Hospitality Industry Plans Ahead of Time, Rises as Savior of Populace

As one of the most severely hit sector worldwide, the hospitality industry seems to be taking significant measure to rise from the troublesome times ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels have been forced to shut their doors and abide by government orders of respective countries.

Considering the situation post the end of this pandemic, the hospitality industry is consciously trying to maintain its image among the public. By standing in favor of the tourists who are unable to leave for their respective home countries, the industry is emerging as a savior of the populace in every possible manner.

Several hotels are spending considerable time over training their staff to maintain proper hygiene measures while serving their customers. Many are using disposable utensils to maintain distancing as suggested by the World Health Organization. By doing so they are focusing on maintaining customer loyalty and ensuring good health of staff in future as well.

Moreover, the hospitality industry along with the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) are coming together in hope of looking for potential lease arrangements for housing first responders and medical professionals.

A recently launched initiative — ‘Hotels for Hope’ is also aiding collaboration between hotels and local governments in their fight against COVID-19. Best Western, Travelodge, Hilton, Whitbread’s Premier Inn and Holiday Inn chain are among the few operators discussing the idea of opening arms to the vulnerable groups who are at heightened risk of contracting the virus. The ILUNION Hotels are coming forth to take in patients across its Madrid properties.

Besides hotels, other members of the hospitality industry, including those from the food services like Bindi, have started home delivery in the New York metro area and Los Angeles counties. Moreover, they are donating 10 percent of revenues to the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Relief Fund. The Pub and hotel chain — Fuller’s has exempted rent payments for its tenanted pubs across circa 400 sites.

Keeping employee satisfaction in mind, the operators of the Premier Inn Hotel chain — ‘Whitbread’ have put employees on a temporary furlough with a full pay. This includes the 20 percent of wages not included under the government scheme. Full pay for employees and the built up customer loyalty during this critical situation while surely benefit the hospitality industry in the long run.

Going a step further, a Swiss hospitality company — Le Bijou has come up with ‘COVID-19 Service’, a stay service with in-room coronavirus testing, doctor visits and 24/7 nurse care. Some people are enjoying their additional stay as isolation time in different hotels under the hospitality industry. A UK student, Chelsie Lee stuck in Singapore expressed her delight at being shifted to a five-star hotel on a resort island. Having a sea view which would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars is a dream come true for her.

Despite aggravated losses due to COVID-19, the hospitality industry is supporting the governments and standing beside the suffering populace. The coming time will surely lead to good revenues as a payback for their good work towards the society in general.