Case study Analysis Example

Case study Analysis: Operating an eco-lodge with competitive advantages

I: Study OF Binna Burra Lodge

The Binna Burra Lodge may be situated in the countryside of Queensland in Australia, not too far from the Gold Coast. It may be found in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which are recognized as World Heritage Sites thanks to their status as such. Since it first welcomed guests in1933, the lodge has the distinction of being one of the first instances of an ecological resort to be found in Australia. It was severely impacted by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019, which ultimately led to the loss of the vast majority of its heritage-listed structures (Hughes & Moscardo, 2019). The State Government of Queensland made the statement that it will give finance in the amount of $18 million in June of 2021, and it was for the purpose of renovating the resort and the villas. The lodge is a well-liked holiday destination not only among tourists from the United States but also among people from other countries all over the globe. After the horrific bushfires, the resort has been working very hard to attempt to recover its business and encourage guests to come back to the area.

It has been shown to be effective in drawing visitors not just from other parts of Australia but also from other regions of the globe. In addition to this, the hotel has been actively promoting the Gold Coast as a destination for travelers to come by collaborating closely with other businesses located in the area. Binna Burra Lodge is a vacation resort that can be found in the area of Queensland, Australia, that is referred to as the hinterland of the Gold Coast (Green, 2020). This vacation spot has made it into the national heritage list. It is a point of pride for the lodge because it was the very first eco-tourism establishment to be established in Australia. Arthur Groom and Ernest James Smith were the ones who initiated the venture in 1933. The Queensland state government is the present owner of the lodge; however, a third-party operator is responsible for the lodge’s operation as well as its upkeep and maintenance. On the same piece of land as the lodge is a large lodge structure, a number of smaller cottages and chalets, as well as a campsite. All of these facilities are available to guests of the lodge. The primary lodge building not only has conference rooms and a library but also a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and a library. In addition, the library is located in the main lodge building. The resort is comprised of several cottages and chalets that are distributed across the surrounding forest. The campground was built on the banks of the stream that cuts through the property.

The day-to-day operations of the resort are managed by a team of employees who are based out of the lodge and are in charge of maintaining the structure. Additionally, they are accountable for the overall cleanliness of the resort. A general manager, a duty manager, a receptionist, a chef, a barista, and other workers who are responsible for cleaning and maintenance, respectively, make up the crew. In addition to that, the lodge works with a number of outside contractors to offer supplementary services to its visitors. These supplementary services include tour guides and individuals who conduct bushwalks. After the Black Summer bushfires, which were responsible for the destruction of a significant portion of the lodge’s infrastructure, the Queensland State Government made the announcement that it would contribute funding support in the amount of $18 million toward the reconstruction of the historic resort. This announcement came after the fires caused by the Black Summer bushfires. After the blazes that were brought on by the Black Summer bushfires, this notification was made. Due to the fact that it was first opened for business in 1933, the Binna Burra Lodge is regarded as being one of the first eco-resorts that can be found in Australia.

The town of Binna Burra, which is located in the state of Queensland, is where the resort can be found. The resort is situated on the outskirts of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These rainforests are next to the resort. The Black Summer bushfires that occurred in 2019 were responsible for the destruction of the vast majority of the resort’s heritage listed buildings, which resulted in the resort sustaining significant damage. This was the case because the vast majority of these buildings were located within the resort.

After making their statement, the Queensland State Government made it public that they would provide financial help in the amount of $18 million to aid with the rebuilding of the historic resort. This information became public shortly after the Queensland State Government issued their statement. The great majority of the resort’s employees are locals who live in the immediate vicinity of the property. These locals are employed at the resort in a variety of capacities, including those that are part-time, casual, and full-time respectively.

The resort places a significant amount of importance on ecotourism and collaborates closely with the community that is located in its immediate vicinity in order to increase awareness about the benefits of engaging in activities of this kind. Because of the intimate ties that many people who live in the surrounding region have built with the personnel at Binna Burra Lodge over the course of many years, the lodge is an essential component of the community in which it is located.

II: SWOT Analysis

1. Strengths

The Binna Burra Lodge can be found in the midst of a stunning and varied natural environment. This environment features everything from ancient rainforests to the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the natural heritage sites that can be found on the list of natural heritage sites across the world. The actual resort is situated within a breathtakingly beautiful natural enclave. Because of this, the lodge enjoys a distinct competitive advantage, which in turn encourages guests to travel from all over the world to book a room at the establishment.

In addition, the lodge has been included on the national register of historic places, which is another proof of the lodge’s extensive history. Not only does this endow the lodge with an air of significance, but it also makes it more appealing to guests who have an interest in the lodge’s past. After much deliberation, the Queensland State Government ultimately decided to make a financial contribution to the lodge in the hope that this will make it easier to rebuild the lodge after it had been demolished. The fact that they have provided this presentation is evidence that the State Government is dedicated to provide assistance to the lodge. This is evidenced by the fact that they have provided this demonstration.

1. Weaknesses

The wildfires in 2019 caused severe damage to the resort, and it has not yet fully recovered from the losses it experienced as a direct result of those blazes. Because of this, the lodge has sustained significant damage, which has, in turn, resulted in a decrease in revenue as a direct consequence of the lodge’s state. The lodge is susceptible to natural disasters in the future, which could cause more damage to the lodge in addition to a disruption in the commercial operations that take place there. It is difficult to make an accurate prediction on the manner in which the lodge will recover from the bushfires because there is a dearth of information on the lodge’s post-disaster capacity development.

• Opportunities

After a disaster has taken place, the resort is in a position to recover from the most recent calamity and make enhancements to its existing capabilities. This will assist the lodge in recovering from the bushfires and will make it more prepared for any future calamities that may occur. The resort can better prepare itself for future natural disasters by, among other things, looking back on its history and gaining wisdom from the lessons it has learned from prior occurrences of such events (Stubbs & Specht, 2005). This will assist the resort in being more prepared for future natural disasters, and it will also reduce the impact that natural disasters have on the day-to-day operations of the resort. Because of its position, the resort has the capacity to host a greater number of guests than it would otherwise be able to. The lodge will be able to maintain its operations and may perhaps see an increase in revenue in the not too distant future as a direct result of this.

1. Threats

The lodge is at danger of being destroyed by any natural disasters that may occur at some point in the foreseeable future. It is probable that this will do far more harm to the resort as well as disrupt the activities that are typically organized there. It is highly likely that the lodge will not be able to find a solution to the predicament that it finds itself in at the moment.

As a consequence of this, there is a possibility that the inn will be required to close its doors as a direct result of the current circumstance. There is a possibility that the lodge will not be able to continue operating since it will not be successful in luring a sufficient number of clients to patronize its establishment (Sullivan, 2020). As a consequence of this, there is a possibility that the inn will be required to close its doors as a direct result of the current circumstance.

III: Recommendations

The first item of advice offered to Binna Burra Lodge is that they should consider altering their business model or replacing the organization’s leadership in order to aid in the recovery of their company and the creation of new concepts. This has been proposed since it will aid in the generation of innovative ideas. This is the very first piece of advice that Binna Burra Lodge has received since its founding.

It is likely that the lodge will be sold to a new owner who is prepared to spend money into the property and make the required changes to help it restore its former ingenuity and health. The lodge will be in a better position to restore its originality and health if this happens. This is one strategy that might be used to fulfill the necessary duties effectively. If there is sufficient demand, the inn might be transformed into a timeshare resort. This would not only offer the owners with a financial stake in the company, but it would also inspire them to invest more emotionally in the company’s success.

Financial and emotional investment in the company’s development would be advantageous for both parties. It is possible that, in addition to providing the lodge with a much-needed financial boost, this will also facilitate the introduction of new ideas and perspectives. There is a possibility that this will help pave the way for the introduction of innovative ideas and unique perspectives.

The second piece of advise we have for the Binna Burra Lodge is that they need to make some improvements to the lodge’s management in order to help in the business recovery and innovation processes. The second piece of advise we have for the Binna Burra Lodge is the following. As our second piece of advice, the Binna Burra Lodge should take this suggestion into mind. The installation of a new price plan that is more in accordance with the amount of money that visitors are ready to spend is one possible technique for achieving this goal. This technique would more accurately reflect the amount of money visitors are willing to pay. Putting this idea into effect is one of the various options that might be taken. Altering the present amenities and services provided by the institution is a further method that might be explored for execution in order to increase the hotel’s attractiveness to potential customers. This may include the creation of on-site amenities such as a restaurant, fitness facility, or spa on the property in some capacity.

Our last piece of advice for Binna Burra Lodge is that they should provide their visitors a distinctive and unique dining experience. This is the last instruction we have for Binna Burra Lodge. We ask that you read the following Binna Burra Lodge instruction very carefully, since it is the final one we have. A potential strategy for achieving this purpose would be to provide guests themed dining experiences that align with the resort’s financial objectives. It is probable that the resort will use this strategy to achieve its principal objective. Providing a “Farm-to-Table” dining experience would allow customers to learn about the sources of their food and the techniques used to grow it, if the lodge’s main objective is to advocate the preservation of natural settings.

Customers will be able to learn about the sources of their food as well as the techniques employed to grow it. Customers will be able to learn not just about the history of the foods they eat, but also about the agricultural techniques that went into their production. As a result, customers have the option of obtaining information about the history of the food they consume as well as the agricultural practices used to produce the food. This is done to better satisfy the demands of the consumers. Offering tourists the opportunity to participate in a culinary demonstration, during which they would be trained on how to prepare typical Australian foods, is another alternative that may be explored. Guests will have the chance to learn how to prepare traditional Australian foods if this option is selected.

As this is the fourth piece of advise the Binna Burra Lodge should consider, it should create themed events in accordance with its economic objectives. This is due to the fact that this is the fourth item of advise the lodge should examine. In other words, the lodge should organize the activities in a manner that is logically consistent. In this regard, one possible method would be to arrange a variety of activities with the primary focus of each event being the preservation of the natural environment. This is one way that might be implemented. This is merely one of several possible lines of action available in this circumstance. For example, the lodge may organize a beach cleanup, a roundtable discussion on the educational consequences of climate change, or a tree-planting program in the nearby area. Each of these actions would benefit the natural environment. Another option that may be examined and considered is hosting a series of events focusing on the history and culture of Australia. This is another viable alternative that should be considered. The lodge may, for example, host a didgeridoo concert, a talk on Aboriginal art, or a tasting competition for bush tucker; these are all examples of possible activities. Another suggestion is for the resort to host a tasting competition for bush tucker. The following are other examples of possible activities to consider.

The fifth and last recommendation is for Binna Burra Lodge to invest in technology so that it may contribute to the revival of the company and the generation of new ideas. Investing in a property management system is one possible strategy for achieving this goal. One of the advantages of this investment is its ability to facilitate the simplification of corporate operations and the enhancement of the lodge’s overall functioning. This is only one of the various benefits associated with employing a system of this kind. If you believe you want further assistance with this endeavor, you also have the option of hiring a consultant. Investing in a smartphone app that allows users to make hotel reservations, peruse the menus of the various dining establishments, and get driving instructions to the lodge is a further possibility. As a consequence, the lodge may become easier to manage, which may result in a rise in the level of guest satisfaction.

These are just a few of the countless ideas that the Binna Burra Lodge should examine in order to contribute to the revitalization of the company and the development of fresh concepts. It is vital to bear in mind that there is no problem for which a universally applicable solution exists, and that not all of these solutions will be appropriate in every circumstance. It is also essential to remember that there is no problem with a solution that can be applied generically to all situations. This is because there is no problem with a solution that can be uniformly applied to all possible outcomes. However, if the lodge is ready to think imaginatively and invest in its future, it will be well on its way to reclaiming its position as Australia’s premier hospitality destination and restoring its standing. If the lodge is ready to think imaginatively and invest in its future, it will be well on its road to regaining its position as Australia’s preeminent hospitality destination. If the lodge is willing to think creatively and invest in its future, it will be well on its road to restoring its standing as one of Australia’s premier hospitality destinations. This will need investments by the resort.

The first piece of advise provided to Binna Burra Lodge is to consider modifying their business model or altering who runs the company in order to help in business recovery and creativity. This is the first piece of advise Binna Burra Lodge has received. This was done with the intention of unleashing a new wave of creative thinking inside the company and fostering new ideas. It is possible that the lodge will be sold to a new owner who is willing to spend money into the property and make the necessary changes to aid it in regaining its former inventiveness and vitality. This is one way that might be utilized to complete the necessary tasks. If the lodge lacks the financial means required to undertake the necessary repairs, then this may be a solution to the problem they are experiencing.

Alternatively, if the lodge has sufficient financial resources, this may not be a viable option. It might also give a solution to the problem that the hotel lacks the appropriate skills to make the necessary changes, which has been a long-standing worry. This strategy has the ability to boost the lodge’s competitive edge by introducing new ideas and alternative perspectives. In addition, there is a potential that it may be able to provide the lodge with the much needed infusion of monetary resources.

The second piece of advise we have for the Binna Burra Lodge is that they must alter the manner in which they operate the lodge in order to help in business recovery and innovation. The second piece of advise we have for the Binna Burra Lodge is the following. The implementation of a new pricing structure that is more in accordance with the amount of money that visitors are ready to pay is one method that might be used to attain this objective. This is one of the techniques that might be implemented. It’s likely that this is the answer to the lodge’s inability to generate enough revenue to cover its operating expenditures, which has caused them to struggle. It is feasible that this approach will also solve the problem of the lodge’s inability to compete with other lodges that provide equivalent services to those given by the lodge. This strategy has the ability to increase the lodge’s competitive edge by reducing the room rates that guests must pay. As a consequence, it is possible that the number of approved reservations may increase.

The last piece of advise we have for Binna Burra Lodge is that they need to deliver a more imaginative and distinctive F&B experience for their consumers. This is the last set of instructions we have for Binna Burra Lodge, so please read everything carefully. Providing guests with the choice to partake in themed dining experiences that are connected to the lodge’s economic goals is one strategy that may be adopted to attain this purpose. This technique might be used to attain the lodge’s objective. This might be a solution to the problem that has arisen as a result of the lack of a resort-specific food and beverage offering.

It is also probable that this will resolve the problem where the lodge lacks a food and beverage service that is consistent with the company’s operational goals. This choice has the potential to improve the lodge’s reservations by making it more appealing to guests, therefore enhancing its competitive position.

Since this is the fourth piece of advice the Binna Burra Lodge should consider, it should organize themed events in accordance with its economic goals. In other words, the lodge should organize activities in a sensible manner. In this regard, one method that might be taken would be to organize a variety of activities with the goal of maintaining the natural environment as the major focus. This is only one of a number of conceivable routes of action. It is possible that this will fix the problem if the lodge does not have an event offering that is suitable with the organization’s defined goals.

Using this technique might also alleviate the problem that the lodge does not provide any events that stand out as particularly distinctive in comparison to the activities offered by other lodges. This choice has the potential to improve the lodge’s reservations by making it more appealing to guests, therefore enhancing its competitive position.

The fifth and last piece of advise for Binna Burra Lodge is to invest in technology to aid in the company’s rehabilitation and the development of new concepts. This is the last suggestion in the list. One method for reaching this objective is to invest in a property management system that, among other benefits, will streamline business operations and improve the lodge’s performance. This is one of the possible means of achieving this purpose.

Additionally, you have the option to hire a consultant to help you with this work. This approach may be able to address the fact that the lodge lacks the necessary technology to sustain its operations. There is a possibility that this will really be the case. It is feasible that making the lodge more environmentally friendly will alleviate the lodge’s inability to compete with other lodges that have more advanced technologies. This would be done by reducing the lodge’s impact on the environment. This alternative has the potential to boost the lodge’s competitive advantage by making it more efficient and user-friendly, which might lead to an increase in reservations.

These are simply a few of the proposals that the Binna Burra Lodge could consider in order to contribute to the company’s reinvention and the generation of fresh ideas. They are meant to generate original ideas. It is important to keep in mind that there is no problem for which there is a solution applicable in every situation, and that not all of these solutions will be applicable to every possible problem. If the lodge is ready to think imaginatively and invest in its future, it will be well on its road to recovering its place as Australia’s premier hospitality destination. However, if the lodge is hesitant to think imaginatively and invest in its future, it will have a difficult time reclaiming its former status.

References

Green, R. (2020). Binna Burra. Wildlife Australia, 57(1), 28-29.

Hughes, K., & Moscardo, G. (2019). Fun with fungi in the forest: making tourist experiences more sustainable with quality interpretation.

Robertson, J. S., & McGill, A. R. (1948). Birds of the 1947 Queensland camp-out at Binna Burra, Qld. Emu-Austral Ornithology, 47(5), 373-388.

Stubbs, B. J., & Specht, R. L. (2005). Lamington National Park and Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Queensland: partners in conserving rainforest. In A forest conscienceness. Proceedings of the 6th national conference of the Australian Forest History Society. Millpress, Rotterdam (pp. 707-716).

Sullivan, M. (2020). Recovering our burnt Gondwana forests. Wildlife Australia, 57(2), 24-31.