The hotel and accommodation industry is among the hardest-hit industries of the pandemic, along with other hospitality businesses like restaurants and cafes. Travel restrictions and quarantine guidelines prevented people from going out and fulfilling outside commitments, leading to the eventual economic downturn that we all experienced. But now that the pandemic is subsiding and the world is going back to normal, many hospitality businesses are wondering how they can bounce back.
The road to returning to full operational capacity (and returns) may still be far ahead, but that doesn’t mean businesses should wait until it arrives. Experts are predicting a surge in economic activity when the world fully opens up again, as people who’ve been forced to stay inside their homes are eager to go out and spend. That’s why establishments of all types, from small resorts to bed and breakfast businesses, from small cafes to big restaurants should prepare for this surge.
Only by adequately preparing for this, and making positive business decisions today will your business flourish and grow. Below are some of those preparatory measures.
Offer Meal Delivery
Hotels, restaurants, and cafes were severely affected by the pandemic. Their customers essentially stopped coming at all, and they struggled to find profit. However, thanks to the increased logistical capacity of the business industry (large thanks to technology), restaurants without an in-house delivery system can make use of third-party services to deliver their goods to their clients. This is a great way to keep the cash coming in, and not to mention, keep your brand visible to your audience. Even hotels that are known for their restaurant meals can use this tactic.
Marketing and Engagement is Still Useful
Because the pandemic essentially halted many business activities, many establishments opted to stop their digital marketing drives entirely. However, this results in the algorithm removing your page from your target audience’s newsfeed, giving you a hard time connecting with them. Make sure to still maintain engagement, and to keep your marketing efforts continuous and consistent. Use this to advertise your updated products and services, especially if you’ve adapted to the current changes.
Health and Wellness is Now a Necessity
Among the most significant changes that have happened over the past couple of months is the implementation of health and safety measures. Make sure that your business strictly adheres to this, as you and your employees are still at the risk of contracting the disease. Hotels and restaurants operating at a limited capacity will do well in using touch-free payment systems (or even digital payment schemes), zero-contact service policies, and hygiene stations.
This shows that your business cares for their clients’ health and safety, as well as helping decrease the rates of transmission. You’re also protecting your employees from sickness as well.
Use Modern Technology to Your Benefit
As mentioned throughout the article, some businesses are allowed to resume operations albeit under a limited capacity. This doesn’t mean that you should immediately cut your staff, far from it. This only means that you should ask those with necessary positions to report for work, and allow those with clerical roles to work from home.
Many property management franchise options offer cloud-based control options, allowing business owners to see and interact with their business despite not being present on site. Many hoteliers have been using such systems during face-to-face operations, but using cloud technology, it can be done remotely. Take advantage of the conveniences that modern technology affords us, as it will greatly help operations.
Appeal to the Millennial Market
Millennials, among the largest spending age group in the world today, are very eager to go out. As a matter of fact, many of those who have taken the vaccine have already started going out and resuming their travel activities. Experts predict that they will be the first to resume traveling en masse.
That’s why it’s best to put your marketing efforts towards appealing to them first as it’s more likely that they will play an integral part in the recovery of many businesses. Appealing to millennials is relatively easy: simply be authentic. The younger generation prefers authenticity over a manufactured image, so you should communicate your intent as authentically as possible.
Worries and concerns over this whole issue can’t be understated. But neither can we simply wait for things to return to normal. The tips provided here are ways you can both prepare for the upcoming surge of activity and to help your business through the current situation. The key factor here is perseverance and determination: two things every business owner must have.