How to Prepare for a Post-Pademic Rebound

During the recent past, the hospitality sector can be classed as one sector that was faced with many disasters, and that includes natural hazards, terrorist attacks, economic recessions, and now- the pandemic COVID-19! With correct strategic focuses, the industry always recovered sooner than anyone expected, and it has to be the same this time too. Here's how hoteliers should get ready for the post-pandemic rebound, especially in Sri Lanka.

What really happened?

COVID-19 wanted the world to halt for some time, and it accomplished its target quite smartly. The travel and tourism industry almost collapsed with lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing policies, and now things are getting back to normal slowly. This happened not only in Sri Lanka but with everything and everyone around the globe. Just like how all other industries took the maximum use of the time spent in isolation, hoteliers also did the same, and they are still doing it. They know that things will get better soon, and when it happens, things will be slightly different than they used to be too.

Training and development opportunities

This means making the hotel teams ready to face the time after the pandemic. It's indeed a good break for everyone to re-engineer their processes and correct any loopholes in their processes after correct detection of them. This is really an investment that hotels can do, and this will surely have some training and development part for the hotel staff in it. Once the hotels open up, then the processes will be more productive than they were and will be more effective and efficient as well. Since health and safety measures will be prioritized, it's also a great idea to train the staff to undertake such operations.

Staying connected

Hotel operations came to a halt along with the pandemic. But did you ever think how much of a struggle your key contacts must be enduring throughout this period? So, if hoteliers could stay connected with their agencies, suppliers, clients, and partners that will strengthen business relationships among the parties. One email, a phone call, or a text message would do, and this way, they can also discuss their way forward. Letting someone know that they are not alone during a hard time is one of the best things that a human being can do, so why not take this chance?

Designing an ideal marketing strategy

It's a fact that the ones who are smart in marketing, can reap greater harvests, no matter how bad the situations are. Hotels have already introduced this 'book now, stay later' options, and are advertising them all over the cyberspace. If you are a hotelier, you can also try out this smart move to attract the attention of interested parties. Do not go for dramatic discounts for the sake of offering them, because it will be hard for you to return to your regular rates when the demand gets normalized. Instead, offer some modest promotions initially, and see how the target audience responds.

What's next?

Conditions in Sri Lanka are getting back to the normal state again, after quite a mission. The authorities will soon reopen the country for tourists, but they will ask the relevant parties to strictly adhere to WHO and government rules and regulations imposed for health and safety. Accordingly, all the best hotels in Sri Lanka will also be starting their operations, and popular chains the likes of Aitken Spence Hotels are already taking proactive measures to serve their guests with the same love and care once they start to come to hotels.