Tourism Industry, we need to unite and it is now.

Destinations are opening up and the people can see a ray of light.

Countries are opening up with UNTWO and WHO standards in place. Destinations are providing assistance for holidaymakers and the tourism trade by tax reductions, visa fee reduction, destination promotions, and loans to stay positive amidst everything.

Resort and Hotels have slashed prices, they are currently trying to push domestic travel within their borders too. They have started webinars, virtual tours of their properties, slashed prices to attract holidaymakers, and many more incentives to encourage travel. This all comes with hygiene standards and safety precautions taken as per UNWTO and WHO standards.

This thought came to me in the middle of the night; What happens with airlines?

Our industry is not a solo game but a dependent collaboration, we are all one large unit operating separately.

The airlines, cruises, trains, resorts, tour operators, dependent trades, and governments.

Earlier holidaymakers booked destinations that fit their budget. This means hotels and ground handling that fit their holiday budget.

The world opened up more and this trend changed later to; let’s travel to countries that fit my air ticket budget.

Air ticket prices became a major contributing factor for tour operators and holidaymakers to decide on what destination we sell or visit.

Let’s talk about airlines and the difficulties they might face, solutions, and current observations:

• Expats that traveled back home noticed that prices of airline ticket prices had doubled.
• One way tickets I assume for the coming months shall remain hiked, as airlines too under a very difficult situation.
• With the opening of borders, will the UNWTO, WHO, and governments enforce one seat kept free regulation? If this is implemented this might result in a price hike as airlines still have a large operating cost to bare from staff, government taxation, fuels, maintenance, and airport charges.
• If only health and hygiene standards have to be met, will airlines hike the prices until things return to normal? Which in turn would be a difficulty for destinations who opened up, where holidaymakers cannot afford the air tickets.
• The competition within the airlines too will always have to remain as they have to protect their products and QA standards.
• Will IATA regulated fares be the solution like the old days?
• Will regulation a maximum and minimum fare from what region to region (Eg: Europe to South Asia) flight operates be the solution?

Can we suggest more solutions to the TOURISM INDUSTRY?

Kindly note we cannot devise a game plan without everyone coming to the table.

No use if resorts and hotels give discounts if governments charge high visa fees.

Pointless if resorts slash room rates if airlines hike their prices?

No use if airlines, resorts, tour operators, and travel agents open up, without governments assisting them. This so that they can keep their existing staff with financial support and ensure standards and protocols can be efficiently carried out.

Can we unite and come to a solution? The tourism industry is large, it is not only dependent on airlines, resorts, and tour operators. Other contributors, like public spaces (museums and malls), engineers, accountants, restaurants, and even the clothing industry would have a major impact if the tourism trade shall remain to be in turmoil.

Let us unite! Anytime during the day, I shall be open for bouncing of ideas and how we can push to implement them.

We need to unite and it is now.

Cheers!

LISWITH

WFH meeting problems, and their solutions.

I have been talking to others in different trades, how things are going with work and life?
Some have told that meetings held have become stressful, dramatic, and at times annoying.

Let us try some ideas on how we can improve them?

When Team leaders are presenting during the meeting as Managing Director or CEO  do not let others unnecessarily intervene.
Each person will get their turn to talk. Team leaders do not talk down or intervene in another Team Leader's presented ideas.
If presenting an opposing idea for another Team Leader's department ensure to back it up with proof.

Each meeting will have points to be discussed or presented, stick to them strictly. If further points need to be discussed, schedule it for the next meeting. This is to give time for all team members to come prepared.
Do not drag the meetings as an unnecessary debate or discussion.

Lastly to every problem you bring to the table, come along with two or three solutions. Are these solutions supposed to be perfect? No, they just have to be solutions where the team can assist you, or help you with a different approach. The problems and stated solutions can be brainstormed as a team, not told why it cannot be done.

I hope this helped you or sparked your mind.

Cheers!

LISWITH

Hotel General Managers - Automation is not POST COVID it is NOW

I hope automation becomes a big part of the future for the hospitality industry.

Here are some ideas :

Large scale disinfectants of vegetables when transported to hotel/resort facilities.
Once the stock does arrive a conveyor takes the stock, counts the goods via an IoT solution, and passes it through a disinfecting chamber so that it can safely be collected by your team members.

Contactless menus for hotels/resorts where they can pay via Touch Pay / Card or scan hotel key where it shall be added to the guest's final bill.

CCTV cameras that detect if your team is wearing masks. A thermal sensor too can be integrated so that you see if your team members are spiking a fever.

These are some solutions other the WHO standards that all hotels/resorts are supposed to maintain.

If you think these are ideas you would like to implement at your property and it spiked your interest, let us talk.

Cheers!

LISWITH