How hotels can prepare for the post-Covid-19 holiday market

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an enormous effect on businesses across virtually every sector in every country in the world. But there can be no doubt that the tourism industry is one that has been most markedly affected, with worldwide passenger air traffic down an astonishing 95%. This means that all businesses in tourism have suffered. But with some signs that the world is returning to normalcy - countries coming out of lockdown and having a better understanding - mean that hotels will need to prepare for the holiday market in a post-Covid-19 world. Here we take a look at what your hotel needs to do. Update your marketing strategy It must first be said that the way that you market your hotel may need to change. Those people who will be staying in your hotel will have different priorities, and especially over the next few years: new fears and barriers. It is important, then, that you should have a marketing strategy that helps to alleviate common fears. You should emphasise outdoor spaces and closeness to nature. It is also important to recognise that what people will be looking for is a sense of normality to return. Hotels should look to show that they can still provide a luxury experience and something to look forward to. Sanitation and cleaning It is important to do everything you can to ensure that your hotel is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. Not only does this help to prevent the potential for flare-ups with the virus, but it also provides guests with a sense of safety. Many hotels have already put in measures in place such as making hand sanitiser available and disinfecting luggage. It is also a good idea to make cleaning a big deal. Show off how much you clean and what you are doing to ensure that you are minimising the risk. Safety and security is still a priority Remember that safety and security are going to be a huge priority for guests - they are going to want to know that they are safe. It can be a great idea, then, to install temperature scanning devices. If you want to take your monitoring a step further, the best idea is to have CCTV cameras installed. You can have wireless or wired cameras set up across your property meaning that you can have cameras installed to watch any part of the hotel. Rethink food preparation and cooking Hotels may need to rethink some aspects of their food preparation and cooking. Some hotels have been suggesting that buffets may no longer be acceptable as a way to serve a large number of customers. This could be a major problem, however, as so many large hotels rely on buffet service in order to cater. It can be equally important to get certification to show the cleanliness and safety standards of your kitchen. You will need to have all of your certificates on show, as a matter of course. Follow local government advice closely It is worth pointing out that the pandemic still evolving and government advice across the world changes regularly. Your hotel needs to be flexible as possible, and be ready to have to satisfy different standards. No one can say yet how the virus will evolve, but hotels - like all businesses - need to stay up to date with local government advice. Minimise interactions between staff and guests At least initially, many guests at your hotel may prefer an atmosphere in which they are not forced to have unnecessary interaction with staff. For example, rather than having check-in and check-out handled in person by an employee, this could be handled on an electronic device. Electronic reception services could become an important way to provide guests with better peace of mind. It is just an effective way to help guests to feel more comfortable in their surroundings and not have to worry more than they need to. Final thoughts As the normalcy returns and hotels begin to get back the business they have lost, things will need to change, because the guests will be changed by the pandemic. The hotels that recognise this will be the ones that are able to capitalise on the opportunities available. By Annie Button