DECA Hospitality Services Team Decision Making Practice Exam

What should the owner of a resort have done when the manager quit during the peak vacation season?

1. Closed down for the season

2. Increased staffing for peaks in demand

3. Reduced service hours

4. Delegated responsibilities among existing staff

The correct answer is: Increased staffing for peaks in demand

The best course of action for the owner of a resort when the manager quits during the peak vacation season is to increase staffing for peaks in demand. During peak seasons, there is typically a significant influx of guests and, consequently, a higher need for staff to ensure that service levels remain high. By increasing staffing, the owner can ensure that the resort maintains operational efficiency and guest satisfaction, which are crucial during times when customer demand is at its highest. Increasing staff allows for better distribution of workload, helping to prevent burnout among existing staff and ensuring that all guest needs are adequately met. It is essential in a hospitality setting to respond proactively to changes in management and staffing needs, especially during busy times, to maintain service excellence and uphold the resort's reputation. The other options would not effectively address the immediate challenge posed by the manager's departure. Closing down the resort would lead to lost revenue and dissatisfied customers, while reducing service hours could compromise the guest experience. Delegating responsibilities among existing staff could be a part of the solution but may not be sufficient to meet the demands of peak season without additional staff to support operations. Thus, increasing staffing is the most viable and effective strategy in this scenario.