Origami And Folded Paper | Origami And Folded Paper Guide

Here's a simple, and proven way for housekeeping staff to increase tip income. You probably would never think that something so simple as how a towel is folded could actually make a difference in your tips, but it's true.

Folded towel animals (aka towel origami) have long been a staple on board popular cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Cabin stewards go through 10 days of training to learn how to make towel animals shaped like elephants, scorpions, puppies, monkey's, goats, and even peacocks.

How does this affect your tip income?

Why not borrow from a successful, and proven idea? Ask anyone who has recently returned from a cruise what they loved most. More than likely the answer will be the food and the towel animals.

Maybe it's because they're so cute, maybe because the idea is so unique, maybe it's because of all the different ways the cabin stewards have learned to display these cuddly creatures. But one thing is for sure, guests love them, and more importantly, they remember and talk about them.

Also, guests perceive that the person who cleaned their room that day put a lot of time, effort, and thought into making their towel animal. It gives the room a personal touch.

The Law of Reciprocity states that the universe responds in kind. So if a guest feels like someone has done a good and thoughtful thing for them, they will respond in kind by doing something good back (ie. a bigger tip).

If you've ever been on a cruise, you've seen this in action. Guests absolutely rave about the towel animals and respond with nice, big tips.

So the next time you or your staff goes to clean a room, add a towel animal and see how much your tips go up.