5.1 Discuss the roles and responsibilities of a night auditor - NSC Hospitality Studies - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1

Marketing department personnel in the hospitality sector play a fundamental role in attracting customers. Effective strategies include:

1. Customer Awareness Activities: They design activities to enhance customer awareness about the hotel’s services, such as promotional events and open houses.

2. Utilization of Promotional Tools: Using newsletters, social media campaigns, and advertising to keep potential guests informed about offerings and opportunities.

3. Surveys and Adaptation: Conducting surveys to understand customer expectations and adapting services to meet those needs, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

4. Loyalty Programs: Implementing special discounts and loyalty programs that encourage repeat bookings.

Two non-revenue-generating areas that contribute positively to income by enhancing the establishment's image are:

1. Maintenance Department: Responsible for renovation, cleanliness, and repairs which ensure a positive image. A well-maintained facility encourages guests to return, indirectly boosting income.

2. Human Resources: Hiring skilled staff and ensuring that employees are well-trained can boost service quality and improve guest experiences, creating a favorable reputation that leads to increased bookings.

Higher income in the hotel sector contributes to the South African economy in several ways:

1. Economic Growth: Stimulating local economic growth by increasing consumer spending and investments.

2. Job Creation: Higher income levels lead to more job opportunities, reducing unemployment rates.

3. Infrastructure Development: Higher earnings generate tax revenues that can be invested in public infrastructure improvements.

4. Tourism Promotion: A thriving hotel sector helps promote tourism, attracting foreign investment and enhancing the nation’s global market presence.

The target market for Thandi and Thabo’s business idea includes:

1. Young People: Especially those looking for unique culinary experiences.
2. Food Enthusiasts: Individuals passionate about exploring diverse food options.
3. Tourists: Visitors to Cape Town who are looking for local cuisine.
4. Adventurous Eaters: Consumers willing to try new and exciting food offerings.

The business plan involves:

Location: The business will operate at Durban Beachfront. Form of Business: They plan to start as a partnership. Short-Term Goals: To establish their presence in six months at the beach front, with plans to expand. Long-Term Goals: Expansion to other provinces like South Africa's major cities, aiming to reach a wider clientele.

A personnel plan for Thandi and Thabo’s business includes:

1. Motorbike Drivers: Responsible for driving customers to food stalls, assisting with orders.
2. Food Stall Managers: Overseeing food preparation and service, maintaining high standards.
3. Chefs/Kitchen Staff: Involved in food preparation, cooking, and ensuring quality.
4. Service Staff: Managing customer service, serving food, and billing.

Thandi and Thabo can utilize several affordable visual marketing tools, such as:

1. Social Media Advertisements: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram for targeted ads.
2. Flyers and Handouts: Distributing visually appealing promotional materials in community areas.
3. Posters: Eye-catching posters in local businesses to attract foot traffic.
4. Brochures: Informative brochures detailing offerings and locations.

Good visual marketing tools should possess the following characteristics:

1. Clarity: Easy to read and understand information.
2. Attraction: Visually appealing with bright colors and attractive designs.
3. Conciseness: The message should be straightforward and not overly wordy.
4. Relevance: The content must cater to the target audience’s preferences.
5. Branding: Consistency with the business's logo and overall branding strategy.