"The Show Must Go On!": Tips to Keep Travelers Entertained and Safe in the New Normal
After the damage of Covid-19’s impact on the travel and hospitality industry, fewer people than before are plotting their next big getaway.
However, that doesn’t mean that hotels and leisure brands should stop trying to impress. In fact, it is more important now than ever that the tourism and hospitality industry holds its ground and continues to put on a good show for the public.
As they say, the show must go on. Hotels from around the world are now being tested on their ability to remain afloat after being tossed upside-down by a global pandemic. So much change has occurred between the beginning of 2020. Now, businesses need to shift their approach towards drawing in (and maintaining relationships with) new customers.
So, what is the best way to keep travellers happy, entertained, and safe in this new “normal”? It feels like nothing is the same—and many things are not. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t effective ways to adapt to this different way of life and continue to delight people from around the world with excellent travel and leisure service.
As the end of 2021 comes to a close, the future of these industries is becoming more apparent. As the world slowly regains economic strength, the desire to travel will start to reignite for millions. And we’d all better be prepared to give them a grand show.
Here are eight well-researched tips for hoteliers, tourism brands, and hospitality gurus to employ over the next few years for optimal customer engagement, safety, and satisfaction.
Prioritize a positive brand identity
Get (very) serious about health and safety
If you’re looking for ways to improve the experience of customers in 2021 (and beyond), getting serious about health and safety is a very good place to start.
Now more than ever, people are concerned about sanitization and personal safety. Which is why your business should not be giving them any reasons to feel apprehensive. Pulling out the stops when it comes to hygiene and Covid-19 protocols will abate your customer’s anxieties. Plus, it will shed some light on your safe and socially aware business ethos.
Providing socially distanced services, regularly updating sanitization procedures, and embracing all and every governmental requirement for health and safety will advertise a much-appreciated sense of security. This willallow your guests to make the most of their time with you.
Advocate for conservation
Climate change has caused major upheaval for natural environments around the world, many of which are incorporated into leisure and exploratory tours.
Regardless of industry, all businesses should be looking towards more environmentally conscious ways of life that can be translated into tangible customer experiences. A recent report states that as much as 81% of customers prefer to invest in businesses that offer sustainable options, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise.
As the world continues to override the environment in favour of profit, more and more people are looking to brands and businesses to stand up for conservation.
By taking an eco-conscious stance, your business can attract loyal new customers. You can provide them with experiences that they can enjoy without compromising on ecological values.
Emphasise first-party data
First-party data is data that a business directly collects from customers to provide them with more customized goods or services.
Personalized communications, packages, and overall experiences have become increasingly popular amongst today’s population. Failing to monopolize on the wide availability of data analysis programs can result in unnecessary problems.
Performing a regular data sweep on your previous and existing customers will give you a better idea of what they are wanting from you as a company. Plus, it will enable you to give them the experiences they are really looking for.
Use leisure opportunities as leverage
Everybody could use a break right now. If you’re looking for a way in to connect with customers that have been dormant for some time, now could be your opportunity. You can showcase everything you have to offer in the way of relaxation, leisure, and luxury.
Families, couples, and small groups are still showing consistent demand for leisure experiences. When it comes to annual celebrations such as birthdays or wedding anniversaries most people love any excuse they can get to enjoy themselves.
There is plenty of revenue to be found in leisure experiences all year round. It’s likely that people will flock towards celebrating anything which restores a sense of normalcy and continuity.
Keeping customers entertained forms a huge part of the hospitality industry in general. Offering affordable leisure packages are one way to connect with your community and bring the joy of celebration back into their lives.
Appeal to the locals
While most of the heavy lockdown restrictions have eased off around the world, most people are playing it safe and sticking to their local areas. There are plenty of good reasons for customers to stay close to home over the foreseeable while. But that doesn’t mean your business has to suffer.
Part of the “new normal” involves rediscovering the beauty of your local surroundings and appreciating what domestic services have to offer. Many people are adopting this approach to survive the (almost) post-Covid-19 world. Your business can do the same.
Consider partnering up with local tourism brands, food services, and entertainment to promote a sense of community in your local area. Togethr, you can all bring a much-needed sense of normalcy to this topsy-turvy world.
Author: Ellen Klein
Brand identity used to be something businesses formed as a way to stand out amongst the crowd. While that is still a clear benefit of clear identity branding, hospitality businesses should now use it as a subtle method for crisis management.
During significant crises, businesses tend to come under severe public scrutiny as the public scrambles for a side to take. Your brand identity needs to be clearly defined and well received by customers if you want them to invest in your business.
Taking on an empathic, human-centred brand identity can show the public that your priorities are in the right place. This will make them more comfortable staying in your hotels, eating in your restaurant, or using your travel services.
