Veteran consultant urges hotels and tourism professionals to refocus on staff well-being and genuine guest connection
PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / October 23, 2025 / Eric David Meeuwsen, Founder and Principal Consultant of Meeuwsen Hospitality Consulting, is calling on the hospitality industry to take bold steps toward rebuilding a people-first culture - one that places employee engagement and guest empathy at the center of post-pandemic recovery and long-term success.
With more than three decades of experience turning around boutique hotels and resorts across Florida and the Caribbean, Meeuwsen is using his platform to advocate for a renewed commitment to the human side of hospitality.
"We talk about innovation and revenue, but the real heartbeat of this industry is people," Meeuwsen says. "Hospitality isn't about being flawless-it's about being present and caring when it matters most."
The Human Cost Behind the Service
According to a 2024 report by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, over 80% of hotels nationwide still report staffing shortages, and 68% of hospitality workers say they experience burnout at least once a month. High turnover remains a critical issue, costing hotels an estimated $5,200 per employee in recruitment and training each year.
Meeuwsen believes that reversing this trend begins with better leadership, stronger mentorship, and consistent investment in people.
"When a hotel turns around, it's rarely because of one big decision," he says. "It happens when small, daily choices-made by people who feel supported-start to add up."
He adds that creating sustainable teams starts with empathy-driven management. "If your team feels valued, your guests will feel it too. That's not a slogan-it's a fact of operations."
A Shift from Profit to Purpose
Throughout his 32-year career, Meeuwsen has helped hotels raise RevPAR by over 30% and reduce staff turnover by nearly 20%. Yet, he's quick to emphasize that numbers only tell part of the story.
"Financial results matter, but they're the outcome-not the objective," he explains. "You don't fix operations by cutting corners; you fix them by building confidence, belonging, and pride in what people do every day."
Meeuwsen points to a generational opportunity: with Millennials and Gen Z now making up 60% of the hospitality workforce, values like flexibility, diversity, and mentorship are no longer optional-they're essential.
"We're welcoming a generation that wants meaning, not just a paycheck," he says. "If we can meet them there, we can rebuild the spirit of hospitality from the inside out."
A Call to Action for Industry Professionals
Meeuwsen's message isn't directed solely at executives-it's for anyone in the field, from front-desk associates to general managers.
He's encouraging professionals to take three small but powerful actions in their own workplaces:
Ask more questions. "Curiosity is leadership," he says. "You learn what your people need when you take time to ask."
Celebrate progress, not perfection. Recognize daily wins and model gratitude on the floor.
Invest in mentorship. Pair new hires with experienced team members-not just for training, but for human connection.
"You don't need a title to lead," Meeuwsen emphasizes. "You just need the willingness to listen, guide, and care."
Leading by Example
Beyond consulting, Meeuwsen continues to mentor students through the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and guest lecture at Florida Atlantic University. His volunteer work includes coaching job seekers and hosting the annual Hospitality Cares charity dinner in Palm Beach.
His advocacy reflects his lifelong belief that hospitality is a calling, not a commodity.
"The industry has given me everything," he reflects. "Now it's our turn to give back-to the teams who show up every day, to the students who want to join us, and to the guests who trust us with their experiences."
About Eric Meeuwsen
Eric David Meeuwsen is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Meeuwsen Hospitality Consulting, based in Palm Beach, Florida. With over 32 years of industry experience, he has led transformations for boutique hotels and resorts across Florida and the Caribbean. A Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) and member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), Meeuwsen is recognized as one of Business Traveler Magazine's "25 Hospitality Voices to Watch."
Meeuwsen invites hospitality professionals to take small, meaningful steps toward building workplaces where people feel valued and connected.
"Hospitality starts with how we treat each other," he says. "If we can bring that back-one team, one guest, one moment at a time-we can change the industry for good."
Contact: info@ericdavidmeeuwsen.com
SOURCE: Eric David Meeuwsen
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