Tourism businesses in India will have new standard operating procedures

India has witnessed a major economic slowdown in the pandemic Covid 19 months. Most of the industries are hit by this lockdown situation. Travel, tourism, food & hospitality is one of the major hit sectors along with entertainment & retail markets. The SOPs that were tested and practiced in the past in tourism sector may get obsolete in this new era where the virus is still with us. Everyone will feel face as long as there is a vaccination for this pandemic and entire population is administered. When is that going to happen? This question has no answer as of now. Scientists and researchers are working round the clock to achieve a breakthrough in this endeavour.

What is the message from Covid 19 for tourism sector?

We will be naïve to think that the virus is gone or there will be a post Covid 19 world. We are now in a situation where we have to conduct businesses with precautionary measures to keep the virus at bay from our staffs and also at the same time offer safe environment for guests. The effort to sanitize your premises to serve your guests without panic of the spread is the real challenge that’s been facing the hospitality businesses in India. People call it as ‘The New Normal’ and we all have to stick to ‘New Rules’. There is not clear-cut definitions for these phrases and the rules laid out by hospitality businesses is out of their experience to keep their premises free from virus.

How do we know when to start operations?

The future guest check ins will be touch-less but with more scrutiny and travel history checks. Some of our hosts have been discussing with us from past several weeks about upgrading their safety & hygiene practices at their homestays, hotels, villas, cottages and resorts. We have given our thoughts & free consultations to most of the hosts to encourage them in having a hope for the best days ahead. Some would feel disillusioned by these facts and might say we will start our business once the Covid 19 virus is gone. Our surveys and researches say that the virus will be with us for a longer duration than we are assuming currently. So, it’s best to get prepared for the future business practices and start your operations once the government announces a date.

How to train staff to be future ready?

These couple of weeks are the most crucial days for you to train your staff. Educate them about the new rules at your operations way forward. Example, there won’t be a Aarathi or Welcome drink to receive guests but in that place using thermal screening & sanitizers. It’s best to serve buffet meals at your property for guests. Staff must wear disposable gloves at all times and take precautions to dispose them responsibly. Social distancing at all times is a must for guests and staff. You must train your staff how to professionally communicate to guests if someone is not following these rules at your property. Stick notices and placards at designated places about the rules and regulations at your Homestays in Karnataka.

These are some of the FAQs that we have been answering hosts at different Karnataka Homestays and Resorts. However, these points would be relevant to other service providers as well. If you have any specific queries and need expert opinion and inputs you can write to info@travelchords.com. Our consultants will be more than happy to provide solutions and help the future growth of tourism and hospitality sectors in India.