EVOLVE Business and Entrepreneur Magazine First Coast Region - October 2021 | Page 29

The Ritz-Carlton , Amelia Island
Hammock Beach Resort , Palm Coast

dging On Florida ’ s First Coast

Anderson
“ Based on our weekly monitoring of traveler sentiment starting on March 22 , 2020 , we were able to modify our messaging to communicate our features that satisfied their needs and stimulate strong demand …. even during the summer of 2020 ,” said Goldman . “ We also shared the information we learned about traveler sentiments and expectations with our tourism stakeholders and we advocated with them to adopt and communicate to their guests the actions properties were taking to make visitors ’ experiences safe as well as fun .”
These steps included mask wearing by staff , reduced capacities and lower density , important and consistent factors visitors wanted to see to feel safe in 2020 and early 2021 , according to Goldman .
Hoteliers : Diamonds to Darlings , The Lodging Sector Adapts
As a USA Today ‘ 10 Best Waterfront Hotels ’ recipient from 2016-2021 and a AAA Five Diamond Awarded property , The Ritz- Carlton on Amelia Island , was already a jewel . Evolving to become a haven of creativity , staff set about enhancing the visitor experience during a time when travel itself and breathing space had become commodities .
“ The pandemic has altered our luxury guests ’ needs . They look to escape to our secluded barrier island and once they are here they seek unique experiences that give them personal space . We ’ ve expanded our offerings that are more one-on-one ; such as personal
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