How Hotels Can Prepare to Welcome International Guests After COVID-19

As lockdowns begin to ease, travel borders open and international flights connect countries once more, there is a state of cautious optimism that tourism will soon pick up following COVID-19. Some countries such as the Maldives have already begun to welcome foreign tourists and others are hoping to do so as well. Amidst this backdrop, hotels and resorts are once again preparing to welcome international guests; here are some of the things such property owners should keep in mind.

Have Strict Health & Hygiene Protocols

One of the things guests will be concerned about when travelling post-COVID-19 will be the health and safety of themselves and loved ones. Hotels should ensure they follow strict guidelines put forth by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as the local government health ministry or task force entrusted with combating the pandemic.

This can include following various protocols such as ensuring temperature checks on arrival, regularly disinfecting rooms and public spaces, as well as staff being trained to keep to the health guidelines. Apart from this, they can take their own measures as well to reassure guests that health standards are being maintained; examples include having an on-call doctor at the property or even a special COVID-19 task force on site too.

Keep the Hotel Website Up to Date

During this time, the website of the hotel should be updated and reflect any new developments that have taken place; this can include everything from changes to accommodation and facilities to COVID-19-related policies and guidelines that are now being followed. It would be a good idea to update pictures of the website if it has not been done in a while; also, properties can look to feature some of the key highlights that guests can enjoy during this period.

Offer Exclusive Deals and Packages

If there is one thing that can get a traveller's attention it is some super special offers! Hotels in countries where the airports are still closed or international travel is limited have looked to provide domestic travellers with amazing discounts.

A great example of this would be some of the hotel offers Sri Lanka has for locals which target families, couples and groups alike; this can be seen at properties belonging to hospitality brands the likes of Amagi Hotels. Such packages can likewise be offered to foreign tourists along with flexible booking and cancellation policies which they will also look for when international travel becomes more frequent.

Be Active and Promote on Social Media

Hotels should also look to be active on social media which offers an ideal way to promote not only a property but a destination too. It is a great way to "remind" people of what is on offer after months of inactivity and some of the best things you can experience at a certain place. Properties can look to post new pictures, re-post popular ones from the past or even create special competitions which involve sharing posts with others.

Social media can also be used to target specific customers even those in certain locations; additionally, paid placement campaigns can help to reach people on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube who are not following a hotel's official accounts.

Be Prepared to Host Meetings and Events

Hotels must also be prepared to accommodate guests from abroad who may look to host various onsite events from weddings, parties and receptions to meetings, conferences and workshops. Even though this may take some time to get going, it is important to be prepared.

While doing so, properties will have to keep social distancing rules in mind at spaces available at each venue. Additionally, hotels should also ideally be able to accommodate video conferencing which is being used more and more especially during these times.