Tourism accounts for 1 in 10 jobs around the globe. Tourism is among the industries which have been hit the hardest of all the economic sectors. However, let’s not forget what tourism is about – it is about going beyond walls.
As we are coming out of the hibernation period caused by COVID19 – you might have already reopened your hotel or you are just about to do so – in either situation it is very important to focus on solutions. You can ask yourself: What steps should I take to help me get out of thinking and acting as if I was still in survival mode?
There is definitely a need to shift from the state of reaction to the state of proaction. There is no space for the wait-and-see approach anymore, but to take actions as they are the path to success. Everything is in your hands – you can become successful but you need to adapt to the new reality – rethink and act – while staying flexible. Reimagine the new normal. Anticipate what will happen next. Yes, of course, we do not have a crystal ball. We do not have all the answers right now. However, learning to act responsively and plan solutions for the future (trying to stay ahead) is the key. It is surprising that some hotels are doing so little. Do not be one of them. There is so much competition you need to face, isn’t it?
The good news is that people forget quickly. And as traveling is in our DNA, ultimately the fear will go away. Nevertheless, it is good to apply the practices described below so that you have a sound base for taking well-conceived actions. Bear in mind that the situation you are facing now is not only full of challenges but also opportunities. Create a coherent plan which will serve you for months or maybe years… Remember until the proper vaccine is discovered, the new reality becomes our every day life.
Below you can find 5 practices which you should follow right away:
RECALL BRAND ESSENCE
While taking actions do not forget what was your hotel’s mission. If you are a hotel owner you need to have in mind why you started the hotel in the first place. Do not let the image of your hotel get diluted because of the coronavirus. Your brand has not changed. Being consistent and clear about what makes you unique and special is the foundation for your business to be successful. It also helps you connect with your customers.
THINK IN A LONG-TERM
Applying short-term fixes make people feel more confident to travel again but focus mostly on long-term solutions. Why? We do not know what future holds for us, for the world, for the tourism industry. Perhaps there will be a second wave of the virus. Hopefully not! At this moment even though the situation seems to be more under control, the virus is here to stay among us and be present in our everyday life. It may come back with double the strength… That is why thinking strategically, in a long term, focusing on the future results is what you should be doing right now.
WELCOME CREATIVITY
This is the perfect time for creativity – inventing, coming up with new ideas, being original at the highest possible level. Creativity is the ability to perceive the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns, to make connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, and to generate solutions. In order to get into a creative mode, you need to calm your mind first. “Sometimes it’s better to just be quiet, to not think of anything at all. Out of silence comes the greatest creativity” – James Altucher. It is important that you take this factor into consideration and try not to feel under pressure but to calm down. Besides that, also remember that less is more – this popular saying (first popularized by minimalist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe) means that less complicated is often better understood and more appreciated than what is more complex.
ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY
It is important to emphasize what is happening in your community, how you and your employees are supporting your neighborhood and how much empathy you are showing to other companies and people in general. Engagement in communities should be an important part of your business. What is more, according to the World Happiness Report, happiness is closely linked to social equality and community spirit. Helping others by engaging your entire team, will contribute to everyone’s well-being, which in a long-term will bring positive results also at work.
REINFORCE REPUTATION
How do you want your hotel to be seen coming out of it this crisis? How do you want your brand to be perceived? Remember that your guests play many roles – they are your influencers as well as your ambassadors! Word of mouth is of crucial importance in your hotel’s reputation and it will be spread by the first post-COVID19-lockdown guests coming to your hotel. And they need to feel safe. Your guests are not necessarily interested in how soft your bedlinen is or how silky the rug placed next to the bed is but how clean and safe your facilities are. With this being said, demonstrate what you are doing – how did you change the rooms, common areas etc. to give people the comfort of safety. Trust us – they want to stay informed.
See our previous post including 5 other important practices to follow, click here.
