Opinion by Akshat Jain, business development head at Zostel
After several lockdowns and over six months of plummeting business owing to the unprecedented pandemic, India’s hospitality industry is steadily gaining pace with growth in business as people begin to travel again slowly. Although travel returning to pre-pandemic times will be a long road, the industry’s journey to recovery is underway.
While the global crisis has impacted the world profoundly, it has also left several lessons in its wake. That said, let us take a look at some of the key business learnings for the hospitality industry in the post-Covid era.
Adapting to the changing scenario
Uncertainty is looming over the world, and so the sector needs to quickly adapt to the changing scenarios by altering their business operations. The entire travel and hospitality experience is set to be transformed. For instance, backpacker hostels have now become more experience-driven stays as an increasing number of people opt for private rooms as compared to shared stays. It is all about carving a niche for yourself in the industry and providing a unique experience for customers.
Offbeat locations
More and more travellers are now opting for remote, offbeat locations as compared to previously preferred destinations and city life. Therefore, players in the hospitality industry are now shifting their focus on more offbeat and remote places across India.
As compared to popular destinations such as Manali or Rishikesh, customers now prefer to travel to small towns around the major tourist destination or other such offbeat places that are less crowded and more tranquil.
Infrastructure boost
Besides, the remote working culture has also sparked a new trend of booking long-stays. This trend has worked wonders in helping the hospitality industry get back on its feet and more players in the segment are now offering customers the option of booking for a longer duration. However, this trend calls for a more developed infrastructure and amenities.
Customers working remotely will require strong internet connectivity, designated spaces where they can work peacefully and a self-cooking facility among others. Brands in the hospitality sector are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that they provide customers with ample facilities that will enable remote working.
With such continued efforts and a holistic approach, the industry is well on its way to revival and will see an upward growth trajectory within the next few months.
