Expecting newer trends with major shifts
While travellers are perhaps more cautious and vigilant as they make their journeys, it really remains to be seen how the industry really re-emerges in a post-COVID world. Dinesh Dahiya, Vice President – Sales & Revenue Management, Sayaji Hotels, is positive that we shall see some new trends and changes in the future of the industry as a whole and certainly some adaptations and additional health and safety measures as have already been implemented across the industry worldwide.
There has definitely been a shift in booking trends recently and it continues to evolve and change. Currently, at Sayaji Hotels, they are seeing an increase in bookings through their digital channels and the booking window is much shorter than in previous times for FIT bookings. Guests are making more lastminute decisions one day before arrival and sometimes even on the same day of their proposed check-in. The booking window for groups and social events has also reduced – where people would usually plan events six months or so in advance, they are seeing these bookings coming only one month in advance. These event bookings also come with social distancing set-up requests, which is very top of mind.
“We are also receiving a large number of walk-in guests, both from the immediate area of the hotel they have chosen, or those transient guests who stop on their way to another destination. In general, the pick-up trend is encouragingly healthy although now with a different dynamic in its pattern. The ‘last-minute’ mind-set is now and, I think will be a common pattern for the foreseeable future. Even though there are no cancellation charges, many guests do not want to make commitments until the eleventh hour,” says Dinesh.
One of the key trends that have evolved is the staycation. Sayaji Hotels has seen quite an increase in the demand for staycations at many of their properties. As this segment is developing, they have created some attractive staycation offers and package inclusions to cater to this rising demand. On this, Dinesh further adds, “We’re also seeing an increase in drive-through holidays – similar to a staycation, but people are willing to drive further distances than their own city staycation, to feel as if they are really escaping for a holiday experience.”
According to Dinesh, sustainability will continue to be an important issue worldwide for the protection of the environment and he doesn’t think that COVID-19 will change that as it remains a key factor in the daily operations of hotels and businesses, but now hygiene will surely play an important role in people’s minds and their daily lives.