Seattle effectively closed for business in early March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Attempts to reignite the local economy have faced multiple setbacks, compounded by 40+ national convention cancellations, the shuttering of the 2020 cruise season, and the substantial decline in inbound domestic and international travel. The effects of COVID-19 on the Pacific Northwest have been nothing short of catastrophic to the hospitality industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions on domestic and international travel, economic activity, and individual movement are having an unprecedented impact on the lodging and tourism industry in Latin America. While government authorities across the region work to manage restrictions and phased reopening plans, uncertainty prevails over the duration of the global pandemic.
Hotels need to come together and align themselves to the common goal of reviving the growth in the industry. They should think ‘long-term’ by promoting value-added services, targeting new customer segments or markets, and implementing cost optimization strategies instead of indulging in price wars, which can be detrimental for the growth of the sector. Brands can also play a crucial role in this by pushing the envelope on driving better revenue and rate management strategies.
Each year, HVS reviews and analyzes the Canadian hotel lending environment following a comprehensive survey. With the unprecedented change that 2020 has brought, this year’s survey looks to gain clarity on the current lending environment and the overall health of the hotel finance sector across the nation.
Most hotels have implemented quick cost-saving changes to their largest cost components i.e. compensation and energy costs as they try to stay afloat during the pandemic. However, the industry needs to take a step further by evaluating and scrutinizing their cost structures even deeper to make some radical changes. Are we ready & is it time?
Interview with Hala Matar Choufany on redesigning hospitality in the Middle East during the Gulf travel show.
In Global Tourism Forum Hala Matar Choufany was moderating ''An Eye on Africa Hospitality and Investment Opportunities'' with Paul Gardiner, Bani Haddad and Ramsay Rankoussi.
In the last few weeks, demand for domestic leisure tourism has improved in India, which is a silver lining for the distressed and vulnerable Indian hotels sector. However, sudden changes in regulations are adding to the sector’s woes and may dampen the spirits going forward.
The Indian hospitality sector should adopt a collaborative approach as it embarks on the long road to recovery. Hoteliers should collaborate & integrate their efforts to find innovative solutions to the challenges in the sector and share best practices & learnings with the entire fraternity to not only help rebuild traveler trust but also to help the sector thrive in the future.
HVS compiled the Q3 2020 performance statistics of brands reported by public companies. The data reflect the gains made during the post-lockdown summer months versus a very low Q2; however, with leisure travel slowing in the current and coming quarter, coupled with the increasing COVID-related restrictions, this trend may be short lived.