The hospitality industry is always on the move. Whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, or casino, these businesses rely on people coming through their doors to make a profit. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe, the hospitality industry is feeling the effects in a big way. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how COVID-19 is impacting the hospitality industry and what businesses can do to stay afloat.
1. Contactless Check-in Software
The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. With people being advised to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the hospitality industry are feeling the effects. One of the biggest changes that businesses have had to make is switching to contactless check-in software. This allows guests to check in without having to physically interact with anyone at the front desk. This is a great way to reduce the spread of germs and keep both guests and employees safe. The mobile check in hotels are using software that allows you to do this by scanning a QR code with your smartphone. It’s a quick and easy way to check in without having to worry about coming into contact with anyone.
2. Increased Cleaning and Sanitation Protocols
The hospitality industry has always been focused on cleanliness and sanitation, but the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted these efforts into overdrive. To protect guests and employees alike, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the hospitality industry have implemented increased cleaning and sanitation protocols. One of the most visible changes has been the increase in hand-washing and sanitizing stations. These are now found throughout hotel lobbies, restaurants, and other common areas. Guests are encouraged to wash their hands often, and staff members are required to do so before each shift.
3. Social Distancing Measures
Another big change that businesses in the hospitality industry have had to make is implementing social distancing measures. This includes things like reducing capacity in hotel rooms and restaurants, spacing out tables and chairs, and increasing the distance between guests in lines. These measures are necessary to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but they can also hurt businesses. After all, fewer people in hotel rooms mean less revenue for the hotel. The same is true for restaurants with fewer people dining in. Social distancing measures are necessary, but they are also taking a toll on businesses in the hospitality industry.
4. Flexible Cancellation Policies
Another way that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the hospitality industry is in the form of flexible cancellation policies. Many hotels and resorts have implemented flexible cancellation policies that allow guests to cancel their reservations without penalty. This is a great way to show guests that you are understanding the situation and that you want them to feel comfortable canceling if they need to. It’s also a good way to keep business coming in, even if it’s just for a future date. Also, many businesses are offering special rates for those who need to cancel due to the pandemic. This is a great way to show your customers that you care about them and want to help them out in any way possible.
5. Virtual Tours and Live Streams
To stay competitive during the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses in the hospitality industry have turned to virtual tours and live streams. This allows potential guests to see what your business has to offer without having to physically be there. This is a great way to reach out to potential guests and show them what you have to offer. It’s also a great way to keep existing guests engaged with your business. Virtual tours and live streams are a great way to stay connected with your guests during the pandemic.
6. Contactless Payment Options
Another way that businesses in the hospitality industry are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic is by offering contactless payment options. This allows guests to pay for their stay without having to physically interact with anyone. This is a great way to reduce the spread of germs and keep both guests and employees safe. There are many different contactless payment options available on most POS systems, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Contactless payment options are a great way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and make things more convenient for guests.
7. Adjusted Hours and Services
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses in the hospitality industry have had to adjust their hours and services. This includes things like reducing the number of hours that they are open, closing certain parts of the business, and offering modified services. This is a necessary way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep both guests and employees safe. However, it can also harm business. After all, fewer hours of operation means less revenue. Therefore, businesses must carefully consider how they want to adjust their hours and services.
8. Employee Safety Protocols
Employee safety is a top priority for businesses in the hospitality industry. To ensure the safety of employees, many businesses have implemented increased cleaning and sanitation protocols. Employees are also being encouraged to practice social distancing and to wear personal protective equipment. These measures are necessary to keep employees safe and to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Businesses need to make sure that their employees feel safe and comfortable at work during the pandemic.
Why is safety more important than ever in the hospitality industry?
The hospitality industry is all about people. Employees and guests interact with each other daily. Therefore, businesses in the hospitality industry need to take measures to protect both employees and guests from the spread of COVID-19. Employees need to feel safe at work, and guests need to feel confident that they won’t get sick while staying at a hotel or resort. Implementing increased cleaning and sanitation protocols, Encouraging social distancing, and wearing personal protective equipment are all great ways to keep everyone safe. The hospitality industry needs to prioritize safety now more than ever before.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the hospitality industry. From increased cleaning and sanitation protocols to flexible cancellation policies, businesses have had to make some big changes. The good news is that many businesses are finding ways to adapt and even thrive. So, while the pandemic has been a challenge for the hospitality industry, it has also been a time of innovation and creativity.