A new face of Hotels and Restaurants and possible changes post COVID-19 Pandemic.

Since March 2020, COVID-19 has monopolized the entire world, affecting everything in its wake. One of the greatest hit sectors of industry is undoubtedly the Hotel and Food Industry worldwide. With travel bans and lockdowns, people are restricted in their homes barring all social activity. Statistics claim that this year, revenue for hospitality industries won’t be able to gain even half of what they did last year. Despite the upsetting facts, a revolutionized approach has been sought up regarding the post-COVID restaurant and hotel trends. Things undoubtedly won’t be the same, considering the deep clutches that the pandemic has set up. The world has to learn to survive with the Pandemic, going about their daily lives until a permanent Vaccine isn’t devised to curb the virus once and for all.

Technology is considered to be the supporting crutch for the hotel industry in the current scenario, helping to evolve trends that would allow the industry to slowly revive and recoup its losses. “The role of tech in the post-COVID era is to establish trust and build confidence in the minds of consumers,” said Ankit Mehrotra, co-founder, and CEO, Dineout, a restaurant table reservation company. Here are listed some of the possible changes that restaurants and food outlets might see in a post-COVID era.

Health and Hygiene

Hygiene of the kitchen and dining area of any food outlet or restaurant has always been an important lookout for people, but seeing the life threat that the virus poses, now more than ever people are extremely cautious of the health and hygiene status of the place they plan to eat. “We anticipate dining out will undergo significant and permanent changes in the way it operates. Based on some recent consumer studies, diners are ranking safety assurance and hygiene as their top factors when they choose a restaurant for dine-in,” said Deepinder Goyal, founder of Zomato in one of his tweets. Cleanliness will have a new definition even after the threat of the virus has subsided, changing the hygiene standards permanently.

Contactless services

Under a new venture by major food-based companies like Zomato and Dineout, the restaurants are being given a chance to survive low customer crowds by promising users contactless services ensuring maximum safety of health. This would also include a payment method that is completely digitalized, with no physical transactions taking place.

Local Produce

Another highlight that might lure customers to a restaurant or eatery would be that they produce the raw materials on their own. This would provide a sense of security and the maximum level of quality standards to be maintained.

Modified Layout

A new and modified seating arrangement of customers with one-meter distance amongst them and live feeds of the kitchen are some of the features that might be incorporated in a new layout for such places.

Hotel industries also need a revival, seeing as how they might be the number one hotspot for possible threat of Corona, even after the world would go back to functioning like before. With fearful travelers and a stump in tourism, hotels would have to make some serious policy changes to gain the trust of people. Some of the possible measures that are suggested by top Hoteliers include features like mandatory mobile check-in and check-outs, cashless payments, a la carte menus, reduced banqueting, and distant seating in restaurants. Hotel chains have begun refurbishing their existing service protocols and standards for guests in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is also expected of guests to want keyless and contactless check-in and checkout and as few personalized interactions as possible.

Major hotels are already set on taking measures to prepare themselves for welcoming guests post lockdowns. Marriott has announced that it will use electrostatic sprayers to clean guest rooms and public areas and is testing ultraviolet light technology. Marriott and other brands will also be removing furniture and reconfiguring many areas to facilitate the six-foot social distancing space prescribed by health officials. The brand is considering plexiglass barriers at front desks to separate guests and hotel staff.

A new set of trends for hotels and restaurants shall be essential to keep things going after the pandemic. Customer traffic will depend on enhanced cleaning standards and a reduction of touchpoints in such places.

We at Indore Talk have initiated social distancing by practicing work from home and support the government and all the authorities in their endeavor to fight this pandemic in the country. We urge all our viewers and followers to not panic and stay positive and kind to all those who are battling with this virus, stay aware and safe, and assist the authorities in any way you can to prevent further spreading of this virus.

Keep hooked on our website for regular updates of our city Indore and follow our social media handle Indore Talk on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube for creative and amazing content, keeping you up-to-date about the happenings of our city Indore!