As the world continues adjusting to the new normal in a post-pandemic world, the hospitality sector is steadily bouncing back. However, what makes the operations different for hotels after the world was struck with Covid-19 is their emergence as smart destinations, says Sanjeev Nanda.
According to Sanjeev Nanda, who serves as the CEO of the prestigious Claridges Group of Hotels in India, the settling in of pandemic fatigue and reopening of the economy is gradually paving way for the hospitality sector to rebound, something that could greatly benefit the segment which has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.
“Several prominent hotel chains are now focusing more on guests looking for quick escapes from the mundane. Restrictions on international as well as domestic air travel has driven many people to search for quick getaways to destinations that are closer to home. Curbs on corporate travel have also had a similar effect,” said Sanjeev Nanda.
He continued, “The changing dynamics of the industry have in turned forced businesses to make a shift in their offerings. Several hotels are now collaborating with other businesses, such as nearby shopping malls or movie theatres, to offer people an opportunity to stay at the hotel as they spend.”
According to Nanda, such exclusively curated staycation packages have been quite ground-breaking in terms of revenue generation. “If we talk about the greatest challenges that the industry faces today, revenue generation stays on the top of the list. Each business needs to generate revenue in order to stay afloat, even if it is generated by attracting customers through discounted prices,” Sanjeev Nanda said.
The Claridges CEO also opined that the hospitality sector is now concentrating more on catering to the needs of short haul, drivable guests who love to explore personal local experiences. It is for the same reason that hotels in India are now emerging as smart destinations.
“People can enjoy imaginative cuisine and personalised service design housed inside pristine spaces, while having a sense of safety from health hazards. The situation, therefore, calls for a reimagination of hotels as safe environs where the guests can stay, relax, and even work if they wish,” said Sanjeev Nanda.
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Website : Sanjeev Nanda
