What difficulties are hotels facing during the pandemic?
With the onset of the pandemic, hundreds of hotels around the world were forced to suspend operations indefinitely.
Despite the fact that almost all hotels have now had the opportunity to return to their previous mode of operation, 88% of hoteliers report that they are struggling significantly with the crisis that has arisen.
A large study was conducted by specialists from Cendy, who found out what main difficulties hotels faced during the downturn. The survey included hotels of various categories located in different countries around the world. 25% of the surveyed hotels reported that they continue to operate as usual, while 29% of respondents are forced to operate under serious restrictions.
To minimize financial losses, hoteliers have to significantly reduce all expense items.
One of the main methods of saving for them has been to limit funding for advertising programs, as well as to suspend the operation of restaurants and bars. For many hotels, the only method of saving has been staff reduction, with 42% of respondents resorting to layoffs.
Every second hotel during the pandemic engaged in additional activities. Some hotels offered their rooms to local residents during the self-isolation period, while others temporarily retrained staff as couriers. The study also revealed that 42% of the surveyed hotels did not receive any assistance from the government during the epidemic.
Nevertheless, most hotels made the most of the difficult period. About 58% of respondents reported that during the downturn, they focused on functional training for staff and paid attention to studying new standards, compliance with which will be necessary after the pandemic ends. Almost all hoteliers also note that they believe in a very quick revival of the hotel business.
The first stage of operations will be the service of domestic travelers, and with the resumption of air travel between countries, hoteliers will gradually need to regain the trust of foreign tourists. The survey revealed that even during the pandemic, almost all hotels received booking requests. Most domestic tourists were willing to come to hotels despite the epidemic; however, according to the current regulations, hotels were required to refuse such clients.
