Bed and Breakfast Owners

Some bed and breakfasts have been in business for decades, but it's only been in the last 30 years that inns have become popular vacation spots. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that employment for all lodging managers, including bed and breakfast owners, will grow by 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Tourists are seeking out inns as inexpensive and charming alternatives to the rising cost and sterile, cookie-cutter design of hotels and motels. People are even centering their vacation plans on bed and breakfasts, booking trips to historical towns for restful departures from cities. As long as bed and breakfasts can keep their rates lower than large hotel chains, they are likely to flourish.

Recognizing the appeal of bed and breakfasts, some hotel chains are considering plans to capitalize on the trend with "inn-style" lodging. Smaller hotels composed of larger, suite-style rooms with more personalized service may threaten the business of some bed and breakfasts. But the charm and historic significance of an old house can't easily be reproduced, so bed and breakfasts are expected to maintain their niche in the tourism industry.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will continue to have some effect on the future of bed and breakfasts. Inns with more than six rooms are required to comply with the ADA, making their rooms and grounds handicapped accessible. When purchasing a property for the purpose of a bed and breakfast, buyers must take into consideration the expense and impact of making such additions and changes. Some businesses may have trouble complying, but those that can will open up an area of tourism previously unavailable to people with disabilities.