A homogenous environment always breeds comfort, and many hotels have prided on their ability to offer standardised service. However, as guests venture out cautiously, they crave for novelty coupled with safety, not just another room with four walls. After all, four walls are what they have been living within for majority of 2020; and they now want to escape into open spaces that allow them to explore something new.
Hoteliers, realising this, are embedding more local elements and experiences in their property's environments. This is to extend social spaces with an authentic aspect rather just another sanitised bubble for guests to unwind.
Of course, one can’t credit the pandemic for pre-empting this shift to local; it had begun well before that. An IHG global survey in 2019 showed that 75% of luxury travellers want to holiday like locals.
During the tourism boom in pre COVID-19 times, several hotels were experimenting with off-beat experiences for guests. With the business going bust following the pandemic, Anvay Kolwankar, Founder of PPPL Hospitality tells Vinita Bhatia how they are now realising the potential of going vocal with local.
What started as an intuitive marketing idea has emerged as a lifeline for many standalone, boutique hoteliers. Kolwankar pointed out that travellers are increasingly shifting away from city-based hotel chains in favour of smaller properties in nearby towns with unique social places.
How did the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns impact boutique hotel properties?
The complete lockdown for nearly six months hit the travel, tourism and hospitality industry very hard. Unfortunately, many smaller properties were forced to shut down. Having said that, we are now witnessing a spike in customer footfalls and the financial situation is slowly getting back on track.
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Hotelier India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Hotelier India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Restroom Rendezvous
Ajay Khurana, MD, Formica India, talks about the bold and beautiful designs that make a splash in hotel bathrooms.
Off The Beaten Track
Time to make travel plans to discover new destinations and what they have to offer. Here's a sneak peek at 10 unusual destinations to watch out for in 2024...
Space Craft
As we begin a new calendar year, it is time to look into the crystal ball to see which design trends will rule the hospitality industry this year.
A Piece of Heaven on Earth
Nature takes centre stage at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, a tranquil escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
What's On The Menu?
Leading chefs from across the country predict the food trends for 2024.
"India is a market on every global investor's radar!"
Xander Nijnens, Senior Managing Director, Head of Advisory & Asset Management, Hotels & Hospitality, Asia-Pacific, JLL, shares insightful trends about the Indian hospitality industry and where it's heading...
Green Living
Exploring the sustainable wonders of Canadian Wood Species
A Year of Unprecedented Growth and Strategic Brilliance
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts witnessed an impressive 2023. A sneak peek at its key milestones...
Charting the 2024 Course
Industry leaders share their vision of what the hospitality scene in India will look like this year.
Hotelisation of Office Buildings
Is the name of his game. Vivek Narain, Founder & CEO, district150 and The Quorum, tells us more about his innovative hospitality business.