LIFE FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AFTER COVID

UNDERSTAND HOW HOTELS AND SERVICED ACCOMMODATIONS MUST EVOLVE TO ADAPT TO THE "NEW NORMAL"

COVID-19 has been one of the most difficult challenges ever faced by the travel and hospitality industry. Without a doubt, it will leave hotels forever transformed in its wake. As the virus subsides, it will reveal a transformed landscape, and hotels will need to adjust to move operations to higher ground.

As the world slowly opens up again in the wake of the pandemic, our hotel stays are set to be organised differently. Some beloved practices have to be shelved - goodbye buffets - and new protocols introduced to ensure that travelers and staff feel safe and protected.

A NEW DEFINITION OF CLEAN

The number one focus will continue to be on health and safety: in other words, hygiene and sanitation.

"Travelers are yearning for enhanced transparency around cleaning, hygiene and sanitation measures at a property." Pepijn Rijvers, Senior Vice President of Accommodations at Booking.com.

The strict cleaning protocols initiated during the pandemic will continue to be vital, with staff training a constant theme. Hotels will need to demonstrate that they have implemented enhanced health and safety protocols for cleaning guest rooms, meeting spaces and common spaces in their properties, as well as back-of-house areas. Hand sanitizers, masks and social distancing measures are here to stay for the foreseeable future.

THE PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS

Wellness is at the core of our business and we see a distinct and innovative opportunity to create a well-prepared environment for travelers within and outside our hotel.

Outdoor spaces have taken on a new significance, with dining, meetings and recreational activities moving outdoors. Regardless of the weather, guests prefer being in the open air where there is less chance of contracting the virus. Furthermore, people have rediscovered the simple pleasure of getting out into nature and embracing the surroundings. We strongly believe these new habits may well remain even after the virus is under control.

TOUCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

Contactless mobile check-in, self-service kiosks, virtual key access, voice-activated room controls… The hospitality industry has had to rethink every aspect of its customer experience to reduce risks of contamination and exposure. Of course, this was already a trend; Covid has merely accelerated it.

Today’s guests are actively looking for a touch-free experience, with recent surveys finding the overwhelming majority would opt for a hotel with fully contactless check-in and reservation facilities over one without.

The trick is to ensure unnecessary contact is minimized without guests feeling disconnected. In fact, digital technology can help in this instance. Data collected on future guests preferences shall also be used to personalize their stay, in turn strengthening customer's loyalty.

Social media channels will become an even more effective way for brands to inform travelers about COVID-inspired updates and upgrades, and to illustrate how new protocols are part of creating an appealing, special hotel experience.

A TASTE FOR THE CONTACTLESS DINING

Who doesn't love starting the day off with a bowl of yogurt and cereal, a plenty variety of fruits of the season, sliced cheeses and cold cuts, assorted bread or a pain au chocolat? Alas, while we all adore the breakfast buffet, it may become a thing of the past. It looks like individually plated and served meals will become the norm, or maybe a “grab-and-go” option. Room service on a cart may be a thing of the past too.

The idea will be to prevent cross-contamination by minimizing guest contact with food and surfaces. So, for restaurants to operate safely, they must offer contactless dining. The key here is to find the correct balance between a distant and a prime service. The space must be designed with social distancing measures in place, either using diagramming software or by carefully measuring out tables and chairs. But it’s important to have a knowledgeable server on hand to explain the specials and answer any questions - secure and safely.

Studies have shown that guests strongly favor automated orders, and have adapted to life without printed menus, instead accessing online versions via the restaurant’s QR code.

STAY SAFE & STAY AHEAD WITH PRIME SUITES

Although we all enjoy being welcomed at reception by smiling hotel staff, at Prime Suites our guests’ safety and comfort is our number one priority. As a new hotel, we’ll be able to install the latest technology in our serviced accommodations. Guests will have the option to check-in on their mobile device, receive a digital key, and proceed directly to their luxury studio or villa without any staff contact.

Following the Post-Luxury pillar, where "Less is Better", it looks like minimalism will be the way forward in reducing the number of items that need to be disinfected. We will possibly wave goodbye to complimentary pens, paper, magazines and guest directories, and other items that we love but are not crucial to the room and guest's experience.

For a safe meal, besides our In Room Dining service, the poolside restaurant with open doors guarantees the air is constantly refreshed by Ceará's splendid coastal breeze.

Our fitness room, wellness facility and conference room will be all fitted with state-of-the art equipment and technology. All set following and respecting the social distancing requirements.

Best of all, with the ocean and vast sandy beaches on our doorstep, we’re able to offer a huge variety of outdoor activities. From kite surfing to kayaking and horse-riding, many can be tailored to small, intimate groups.

Finally, coronavirus has changed travel in so many previously unimaginable ways. There is the visible, then there is the subtle. More than ever before, communication with guests will be crucial for the hotel industry's rebound.

So what are you waiting for? Join us and be part of this new Era.

Share this article and visit us on www.myprimesuites.com!

By Paula Tonini Moura,

Product & Excellence Manager