inventory ” mindset isn ’ t viable at this time . However , we believe the economy is strong , our industry is resilient , and we will overcome this obstacle as well .
H : The pandemic has changed the way people travel . What changes have you incorporated to address new needs and interests ? Has the breakfast buffet returned in your hotels ? SA : The pandemic has done two things regarding travel — it has increased our appreciation for it and , for some guests , our apprehension with it . We have increased our investment in our service culture and digital products to ensure guests are delighted whenever they travel .
At all IHG branded hotels , cleanliness is top priority . Our longstanding commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures was enhanced at the outset of the pandemic with the IHG Way of Clean program developed with Ecolab and Diversey .
Breakfast is something we take seriously and guests love the diverse options at Holiday Inn Express . The enhanced breakfast offering provides favorite items , including signature pancakes , warm cinnamon rolls and our proprietary recipe for bacon . In response to growing consumer demand for healthy options , the breakfast menu includes items like Hormel turkey sausage , Chobani Greek yogurt , fresh fruit , and old-fashioned rolled oats .
The use of breakfast buffets varies across markets globally as different markets continue to be in a different place with COVID-19 and restrictions . However , where possible , we have re-introduced our breakfast buffet offering as it is a much-loved part of the guest experience . The Express Start breakfast is currently available across 94 % of hotels in the Americas , with 6 % under COVID regulations or planning a full return to breakfast soon .
H : What are you doing differently to attract more “ bleisure ” travelers ? SA : One of the positives that has come from a post-COVID-19 world are remote and hybrid work models . Most of our guests are choosing to work from our hotels . Since our hotels are located in almost every market in the U . S ., we are finding guests taking adventure of longer stays that initially were leisure but due to our functional design , our guests feel comfortable working from the hotel during the week .
Holiday Inn Express recently launched its own TikTok channel , where we share aspirational content of guests traveling often for both business and leisure .
H : What ’ s next for the brand in terms of product enhancements , prototypes , etc .? SA : Last year , we introduced the next evolution of the brand ’ s successful Formula Blue design and this is now available in select properties across the U . S ., including Jackson , Georgia ; Santa Clarita , California ; and Fort Smith , Arkansas . The Formula Blue brings the nowfamiliar trademark elements of open check-in , enclosed breakfast bar , and guest room refreshment zone to hotel owners and travelers . Formula Blue 2.0 features a purposefully contemporary layout and has been the most popular design initiative in the brand ’ s 30-year history . It is now in place in over 1,100 hotels in North America . Formula Blue 2.0 includes refreshed public spaces with localized artwork and new guest room designs focused on delivering on a guests ’ functional needs , more space , while providing cost savings for owners .
At our European properties , the focus has centered upon upgrading guest rooms with a ‘ next generation ’ design at all new hotel openings . It has been rolled out across two-thirds of the existing estate . Next generation guest rooms balance home comforts with smart design features , such as a flexible workspace , ergonomically designed chairs , ample USB ports and plug sockets , higher quality bedding and a smart TV that enables guests to stream media from a personal device .
May 2022 hotelsmag . com 21