5 Classes Hotels and Restaurants Can Host Virtually in a Tech-Savvy World

It’s only gotten more challenging to convince people to leave their homes, venture out of their comfort zone, and try something new. And with so many entertainment and learning opportunities at our fingertips, it’s no wonder why.

But people are always going to travel, and they’re certainly always going to go out to eat. It’s just a matter of getting them to come to you.

One way to do that is to tap into their tech. Restaurant and hotel owners, do you have a chef on staff who knows what they’re doing?

Business Research Insights said the online cooking class market was worth $255.54 million in 2023. So you can add a little extra to your favorite chef’s plate.

It’s the exact sort of thing you can get into without investing in too many new resources. Unlike in-person events and classes, you don’t need an abundance of space or high-tech equipment.

You need decent lighting, a microphone (which you can get on Amazon for $20), and a computer and camera to stream on.

If these classes aren’t resources you’d like to have open to the public, there are a few different ways to go about it.

If you’re a hotel, you can offer classes to guests for the duration of their stay or give them a flat week or so to enjoy the perks.

Restaurants, perhaps diners get a QR or promo code to take home with them.

Even better is having a mix of both. Keep some of your classes and events open to attract new clientele, but create exclusivity around events you feel customers will really value.

Offering online classes creates buzz, gives your customers more value, and puts more eyes on your marketing.

But now that we know how lucrative chef cooking classes can be, let’s discuss some other ideas hospitality managers can implement.

Massage classes

Sure, you can’t give anyone a massage online, but the next best thing is demonstrating how customers can treat themselves or their loved ones to a message.

Set up a tripod to show basic back massage techniques. Or, even more accessible, demonstrate simple neck and foot massages that customers can recreate at home.

Cocktail making

A reliable bartender can make this easy.

Put together a short list of cocktails most people could recreate at home and show them how it’s done. Who doesn’t want to impress their friends or romantic partner at the next house party?

Stay on the lookout for any trendy drinks on social media, too.

Industry skills

Your top-notch staff members can take service skills classes, whatever that service looks like in your place of business—perhaps waitstaff, hosting, or housecleaning.

Keep this simple as it won’t cast as wide of a net in terms of audience, but you boost authority and professionalism to any potential or current customer who sees you doing this. Plus, your openness and guidance can demonstrate how you respect and grow your workforce, attracting quality employees.

Crafting

Knitting, jewelry-making, or Bob Ross-style painting. Whatever it is, people love it, and it’s not a bad idea to give them the how-to. But we can get more specific to your business as well.

If your staff has a knack for creating endearing towel animals in hotel guest rooms, there’s a class!

Or maybe your dining tables are decorated with beautiful flower centerpieces — show your customers how you do it. A simple flower arranging class is a unique experience, and it’s even more enticing for those who don’t have to leave the couch to enjoy it.

This is also an opportunity to partner with a small business in your area. Working hand-in-hand to provide expertise, event resources, and promotion can benefit both parties.