Strategies to Cope with the New Normal in Hospitality Industry

Businesses in the hospitality industry, particularly hotels and accommodations, confront the need to adapt new strategies for the new normal. Since the pandemic started, requirements have changed and it will take more than just the usual stuff to attract hotel guests.

Whether or not you have already taken initial steps to adapt to the new normal, this article shares some of the key aspects that you should not overlook when implementing measures to cope with changes.

Key Strategies for the Hospitality Industry

Make Security a Top Priority

Most travelers today are still hesitant to travel and stay in a hotel or any accommodation. While restrictions in many destinations have already been lifted due to the vaccine rollout, the idea of staying in a place for a few days still causes hesitation for some. You may also be demanded to provide strict protocols that will ensure their security.

As a hotel owner, you can implement security measures particularly those that establish safety and hygiene practices to give your guests the peace of mind they need.

• Inform them about your efforts to stay updated by being in constant contact with local authorities.
• Practice contact tracing. Keep a registry with records of your guests and employees recent travel history.
• Offer hotel transfers. Public transportation increases the risk of infection, if resources are available, offer them transportation to and from your hotel.
• Use and maintain clean linens and beddings. Follow a strict laundry protocol and choose high-quality linens that your guests will surely appreciate.
• Regularly disinfect your hotel. Use chemicals that are approved for fighting COVID-19 infection.
• Train your employees about COVID-19 protocols so that they’ll be confident and capable of maintaining security in your hotel.

Be Flexible to Unforeseen Changes

This is a time when changes happen unexpectedly. Cancellations may happen due to sudden changes in travel restrictions. These changes affect both hotel owners and customers so it is important to develop new policies that will help you adapt and offer your customers greater confidence. Some of the implementations that you may consider include:

• Develop a new cancellation policy. Implement new measures in case of disasters, epidemics, and other emergencies.
• Consider offering free cancellations. This is an advantage that guests will consider important at this time.
• Adjust check-in and check-out times. This is one way to assure your guests that they won’t have to settle in common areas that may expose them to other people.

Improve the Level of Hospitality Your Hotel Offers

Travel and vacations are now a luxury. Give your hotel guests an experience that will make them realize that the risk of traveling and staying in your hotel is truly worth it. 

• Make essential information about your hotel available online including contact numbers and exact location.
• Be more prompt in answering inquiries and offer as much detail as possible especially about the services you offer, security information, concierge services, restrictions, and others.
• Ensure that all the hotel essentials and amenities that your guests may need will be available in their room or upon request. A basic sanitation kit must also be provided upon checking in.
• Provide round-the-clock medical care and assistance.
• Keep them informed about your protocols and the additional services you offer by displaying important information.

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Hotel owners and guests go through adjustments to adapt to the new normal. Things may be more demanding these days but overall, it’s about providing hotel guests with the essentials they need at this time. With the right strategies in place, you will leave no room for them to doubt the safety, security, and level of hospitality that your hotel offers under the new normal.