Omicron Impact and Future of Hospitality Industry
Are you worried about the future of the hospitality industry after the surge of Covid-19 and the new variant, Omicron, in 2022? We get you! The hospitality business all over the world has faced lots of challenges and losses in the business in the last two years due to Covid.
The year 2022 will surely be a game-changer in shaping the future of the hospitality industry, particularly in India. Lockdowns, restrictions on international and domestic travel, and uncertainties harmed the hotel industry in 2020 and 2021.
The pandemic was coming under control in 2021 and was more manageable and normal when the industry started experiencing adversity again during the holiday season due to the rise of Omicron, a new Covid variant.
In such a scenario, it is evident that the new variant will hinder recovery, especially now that the Omicron threat is lurking. This winter season was awaited with eager anticipation, but things are unlikely to be as bright as they were a few months earlier.
The New Year's profits would have given the hotel business a much-needed relaxation time. However, they are now facing cancellations as a result of increased restrictions. The government has extended the prohibition of scheduled foreign passenger flights.
Aashish Gupta, CEO of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), said there is uncertainty in the hospitality business about the effect of the Omicron variant, with conflicting reports pouring in from different regions concerning its intensity and speed of spread.
On the one hand, foreign tourists have yet to visit India because of lockdowns. On the other, to maintain safety and stop the spread of the virus, governments restricted travel across state borders and hotels. Tourists were only permitted to enter through state lines if they had just finished their vaccination or had the most recent clear RT-PCR test report. These factors made it difficult for passengers to book trips and pushed away potential customers from the hospitality business.
As the pandemic's second year came to an end, the hotel industry would enter the post-lockdown phase in 2022, a changed version of the hotel business. Major changes in management, servicing, and market trends will set the standard for the future of the hospitality industry. 2022 will be the ultimate test to assess if these new trends will last.
The hospitality and tourism industries have also implemented what they've learned over the last two years to prepare for a sudden threat like Omicron. There is a global agreement that we must be continually alert while remaining functional.
Until the Covid-19, the hospitality business was a hands-on industry. But today, thehospitality industry has found it's new normal, which is digitally powered and contactless. Travellers are now enjoying the tech-assisted experience, from booking directly via the hotel websites and making early inquiries to taking the trip and returning home.
The hospitality sector has changed into a futuristic version, still bouncing with the COVID-19 effect and the new variant Omicron, with its never dying attitude. The following are some of the predicted market trends for the coming year:
Make the Most of Every Opportunity, but Keep Distance from the Crowds
Immersive experiences that are unique and undiscovered have been a trend for a few years, and this trend is expected to continue. Travelers are willing to go even greater miles to find a safe place that provides them with an earthy, even rustic, immersing pleasant journey away from the crowds at popular destinations.
If hotels in tier-2 and tier-3 cities can provide the minimum safety and facilities that tourists require, they should accommodate more guests. So travellers will seek fresh experiences that will enhance and make their vacations memorable.
Even small facilities, such as pet-friendly hotels, and proper safety measures for Covid will attract an increasing number of tourists since they contribute to guests' series of experiences.
Technology-Enabled and Digitalisation in Hospitality Industry
The change brought about by digitalisation and technological innovation may readily be linked to the fast growth of the hospitality industry in India and worldwide. Online bookings and technology-enabled hotel management systems have already become established in the hospitality industry; now, technological advancements in customer service have been advanced.
Along with the benefits of technology, decreasing human involvement for a smooth check-in and check-out and minimising human input at restaurants will be widely adopted. Indian consumers are becoming more tech-savvy, which will help the hospitality industry in technological advancement.
The Recovery Strategy Will Focus on Domestic Travel
The speed of international travel is likely to pick up slowly, but domestic travel is expected to rise real quick as everyone wants some relaxation after a long pandemic. Domestic travellers' eagerness to see more of the country, at least until international travel returns to normal, will boost the industries' recovery from the impact of Omicron.
Workaholics, staycationers, and business and leisure seekers will seek out domestic hotels and homestays that meet their accessibility, affordability, connectivity, and comfort requirements.
Safety and Long-Term Sustainability
When booking a hotel or resort, sustainability and safety will be high on the list of amenities that customers look for. People have become more concerned about the hotel's hygiene and sanitisation due to the pandemic effect. However, everyone has begun to pay greater attention to the hotel's eco-friendly operations.
For the Right Service, Quote the Best Price
One would expect that the pandemic would cause people to be more cautious about spending money on travelling and hotels. Surprisingly, tourists are willing to spend extra if they know they will be comfortable and receive quality service. The educated customers who love travelling value clarity and understand exactly what they require, and they are interested in spending appropriately.
The Future of Hospitality Industry Will Make a Major Comeback with Big Fat Indian Weddings and Parties
The Indian wedding industry is the second largest in the world. After a long break, big, fat, lavish Indian weddings are set to become a game-changer for the hospitality industry. The trend of destination weddings will increase bookings after this Omicron effect. Thus, Indian weddings and lavish parties will definitely have a positive impact on your hotel business, so market your hotel so that people book it for their wedding.
Get Ready to Boost Your Hospitality Industry in 2022
Antibody levels against the Omicron variant are significantly increasing in everyone after the second dose of the vaccine. This may be the silver lining in the middle of the chaos.
Despite various uncertainties and setbacks, the sector is predicted to recover and restore its future growth swiftly. If you strategically play your cards, you can boost your hotel business and get more direct bookings.
Since the pandemic, everything has become digital in the world, so you must use technology smartly and promote your hotel business to stand out for the future of the hospitality industry.
Article posted on Hospitalitynet.org by AxisRooms Editorial Desk
AxisRooms, a software suite provider for the hospitality industry, is committed to aiding your business growth, not just with our state-of-the-art products and services, but also with the latest updates from the travel and hospitality industry.
Original article can be found here: https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4108922.html