From your perspective, how do fragrances influence a guest’ s perception of a hotel? What role does scent play in shaping brand identity, and how do you assist clients in selecting the right fragrances for their properties?
The sense of smell is scientifically proven to affect our mood and psychology. At the same time, the scents that reach our limbic system’s receptors create memories, by which we associate the smell with a specific experience.
In terms of hospitality, these facts combined lead to exceptional results in the way guests perceive a hotel, with a process of two stages. The first stage takes place when the guests arrive at a hotel; fragrances make them have a good first impression and feel comfortable, knowing that the accommodation has been taken care of. On the second stage, during their stay in the hotel, the guests start familiarizing with the fragrance and becoming able to connect that specific sense with the hotel’s brand name. Of course, choosing the appropriate scent is of great importance. This procedure begins with our clients’ personal taste, which means that we narrow the options down to what our customers prefer for their own facilities. Then, we evaluate the remaining solutions according to the hotel’s concept. For instance, if the property operates mostly during the summer period and is close by the sea or another tropical scenery, we will probably suggest a fragrance that contains tropical fruits, solar and salt accords etc. Finally, we take a look at the current trends and choose a perfume that is most likely to be appreciated by the majority of the guests.
Could you share any new technologies or innovations that TopStop has introduced? How do your systems ensure consistent fragrance delivery and long-lasting effects?
We always look for state-of-the-art fragrance delivery systems and invest on new perfume technologies.
Our current equipment includes new models of electric diffusers utilizing the cold-air nebulization technology, which is the safest, cleanest and most efficient way to scent a space. Additionally, we have developed – via carefully designed formulation – a series of different ways to apply the perfume in any kind of space, thus making fragrance consistency easily achievable.
Meanwhile, we are introducing new fragrance technologies based on mimicking the natural smell that is emitted from pure flowers, herbs, fruits and so on, instead of trying to replicate the extracts in the lab. Our fragrances contain mixtures characterized by low volatility, which ensure long-lastingness.
In terms of fragrance customisation, how flexible are your systems for individual hotel needs?
We are very flexible in creating customized solutions for our clients, not only in the part of fragrances, but also in the part of packaging. Our direct collaboration with very experienced Perfumers gives us the ability to make specific requests for unique fragrance creations, following our clients’ instructions. Apart from that, we can adjust the perfume containers to meet our customers’ needs. For example, we can carve our client’s logo on the wooden surface of a reed diffuser bottle, or design the label that is used on spraying dispensers (change the colors, fonts, dimensions etc.). Since all of the above are carried out in our facilities, we can provide personalized solutions in low minimum order quantities, which is a key factor for flexibility in fragrance customization.
What trends are you seeing in the use of fragrance systems? Are there any particular scent profiles that are gaining popularity or any shifts in some are being used?
More and more people nowadays ask for signature fragrances, seeking for a characteristic a sense that will enhance their brand identity. Current trends also involve fragrance delivery systems; most professionals in the hospitality sector request for efficient, safe, stylish and luxury equipment.
As for the scent profiles, fragrances that emit a sense of cleanliness and freshly-washed laundry are always very popular. Recently, perfumes in the direction of famous eau de parfum colognes have started to gain ground, because they create an aura of luxury.
