Post Crisis Adaptations for the Hospitality Industry

It’s getting to be that time of year when many people start to think about making vacation plans for the late spring and summer as the temperature begins to warm up and trees start to sprout their leaves again.  This year has been different with the travel restrictions and the impact it has had on people, the hospitality industry, and other businesses all over the United States and the world.  However, there is good news that can rise from this situation.

The desire to travel won’t disappear but where people choose to travel should change.  One trend that will most likely develop is the tendency to stay close to home.  It is expected that people will be under the impression that traveling farther distances would expose them to more viruses especially after many have been isolated in their homes for so long.  We should see a shift from people staying at large hotels and resorts in big cities to smaller inns and bed and breakfasts with fewer guests.  As a unique property owner, this will be a fantastic opportunity to highlight your post crisis adaptations.  You can advertise the increase in cleaning and sanitation that your housekeeping staff is taking to ensure you care about the health of your guests.

New Travel Trends

• Smaller Properties with fewer people.
  

  

• Rural Environments.
• Campgrounds, cottages, glamping, and Conestoga Wagons .
• Support for local business by staying close to home.
• Travelers will expect detailed information on cleaning processes.
• Gravitation towards modern minimalist room décor with less surfaces to be infected.

Hospitality Property Adaptations

• Deliver breakfast to individual rooms or serve at separate tables.
• Happy hour or dinner can be served al fresco.
• Supplement amenities with hand sanitizer to go along with the shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc, and/or provide hand sanitizer in the lobby or common area.
• Have masks on hand for guests as well as staff.
  

  

• Wash ALL bedding including top of bed between each reservation.
• Use antimicrobial hospitality linens such as the WPH Antimicrobial Towel.
• Switch to commercial-grade eco-friendly disinfectants that meet EPA standards.
• Spray disinfectants can be used on fabrics and soft surfaces between guests when laundering is not possible.
• Provide shoe racks at the door and slippers for use inside.
• Regular health checks on housekeeping and hospitality staff.
• Sanitize objects that are heavily touched between reservations such as room keys and switches on fans and lamps.
• Door knobs and light switches in common areas should be cleaned daily.
• Air out rooms if the weather is nice between guest reservations.
• Sanitize and place disposable covers over glasses, coffee mugs, and remote controls.
• Make cleaning process available on website.
• Offer a more customized experience catered towards each guest to make them feel at home.

InnStyle: Keeping You One Step Ahead

The travel restrictions will have a major impact on the hospitality and travel industries both now and in the years to come.  As a manager in the hospitality industry, it’s important to adapt and be ready for the upcoming industry changes.  One of the goals at InnStyle is to help you be prepared for what’s to come.  If you have any other hospitality questions, please feel free to call and speak with one of their account managers.  InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667.  Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.