COVID-19 is here to stay for the next few months or even more. This means that hotel owners and managers need to make some changes if they want to stay afloat and ahead of the competition. Hotels need to worker harder when reopening after the pandemic to help them get better business through the coming months. Here are tips to help you when opening your hotel booking after COVID-19.
Implement Health And Safety Measures
With the changing times, hoteliers must focus on the health and safety of their staff members and guests. This will be crucial both during and after the Covid-19 period. You must implement the necessary measures to protect your staff and guests as they interact with each other. You must keep inventory of sanitizers, masks, gloves, and special cleaning equipment and products. Social distancing measures are also important to prevent an outbreak in your property.
Review Financials
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing havoc across the globe and has created a completely extraordinary situation. This means that some of your previous plans may not be viable and you need to rethink almost everything. With your new financial plans, strategies and actions, you must factor in the ever-changing circumstances and the new consumer behavior. You must also ensure that you have a good exit strategy for your hotel business if things worsen.
Optimize Hotel Expenses
This is the time for hoteliers to get back on phone and contact their suppliers. You should talk to everyone and ensure that you negotiate new payment plans, deals, extensions, contracts, and much more. This is important because you must ensure that everything is working in your favor to help you survive the long and difficult road ahead.
Implement Realistic Revenue Management Strategies
Hoteliers will have to make rational decisions to guarantee business continuity. This is the best time to assess your revenue management operations. You will have to constantly review your hotel rates going forward. You must be flexible and level-headed because price swings are expected as some competitors will lower their prices to increase bookings. Always remember that demand will be inclined more on the safety strategies set in place rather than hotel room prices.
Boost Your Marketing Efforts
This is the time to increase your marketing efforts. You need a new marketing plan and strategies that will work to your advantage during and after the pandemic. This way, you will focus more on brand awareness and attract more direct bookings. Use targeted marketing strategies to reach people who are planning their next vacation.
Focus On Automation
You need to upgrade your hotel technology. This is the best time for you to invest in a better PMS systems. Your hotel operations must now be more efficient and with minimal steps. Whether it’s getting guests to your website or the check-in process, you must minimize the steps to enhance guests’ experience.
The economy across the world has been hit hard. Therefore, you should be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. You need to be extremely flexible because things tend to change very fast. Being dependable and adaptable will work for you because lockdowns may persist for months, but things may get back to normal quicker than expected.
