problems. From an earthquake that affects physical infrastructure and worker safety to a cloud services outage that closes off access to sensitive data storage and customer services, having a sound disaster recovery strategy helps ensure businesses will recover quickly. Here are some of the greatest benefits of building a strong disaster recovery strategy:

• Maintaining business continuity:  Business continuity and  business continuity disaster recovery (BCDR)  help ensure organizations return to normal operations after an unplanned event, providing data protection, data backup and other critical services.
• Reducing costs:  According to  IBM’s recent Cost of Data Breach Report , the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was USD 4.45 million—a 15% increase over the last 3 years. Enterprises without disaster recovery strategies in place are risking costs and penalties that could far outweigh the money saved by not investing in the solution.
• Incurring less downtime:  Modern enterprises rely on complex technologies like cloud-based infrastructure solutions and cellular networks. When an unplanned incident disrupts business operations, it can cost millions. Additionally, the high-profile nature of cyberattacks, lengthy downtime, or human-error-related interruptions can cause customers and investors to flee.
• Maintaining compliance:  Businesses that operate in heavily regulated sectors like healthcare and personal finance face heavy fines and penalties for data breaches because of the critical nature of the data they manage. Having a strong disaster recovery strategy helps shorten response and recovery processes after an unplanned incident, which is critical in sectors where the amount of financial penalty is often tied to the duration of the breach.

How disaster recovery strategies work

The strongest disaster recovery strategies prepare businesses to face a wide variety of threats. A strong template for restoring normal operations can help build investor and customer confidence and increase the likelihood you will recover from whatever threats your business faces. Before we get into the actual components of disaster recovery strategies, let’s look at a few key terms.

• Failover /failback:  Failover is a widely used process in IT disaster recovery where operations are moved to a secondary system when a primary one fails due to a power outage, cyberattack or other threat. Failback is the process of switching back to the original system once normal processes have been restored. For example, a business could failover from its  data center  onto a secondary site where a redundant system will kick in instantly. If executed properly, failover/failback can create a seamless experience where a user/customer isn’t even aware they are being moved to a secondary system.
• Recovery time objective  (RTO):  RTO refers to the amount of time it takes to restore business operations after an unplanned incident. Establishing a reasonable RTO is one of the first things businesses need do when they’re creating their disaster recovery strategy.  
• Recovery point objective  (RPO):  Your business’ RPO is the amount of data it can afford to lose and still recover. Some enterprises constantly copy data to a remote data center to ensure continuity. Others set a tolerable RPO of a few minutes (or even hours) and know they will be able to recover from whatever was lost during that time.
• Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS):  DRaaS  is an approach to disaster recovery that’s been gaining popularity due to a growing awareness around the importance of data security. Companies that take a DRaaS approach to disaster recovery are essentially outsourcing their disaster recovery plans (DRPs) to a third party. This third party hosts and manages the necessary infrastructure for recovery, then creates and manages response plans and ensures a swift resumption of business-critical operations.  According to a recent report by Global Market Insights (GMI)  (link resides outside ibm.com), the market size for DRaaS was USD 11.5 billion in 2022 and was poised to grow by 22% in the years ahead.

Five steps to creating a strong disaster recovery strategy

Disaster recovery planning starts with a deep analysis of your most critical business processes—known as business impact analysis (BIA) and risk assessment (RA). While every business is different and will have unique requirements, there are several steps you can take regardless of your size or industry that will help ensure effective disaster recovery planning.

Step 1: Conduct a business impact analysis

Business impact analysis (BIA) is a careful assessment of every threat your company faces, along with the possible outcomes. Strong BIA looks at how threats might impact daily operations, communication channels, worker safety and other critical parts of your business. Examples of a few factors to consider when conducting BIA include loss of revenue, length and cost of downtime, cost of reputational repair (public relations), loss of customer or investor confidence (short and long term), and any penalties you might face because of compliance violations caused by an interruption.

Step 2: Perform a risk analysis

Threats vary greatly depending on your industry and the type of business you run. Conducting sound risk analysis (RA) is a critical step in crafting your strategy. You can assess each potential threat separately by considering two things——the likelihood it will occur and its potential impact on business operations. There are two widely used methods for this: qualitative and quantitative risk analysis. Qualitative risk analysis is based on perceived risk and quantitative analysis is performed using verifiable data.

Step 3: Create your asset inventory

Disaster recovery relies on having a complete picture of every asset your enterprise owns. This includes hardware, software, IT infrastructure, data and anything else that’s critical to your business operations. Here are three widely used labels for categorizing your assets:

• Critical:  Only label assets critical if they are required for normal business operations.
• Important:  Assign this label to assets your business uses at least once a day and, if disrupted, would have an impact on business operations (but not shut them down entirely).
• Unimportant:  These are assets your business uses infrequently that are not essential for normal business operations.

Step 4: Establish roles and responsibilities 

Clearly assigning roles and responsibilities is arguably the most important part of a disaster recovery strategy. Without it, no one will know what to do in the event of a disaster. While actual roles and responsibilities vary greatly according to company size, industry and type of business, there are a few roles and responsibilities that every recovery strategy should contain:

• Incident reporter:  An individual who is responsible for communicating with stakeholders and relevant authorities when disruptive events occur and maintaining up-to-date contact information for all relevant parties.
• Disaster recovery plan manager:  Your DRP manager ensures disaster recovery team members perform the tasks they’ve been assigned and that the strategy you put in place runs smoothly. 
• Asset manager:  You should assign someone the role of securing and protecting critical assets when a disaster strikes and reporting back on their status throughout the incident.

Step 5: Test and refine

To ensure your disaster recovery strategy is sound, you’ll need to practice it constantly and regularly update it according to any meaningful changes. For example, if your company acquires new assets after the formation of your DRP strategy, they will need to be folded into your plan to ensure they are protected going forward. Testing and refinement of your disaster recovery strategy can be broken down into three simple steps:

• Create an accurate simulation:  When rehearsing your DRP, try to create an environment as close to the actual scenario your company will face without putting anyone at physical risk.
• Identify problems:  Use the DRP testing process to identify faults and inconsistencies with your plan, simplify processes and address any issues with your backup procedures.
• Test your disaster recovery procedures:  Seeing how you’ll respond to an incident is vital, but it’s just as important to test the procedures you’ve put in place for restoring critical systems once the incident is over. Test how you’ll turn networks back on, recover any lost data and resume normal business operations. 

Disaster recovery solutions

Modern enterprises rely more than ever on technology to serve their customers. Even minor outages can cause critical downtime and impact customer and investor confidence. The IBM FlashSystem Cyber Recovery Guarantee is designed for anyone who purchases a new FlashSystem Array with IBM Storage expert care and IBM Storage Insights Pro.

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