Dear Jonas, thank you for your time! First, can you tell us more about Royfort and what “perfect sleep and wellness” means to you?
Thanks for having me! Perfect sleep and wellness for me means, to feel welcome, a feeling of being refreshed and energised, ready to tackle the day ahead. The well-being and sleeping experience in hotels are one of the main reasons behind how hotel guests rate their stay. And with Royfort, we are truly committed to providing an exclusive well-being since our products are sustainably produced and you can feel the superior quality.
When was the decision made that Royfort act in a sustainable way? And what was the main driver behind it?
Sustainability was actually the core reason why Royfort was founded in 2017. Next to sustainable fabrics, our two founders, Gregor Gmür (Switzerland) and Valentin Brandstetter (Austria) also focus on environmentally-friendly supply chain processes. By the way Royfort, as a company, is GOTS certified. This means our whole production processes are checked on social and ecological criteria.
As you look back at the hotels you’ve worked with and how you’ve supported them on their journeys to becoming more sustainable: What has been your biggest learning so far?
Hotels really have the chance to differentiate themselves from competitors by creating experiences for their guests. Imagine the feeling of a fluffy bathrobe after your spa experience. You want to wear a fabric where you can feel the quality and you know it was made from a sustainable company! Hotel guests are more and more conscious about this topic and want to know what they eat or where they sleep. If hotels are using sustainably produced products, they can proudly communicate this online and offline.
For every hotel, it is important that their guests have a good night’s rest. What are your top three recommendations for hoteliers to make sure that their guests get a “perfect sleep” - and do so in a sustainable way?
A quiet sleep environment is essential, the hotel room should be rather dark, and the temperature should be chilly. In combination with superior bedding (mattress, duvets/ pillows, bed linen), hotel guests will have a great sleep! Additionally, I would avoid any kind of chemicals and only use natural fabrics.
At MAp we are specialised in supporting independent hoteliers in becoming more innovative and sustainable, also through crafting unique hotel concepts and brands. What are your thoughts and observations on sustainability in the hospitality industry? What do you believe the future holds for the industry?
The hospitality industry is increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability and taking measures to reduce its environmental impact. This is strongly driven by hotel guests! As travellers become more environmentally conscious, sustainability will continue to be a significant factor in guests' decision-making and rating the hotel after their stay.
I predict it will even become a hygiene factor. Do you have any recommendations for independent and boutique hoteliers on how they can start and / or advance their sustainability journey?
I am certain hoteliers know their business better than anyone else. I don’t think it’s a lack of ideas or recommendations but instead priority setting. The transition towards a sustainable hotel future is happening. We at Royfort want to support hotels on their journey, not only by creating sustainable products but by creating fantastic guest-well-being experiences!
What’s your biggest wish for the future? On a professional level, I’d love to support as many hotels as possible on their way to building meaningful relationships with guests through sustainability and experiences!
As always, our final MAp meets question: what makes a hotel experience a truly outstanding one for you personally? For me, it all boils down to passion and about being a great host! The hotel needs to really care about me and my well-being! Exceptional service, attention to detail, excellent facilities and a unique guest experience will follow seamlessly.
About Royfort:
Royfort is a renowned brand for premium bedding and terry products, serving over 30,000 customers and hotels in the DACH region. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the entire company holds a GOTS certification, ensuring eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. Focusing on craftsmanship and offering timeless, stylish product ranges, Royfort has established hotel partnerships and creates unique "Wow" experiences to drive hotel guest satisfaction.
About Jonas:
Jonas Fegers, who is driving hotel partnerships at Royfort, where he spearheads collaborations with exceptional hotels and resorts. Passionate about sports and well-being, Jonas brings a unique perspective to the industry, fuelled by his love for hospitality and hosting others. Known for his ability to connect with people, he thrives on supporting hotels in creating memorable guest experiences. Based in Berlin, he regularly travels to partner hotels in Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
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