Best Management Practices in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in the Midst of Pandemic

The best leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry have to confront the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic proactively. With a number of workers let go or furloughed, and establishments operating at less than full capacity, the industry is also seeing a drop in customers willing to pack their bags and travel amid the health crisis.

This is not the time to raise white flags as the industry waits for the regular customers to come in. Managers have to reassess their recovery plan before things go back to normal. 

Ensure health and safety regulations are followed

As the leader, you have to rally your people to the higher purpose of keeping the establishment safe for both customers and staff. For the workers, everyone should be reminded of frequent washing of hands and proper wearing of protective gear such as face masks, face shields, and gloves. Scatter reminders and disinfectants strategically on the property, where the staff and visitors would be prompted to wash their hands.

Physical distancing measures should also be followed. The World Health Organization advised those working in hotels and other accommodations establishments to maintain at least a 1-meter distance from guests and other staff. As the manager, make it a policy to prohibit shaking hands, kissing, and hugging. 

You can also have plexiglass boards at reception and concierge desks to avoid droplet transmission. If there are jobs that can be done remotely, allow teleworking to reduce physical contact among people.

Isolate guests and staff with COVID-19 symptoms

All guests and staff should go through temperature checks. Other establishments require guests to present a negative result of the COVID-19 test, especially those who traveled from a different island or country.

If a guest develops symptoms during their stay, WHO advises to contact the local health authority and keep the sick person isolated in a room or at least 1 meter away from the others.

What should staff do if they develop symptoms? If it happens at home, prohibit the worker from going to the establishment and advise the person to inform their local health authority. 

If the worker develops the symptoms while on duty, have them put on a medical mask and isolate them in a suitable room with disposable tissues and an appropriate waste bin. Notify medical services immediately for assessment or transfer to a quarantine facility.

Come up with new and innovative ideas for better business performance

See the challenges presented by the pandemic as opportunities to be creative. As a manager, you have to think hard about how the business can still stand out. Those who can quickly respond to the crisis are more likely to attract potential customers.

Start with your booking procedures. If you haven’t digitized this process, you have to do it now. Adapt low-touch hotel technologies and implement cashless transactions reduce contact with guests. These initiatives are necessary to make guests and staff feel safe.

Traveling at a time like this can be quite a hassle. Read more articles on MSM Unify to learn about stress-free traveling amid the pandemic.