Joanna James
2020 is the year that abruptly disrupted the entire travel and hospitality industry with the unexpected and unfortunate effects of the global pandemic. Nevertheless, it is apparent that the industry is back on the road to recovery, and staying abreast of these trends can help get ahead of the game.
Living the digital nomad lifestyle is no longer a distant dream that only a lucky few who are engaged in a digital and rather odd line of work, or dare I say, internet geeks, are blessed with. Thanks to the remote working conditions made possible by the global pandemic, that long-awaited holiday getaway need not be put on hold anymore, as a remarkable number of professionals can now take their work on the road, killing two birds with one stone. Hotels and resorts can certainly cash in on this emerging trend by promoting quieter environments and targeted amenities such as free high-speed internet.
While it is clear that the travel industry is beginning to get itself out of the woods, international travels still pose a bit of an inconvenience and hassle and have got a long way to go before reaching the seamless, pre-pandemic state. As long as international communities continue to fall victim to new coronavirus variants, COVID tests and other red tape make travelling sickening, and soaring airline prices exist, staycations are here to stay. There has not been a better time for hotels to come up with promotions such as resident offers, which can help attract yearning local holidaymakers.
Long gone are the days when the hotel location, luxury amenities and whatnot were ruling the hospitality industry. Now it is the era of health, safety and cleanliness. Health and self-care have taken centre stage like never before, and almost every hospitality and tourism college, including the likes of the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management, make it an integral element in their study courses. If there is one thing that hotels should be paying attention to right now, it would be their COVID-19 safety policy and sticking to it, as it has been proven to directly influence the reservations of a property.
Contactless mobile check-in, digital payment platforms and travel apps have gained unprecedented momentum since 2020, as these technologies facilitate social distancing and eliminate customer-facing processes. While certain establishments may find it difficult to invest in such technology, especially after a long period of dry spell, they do bring some promising benefits in the long run.
The travel and hospitality industry has seen a remarkable rise of solo travellers from many parts of the world over the past few years. Lowering barriers between hotel staff and guests and creating a friendlier and homely atmosphere can attract such solitary holidaymakers.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
