TRENDING
explains what is available at each property and helps curate a custom experience that aims to meet the incoming guests ’ needs , depending on where they are in terms of COVID sensitivity ,” he says . “ While our standards are never wavering , we find that communication is critical to ensuring guest expectations are met and exceeded .”
Shannon Knapp , president and CEO , The Leading Hotels of the World ( LHW ), reminded , “ As business demand at our properties has grown , our hoteliers have carefully balanced local food and beverage demand , in-house guest expectations and government protocol .”
Throughout the pandemic LHW fast-tracked several new products and services focused on empowering independent hotels with information and industry leading platforms . This included a COVID-19 Resource Center , the LHW Virtual Learning Platform and a hotelier community discussion board . Knapp added , “ The conversation and collaboration we have witnessed between hoteliers sharing challenges and best practices has been critically important for our members . For example , Mr . C Miami , Coconut Grove , recently shared unique challenges and successes they have been facing as travel has returned to the Miami market . On our discussion board , they highlighted staffing challenges as demand returned , benefits of a strong health and safety plan , ideas to help cost control , tips for pivoting to a drive-market strategy , and much more .”
Domestic travel in the United
States , particularly to secondary cities and resort locations , is recovering rapidly . Airline statistics are showing week on week growth and STR numbers are improving . By June / July , Europe will be re-open to vaccinated travelers . At the time of reporting first quarter results in late April 2021 , Sébastien Bazin , chairman and CEO of Accor , said ,
WE MUST BE MORE THAN ADEQUATELY
PREPARED FOR SUCH AN
IMMEDIATE REBOUND ; CLIENTS ARE EXCITED AND EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGH .
THIS IS AN UNPRECEDENTED
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE HOSPITALITY
INDUSTRY TO SHINE . HOW PREPARED ARE WE ?
– PETER BATES
“ Today , all our efforts are focused on the strong recovery expected this summer .”
We must be more than adequately prepared for such an immediate rebound ; clients are excited and expectations are high . This is an unprecedented opportunity for the hospitality industry to shine . How prepared are we ?
22 hotelsmag . com May / June 2021