Xenios Academy: The Rising Star in Mobile Hospitality Training

Xenios Academy is an exciting global EdTech startup headquartered in Dubai, with the primary objective to assist bars, restaurants and hotels in boosting their performance and profitability through investing in employee training and development. The Xenios Academy team understands the changing landscape of the workforce, including the prevalence of time spent on mobile phones and short attention spans. This is why they have created a gamified training app that brings learning directly to employees’ mobile devices. By utilizing data and science, they have crafted an effective and engaging learning experience that reduces staff turnover, streamlines training, and increases revenue through superior service.

Guaranteed Return On Investment

Xenios Academy recognizes the importance of investing in a smart education of employees to elevate the standards of service in the industry. The value of luxury service is directly proportional to the time employees spend on learning - a belief that the latest research and the Xenios Academy team both support.

For example, a study published by MIT Sloan School of Management reported that a 12-month workforce training program with a focus on soft skills improvement (such as communication, problem-solving and decision-making, time and stress management) led to a 250% return on investment (ROI) within eight months of completion (Kala N., 2017).

Another study done by IBM and reported by Forbes in 2017 found that every dollar invested in online training resulted in a $30 increase in a company’s productivity (Olenski S., 2017). The bottom line? Investing in employee knowledge can have a major impact on your business’s ROI, from increased profits to a more polished public image.

“But, wait a second! You said - Guaranteed Return on Investment?” Correct. Xenios Academy proudly announced that they would return your money - no question asked - if, within the first month of using their app, you don’t see an immediate improvement in your teams’ service and/or increase in your revenue that stems as a result.

TEAMWORK AND LEADERBOARD: MAXIMIZE YOUR PROFITS

In the rapidly evolving professional landscape, continuous learning and skill development are crucial to staying ahead in the luxury hospitality sector. However, conventional educational approaches often fail to deliver the desired results - or simply take a lot more time and resources. That is where this exciting learning platform comes into play. Xenios Academy’s courses utilize interactive quizzes to reinforce key concepts and test comprehension, while artificial intelligence algorithms help tailor lessons to each individual employee’s learning style. And the best part? All of these teaching techniques are powered by the principles of gamification, supported by extensive scientific research on what motivates learners and enhances knowledge retention.

First of those principles - leaderboard!

“Leaderboard? huh?” Absolutely - you read that right. By opting for the higher-tier premium training plan, hospitality establishments can participate in regional and global leaderboards. Their power lies in promoting teamwork, reducing staff turnover, and nurturing pride in service. This enhanced teamwork will yield positive online reviews, wordof-mouth recommendations, and repeat business. Securing placement as one of the best on the Xenios Academy leaderboard also means that all the other users - both globally and regionally - will hear about your bar, hotel or restaurant. Talk about all that marketing!

“But - what if my team is not performing exceptionally well? I don’t want my competitors to know this...” Worry not! Given that only the top 10 best establishments per region will be featured in the leaderboard, there are no downsides - only motivation for your team to unite, rise and try to beat the competition.

And the good news doesn’t stop there! In addition to being featured on the app, the highest-ranking establishments globally will also enjoy the advantage of being featured on Xenios Academy’s social media channels, garnering increased visibility among luxury hospitality consumers and potential guests worldwide. This exposure will not only attract new clientele but also boost employee morale as their hard work and dedication will be publicly recognized. Dream work atmosphere, anyone?

$999 ONLY FOR THE FIRST 999

In partnership with top-tier industry experts, an extensive selection oXenios Academy is excited to announce the launch of their “Welcome Aboard” campaign, offering a phenomenal opportunity for the first 999 bars, restaurants, and hotels to secure licenses for this game-changing training program at only $999 for a one-year subscription – a price significantly lower than what will be offered after this promotional period. Moreover, hospitality groups with over fifteen establishments will be eligible for additional discounts on licenses for their supplementary locations, provided they are among the first 999.

This one-time special offer will also include access to the leaderboard and customized courses – an “all-inclusive” package, in the true spirit of the hospitality industry. Their highly anticipated launch campaign for the first 999 establishments kicks off on May 1st, with the official product release set for June 1st.

The Three Levels Of Knowledge Unveiled

Okay, so you are now aware of the leaderboard, but you may still be curious about the specifics of the app and whether this appbased learning experience can genuinely impart valuable practical skills to your team members. So, let’s delve into the unique learning approach of Xenios Academy.

Each course in the Xenios Academy platform consists of 10 chapters, and each chapter consists of 20 lessons. Each chapter is designed to tackle three levels of knowledge difficulty: introduction, recognition, and recollection. These levels are based on psychological and neuroscience concepts facilitating effective learning and retention.

The Xenios Academy courses are crafted as enthralling educational adventures set in a mythical Greek landscape. Each course takes place on a different mountain, with the wine course, for example, unfolding on the slopes of Mount Nysa. As a student, your employee will embark on a quest to help Dionysus - the God of Wine and Harvesting - regain his former glory. To succeed, the student must climb through each base camp, representing a chapter of the course, and complete knowledge reinforcement challenges that will lead them to the summit of each peak. However, students must pass each chapter’s lesson with at least an 80% success rate to advance to the next level.

As students conquer each mountain, they will be better prepared to excel in real-life situations, even when faced with the most demanding customers. This interactive and intelligent learning approach, combined with the competitive element of the leaderboard, ensures that employees become experts in their field, ultimately boosting your establishment’s profits with each new day of learning.

89% EMPLOYEES BELIEVE THEY WOULD BE MORE PRODUCTIVE IF THEIR WORK WAS MORE GAMIFIED?

Why gamification in a serious (corporate) establishment, you may ask? The answer lies in data, once again. For instance, a large survey conducted in 2019 found that 89% of employees felt more engaged and motivated in a learning environment that featured points, levels, and other game mechanics. Not only that, but this survey has also revealed that employees reported that gamification makes them feel more productive (89%) and happier (88%) at work (TalentLMS, 2019). And, we all know, when your employees are happy - your customers are happy, which then leads to remarkable business growth and increased revenue.

With Xenios Academy, the learning process seems to be nothing short of fascinating.

3600+ LESSONS TO EMPOWER YOUR ESTABLISHMENT

What about content? In partnership with top-tier industry experts, an extensive selection of 18 courses comprising over 3600 lessons has been meticulously crafted for hospitality industry employees. The development process was inspired by literature and curricula from some of the world’s most renowned hospitality management programs. As a result, Xenios Academy’s comprehensive program has been devised, consisting of training courses in: 1) Hospitality management, 2) Front office fundamentals, 3) Housekeeping fundamentals, 4) Cultural awareness, 5) Kitchen fundamentals, 6) Restaurant service, 7) Catering and events service, 8) Wine production and service, 9) Bar and beverage, 10) Coffee, Latte art, and barista, 11) IT and security fundamentals, 12) Marketing and digital marketing, 13) Corporate finance, 14) Human resources, 15) Psychology of consumer decisions, 16) Psychology of communications, 17) Mental health awareness, and 18) Physical health awareness.

Best of all - Xenios Academy’s team has revealed that even more courses will be introduced to the platform in the upcoming months - all at no additional cost to you.

AN OPTION FOR CUSTOMIZED TRAINING TAILORED TO YOUR SPECIFIC BRAND NEEDS

Xenios Academy recognizes that every brand possesses a unique identity, one that often calls for personalized training solutions. That’s why they have developed a mobile platform that also provides an option to effortlessly integrate your existing brand’s learning resources alongside Xenios Academy’s own materials.

What does this mean exactly? For instance, if your brand spans across multiple sites and requires consistent, standardized training to uphold its brand identity, Xenios Academy platinum plan might be the perfect solution for your business. Not only does this plan offer a seamless integration of your brand’s learning materials, but it also employs artificial intelligence driven systems to create a cohesive and engaging learning experience. This ensures that your employees - especially new ones - receive the highest quality training, empowering them to become brand ambassadors and deliver outstanding service.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your brand and invest in your company’s success. Take advantage of Xenios Academy’s platinum plan, and watch your brand’s consistency and reputation soar to new heights. Act now and propel your business towards unparalleled success – because your brand’s excellence starts with exceptional training.

www.xenios.academy

Interview with ŽELJANA BABIĆ, Co-Founder of Xenios Academy

Amidst the competitive landscape of the hospitality industry, Xenios Academy emerged as a comprehensive solution for the education of professionals across the hospitality sector. With evolving requirements and operational practices in the hotel and catering industry, it is essential to have skilled individuals capable of meeting clients’ precise needs. As one of the founders of Xenios Academy, Zeljana Babic was kind enough to offer an in-depth perspective on the company’s offerings and vision.

How did your journey into the luxury hospitality industry begin?

My journey into the luxury hospitality industry began in November of 2011, as I took a couple of years off from college to earn money for my higher education in the United States. I hopped to the opportunity to work at At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant, situated on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa. This experience not only exposed me to the intricacies of luxury hospitality but also allowed me to appreciate the significance of service excellence in creating memorable experiences for guests.

Following my work experience in Dubai, I moved to London to work at The Ritz, further honing my skills and gaining valuable insights into the world of luxury hospitality. After saving enough money, I went on to pursue my education in psychology and neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego.

Early last year, during an interesting and highly stimulating conversation with my future co-founders Marco Corallo and Filip Babic, we realized that our combined experience in neuroscience, hospitality, and graphic design presented the perfect opportunity to create something truly fun and unique. This realization led to the establishment of Xenios Academy and our mission to revolutionize hospitality education by offering a highly gamified, comprehensive, and effective mobile training program that empower professionals to excel in their roles and contribute to an exceptional guest experience.

Why focus on education in the hospitality sector?

As someone who deeply values education and has been fortunate enough to obtain multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees in both psychology and neuroscience from the University of California San Diego, I understand its transformative potential across all fields. In the hospitality sector, education plays a vital role in equipping professionals with the knowledge, interpersonal skills, and motivation they need to consistently provide exceptional service to guests.

Recognizing that many adults can be resistant to traditional learning methods, we sought to create an inclusive and comprehensive educational platform that incorporates gamification for all types of establishments, from QSRs to 5-star hotels. Also, as a person in academia, I always like to consult the latest literature on a subject. One of my favorite studies on gamification was published in ScienceDirect in 2020. The authors reported that individuals who were educated with challenge-based gamification raised their performance by up to a stunning 89.45% compared to those who only received lectures (Legacy et al., 2020). By leveraging these principles, we aim not only to enhance our clients’ profitability and elevate the industry’s overall service standard but also to make learning an enjoyable and highly rewarding experience for those working in the hospitality industry.

What are the specific needs of your clientele?

Our clients often require training programs that are specifically tailored to their unique brand needs, focusing on skill development, industry best practices, and staying up-to-date with trends. They seek solutions that are scalable and flexible, allowing for seamless integration as their businesses evolve. Additionally, they prioritize accessibility and ease of use for their employees, ensuring convenient access to training materials. Lastly, our clients expect measurable results and a clear return on investment, highlighting the tangible benefits and impact of our training on their business performance.

What do participants in your programs expect?

Participants in our programs work in a service industry where both managers and customers have high expectations for service quality and performance. Acknowledging these demands, we have developed a platform that integrates AI and highly effective teaching methods grounded in the latest neuroscience research on learning principles. Our comprehensive curriculum offers a range of modules customized for various roles within the hospitality sector, ensuring participants gain relevant knowledge and skills to excel in their specific positions.

Ultimately, our clients expect that their employees, after completing our training, can apply the acquired knowledge to deliver tangible ROI for hotels and restaurants. This includes increased sales, enhanced customer satisfaction, a greater number of 5-star reviews, and more repeat customers, all contributing to a stronger brand reputation and significantly increased overall revenue.

What challenges does Xenios Academy face?

One of the key challenges we face is overcoming resistance to new technologies within the hospitality industry leaders, as some establishments may be hesitant to adopt innovative solutions. Additionally, we must address concerns about the effectiveness of online training compared to traditional in-person methods, ensuring our platform caters to various learning styles and maintains engagement throughout the training process. Furthermore, we need to navigate logistical and infrastructural constraints, such as limited internet connectivity in certain regions, to ensure seamless access and delivery of our training programs across the globe.

Despite these challenges, at Xenios Academy, we are committed ( as well as beyond excited!) to continuously refining our platform and collaborating closely with our clients to address their concerns and specific needs. By leveraging our expertise and innovative technologies, we strive to deliver exceptional, accessible, and engaging training solutions that better the hospitality industry worldwide.

What are the prevailing trends within the hotel industry?

The hotel industry is experiencing a transformative shift with an emphasis on health and wellness, Covid-19 safety measures, technology integration, and personalized guest experiences. As sustainability and wellness gain importance among travelers, hotels are adopting eco-friendly practices and prioritizing well-being through tailored services and amenities. The rise of bleisure travel and the desire for local experiences have led hotels to create dynamic spaces that cater to both work and leisure needs while offering unique, culturally-rich activities. Smart rooms and flexible booking policies round out the trends shaping the industry, as hotels strive to provide unparalleled, modern experiences for their discerning clientele.

Where does the future of hospitality lie across the globe?

The beauty of the hospitality industry lies in its global reach, with hotels and restaurants spanning every corner of the planet. As nomad visas gain traction worldwide, an unprecedented number of travelers are eager to explore new destinations. Beyond traditional hotspots, destinations in Asia, particularly China and India, are expected to experience significant growth due to their expanding middle class and increasing inbound and outbound travel. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa continue to carve a niche for themselves with a focus on luxury and sustainable tourism. Last but not least, Latin America and Southeast Asia show great potential, enticing travelers with their rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.

www.xenios.academy