When the Hyatt Regency in Mumbai decided to close last week, it confirmed everyone’s worst fears – the second wave has pushed the crumbling hospitality industry into an existential crisis. Another 10 hotels that are part of major hotel chains have reportedly closed permanently due to the second one Covid-19 Wave. Industry experts believe the industry will see a hotel rebranding after the second wave, with independent hotels likely to seek merger with big brands.
According to the global real estate services company JLL, hotel occupancy in India fell by 17 percent in April 2021 and room prices by around nine percent compared to March 2021. The recovery in the sector at the beginning of this year was mainly driven by the remarkably good development of the leisure segment.
Vikram Lalvani, Chief of Revenue, Sales and Destination, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said, “The first few months of 2021 turned out to be good for the brand with around 65 percent occupancy. Until the first days of April 2021, we were able to record an occupancy rate of 65 percent with a healthy mix of members as well as weddings, business meetings, congresses and other events. However, with the re-imposed restriction during the second wave, the summer season was again affected in all resort destinations this year. Many people, whose bookings were planned for the summer, have started to inquire about alternative dates and resorts. “
To bridge this gap, Sterling, which has two dozen properties across India, is also offering “Vacation Insurance” as a free opt-in when booking, which covers guests medical in the event of cancellation for up to three lakh per person Emergencies. Lalvani adds: “Traditionally, city hotels have a higher occupancy rate due to business trips from Monday to Friday. But according to our trends of last year, leisure resorts seem to be a better fit because of the advantages of large indoor spaces, closer to or in the middle of nature and the accessibility of large subways. “
Many hotels are now trying desperate measures to offset some of their rising losses. A few weeks ago, a picture of a luxury Hyderabad hotel offering a Rs 2,999 vaccination package – including the charge for the dose – went viral on social media. More such images were later noticed, including that of The Lalit in Mumbai and Bengalurus Columbia Asia. The government soon published a call to take action against private hospitals that are working with hotels to offer special packages for the COVID-19 vaccination. Following the guideline, hotels withdrew their offers.
Zostel, a nationwide hostel chain, has converted some of their accommodations into quarantine and isolation centers while they launched the Zostel Bubble to provide a safe environment for long-term travelers and digital nomads. “The only trips the industry has seen lately are those who choose to stay longer to escape their COVID-ridden cities,” said Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, Co-Founder and CEO. While Zostel’s premises in Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur have been converted into quarantine centers with multiple facilities for patients, the long-term program in places like Dalhousie, Alleppey, Mukteshwar and Vagamon is aimed at digital nomads and stranded travelers.
Niraamaya Wellness Retreats has launched a 21-day post-Covid care program at its hotels in Solan, Himachal Pradesh and Kovalam, Kerala. (Photo: PR handout)
Meanwhile, Treehouse Hotels has launched an impact initiative to help Covid-19 infected patients and families in Bhiwadi with simple, nutritious meals. They have now extended this initiative to their guests. Each expense of a room for the night would help feed 50 people in the community.
Jayant Singh, Managing Director, added: “The hospitality and tourism industries have been hit hard in the past year and a half. Our company felt the pain too, but the team that wanted to work and contribute but had no direction was in even more pain. “
The international digital travel platform Agoda has used its technology expertise to help people in India in this latest phase of travel for quarantine or alternative residence options pandemic. To this end, Agoda has compiled a list of hotels from its partner network that offer “Hospi-Tel” services, meaning accepting Covid-19 positive guests in order to isolate them until recovery. Guests who tested positive for COVID-19 and have stable vital signs can now isolate themselves at one of over 100 listed hotels in 23 cities across India. These accommodations, according to Agoda, come with amenities like COVID-19 nursing assistance, three daily meals, and oxygen assistance.
The high-care wellness industry, which is flourishing thanks to international visitors, has been in crisis like never before with flight bans for more than a year. In the meantime, they’re also getting on the immunity-wellness recovery train to make up for some losses. For example, Niraamaya Wellness Retreats has implemented a 21-day post-Covid care program at its Solan, Himachal Pradesh and Kovalam, Kerala properties to help patients who are struggling to regain their physical activity level, addiction to oxygen, improve the quality of life and, above all, better cope with the emotional and psychological effects of the disease. In addition to accommodation, the program also includes doctor’s consultations, meals, treatments and therapies and of course diagnostic tests and unimpeded internet access.
Welcomhotel, one of the fastest growing hotel chains in India from the ITC Hotels group, has just opened its second hotel in Himachal Pradesh – the Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail. (Photo: PR handout)
While there is a migration of hotels from big cities, most of them are now turning to hill stations and remote locations. Welcomhotel, one of the fastest growing hotel chains in India from the ITC Hotels group, has just opened its second hotel in Himachal Pradesh – the Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail. This launch follows the inauguration of the Welcomhotel Shimla about six months ago.
“The pandemic resulted in timely lockdowns and restrictions by most states. As a direct result, there have been some quarantine-related trips and a few city breaks. The penetration of the vaccine will help build confidence in travel. We expect a resurgence in motorized getaways that offer enriching travel destinations.
ITC has launched responsible eating initiatives such as Gourmet Couch, Flavors and our F&B app. (Photo: PR handout)
“The hills and beaches are usually the quickest to recover, and this time we’re seeing a lot of interest in these hotels again. We also launched responsible eating initiatives such as Gourmet Couch, Flavors and our F&B app that have helped our customers enjoy the culinary legacy of ITC Hotels’ best cuisine in their award-winning restaurants, ”said Anil Chadha, COO, ITC Hotels.
Guests can place their orders at Zomato, Swiggy and EazyDiner in eight cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur and Agra.
