The gradual opening of the hotels post lockdown has brought a ray of hope for the hospitality industry in India. Although very low on occupancy currently, hoteliers are optimistic that domestic market and other segments will gradually pave the way for business.
“India’s domestic tourism market is strong and that will be a key factor in the industry’s recovery. Outbound travel will be minimal and discretionary, and travelers will prefer places easily accessible through roads. So, overall, domestic business driven by the leisure segment, followed by weddings segment is expected to recover faster. Business travel will resume slowly and gradually in the second phase,” Rahul Puri, Multi Property General Manager, The Westin Gurgaon New Delhi and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa, says.
Echoing similar sentiments, Aditya Shamsher Malla, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad, says that domestic tourism will start limping back to pre covid days, and maybe beyond due to pent up demand and ‘anti-lockdown’ sentiment. We are all looking at the last quarter, given sustained efforts, to yield some wins for the tourism sector as a whole,” Malla adds.
Crowne Plaza Greater Noida also hopes for an improved business coming in for them. “With Unlock being executed in phases across the country, we are hopeful that things will only improve from hereon for hospitality. We are focusing on corporate stays, weekend staycations as well as the wedding and social event segment for the coming months,” Ashwani Nayar, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida.
For Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, its repatriation flights that is bringing business for them. “We have been getting the repatriation flights-based group business and some local retail room nights intended for leisure. Amidst rising cases in the city, our new self-isolation package aimed for families with senior citizens and children have received a good response from the neighboring citizens. We are presently looking at an occupancy of 10- 15 per cent and confident that this will scale up gradually,” Rishi Kumar, Director of Operations, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, informs.
SOPs/safety measures
Hoping to get an improved occupancy, hoteliers have implemented a lot of safety measures to instill confidence among guests. Social distancing and 360-degree contactless guest experience is the new norm and hotels are prepared for it. “We at The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi & The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa stand committed to reinventing our services in line with the new normal and adhering to the guidelines issued by the government for the hospitality industry, while seeking ways to deliver enhanced guest experiences, safety and value. We have in place a Marriott International branded program “Commitment To Clean” which defines enhanced measures to comply with the highest cleanliness and hygiene standards along with dynamics and nuances of how we will operate when we welcome guests back,” Puri says.
