OUTLOOK OF THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY POST COVID-19 PANDEMIC

‘Whether we remain the ash or become the Phoenix is up to us.’ True to these inspiring words, the
Hospitality Industry is indeed successful in showing the world its new face.

Year 2020 being a fateful one, we witnessed the spread of a devastating pandemic right from the
beginning. A shattering and unsettling start with novel corona virus and none had a clue of its
unprecedented long lasting impact. Along with every other sector around the globe, the Hospitality
Industry too received a hard blow since lockdown was imposed. Luckily, some sectors could continue
with the new normal ‘work from home’ policies, hospitality industry had no other option but to go for
complete shutdown.

It’s the age of wanderlust millennial and they believe in dying with memories and not with dreams.
Hundreds of hotels, home-stay, restaurants and bars, parks and salons have sprung up with the increasing
demand of people with the agenda of offering hospitality. Last year saw the sudden halt in all kinds of
hospitality services as the world started battling with the pandemic. After a few months, lockdown was
uplifted; there was a sign of temporary relief. But it would be wrong to say that it was like before, as
many of us restrained from taking risks and going out. Covid-19 scare was looming around the corners
and the resume never saw a normalcy again.

In spite of another whooping halt with second lockdown, this industry held on strong to its roots and
looked towards the brighter side. Along with the stipulated government rules, the industry also carved out
contemporary ways to cater the public. It stressed primarily on the health and safety of the visitors along
with thorough cleanliness and sanitization policies time and again. Maintaining protocols like security
check, rooms, lobbies and washroom sanitization, restricting the guest numbers, avoiding formation of
crowds, hanging up clear rules and regulations for visitors, staff-checks has been a part of the new normal
drill. Contactless interactions with the clientele have been an option in ensuring safety. ‘Staycations’ is
being introduced by luxury hotels which provide a perfect getaway for recreation. Local and rural tourism
is also getting hyped as travelers do not want to risk the distance and transportation. Room services,
change in menu, change in crockery, contactless delivery, discounts and offers, welcoming new-age
technologies have played a pivotal role in maintaining the social distance. Certain hotels, cafes and lodges
have opted for social service, some lending out beds for patients while others conducting vaccination
camps.

Though it has been a time of uncertainty and apprehension, it can be safely claimed that the hospitality
industry has indeed proven to be a phoenix and risen to adapt itself with the ambiguous times.

Rohini Pandey, Kolkata.