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That's why it's important to be prepared when things start again. We've created a checklist for you that you can go through before you get started. We should learn from summer 2020 and be prepared for the new start.
What should we learn from the first lockdown?
Unfortunately, we cannot change the current situation, so we should try to deal with it and learn from time. From summer 2020, we can take away that there is always a Demand for travel will give. Demand is constantly increasing. We also learn that things can happen very quickly and the hotels are fully booked in just a few weeks. Hotels that have not upgraded in the area of digitization are now lagging behind and are struggling to cope with the increased administrative burden.
So we should learn from this and continue to invest in digitization. Automating processes will save us time in the long term and should therefore also be a focus. It starts with very simple things, such as the online presence and availability. All the way to structural processes in the hotel.
Why are many hotels coming out of the crisis better than others?
Foresighted hotels have used the time to implement new systems and position themselves better. The yawning emptiness in the booking systems makes changing systems easier than ever before. This is the best time to switch to new systems. Whether it is the PMS or even a Revenue Management Systemso that no person has to adjust prices manually anymore.
Reopening checklist
We have created a list for you here so that you can optimally prepare yourself for the restart. This puts you in a good position for summer 2021.
guest info “We're back”
Take the “Lockdown Info” from your homepage or replace it with “We're back for you!” — Information. Inform your guests that it's starting again and create attractive incentives to book directly! Use your direct contact options such as your homepage, social media and a newsletter.
rates & check availability
Think long-term and sustainably! Set your prices confidently, because demand is high! 85% of Germans are planning a vacation — every 4th person is willing to spend more money. Price dumping is not a solution.
Happyhotel also supports you in this. Feel free to get in touch with us.
Would you like to go with Start revenue management, you can also read our blog article Read through.
booking conditions vet
Continue to offer security and flexibility to your guests. For example, through travel cancellation insurance or flexible cancellation conditions.
Check availability in channel management
Check your availability on all channels!
marketing enabling
Change your sales channels such as website, Google Ads, social media ads and print advertising. Create a newsletter to restart. In the area of marketing, we have also written a great article.
digitization
Show your guests that you're moving with the times! Integrate digitized options into your hygiene concept. For example, with QR codes for digital menus or digital check-in/out options.
Dining offer
Analyze your menu Adapt it to the current season and guest needs and make it efficient!
neatness
Spring cleaning is the order of the day! Brighten up your hotel! Create a cleaning and duty plan for the necessary preparation measures.
Product quality
Check your stocks, best before dates, etc. Don't forget the minibars!
team leadership — Inform your employees
Organize a digital works meeting to inform your employees what's next and to answer general questions. Just like you, your employees need a perspective! Who is allowed to work again when and how much?
Create a step-by-step plan that is linked to your workload, for example. Your employees understand if you can't make concrete plans or if something will change, as long as you are honest and communicate your uncertainty openly. Explain to them how you want to proceed and why.
Check your employee base and clarify availability. Are there sick leaves or vacations? Are there employees who do not feel comfortable working because they may belong to the risk group?
Employees may only carry out tasks involving contact with food if they have been instructed about the necessary infection protection in accordance with IfSG.
Be prepared for the fact that your employees will first have to get used to long working days and their processes again. Use this fact to introduce new structures!
Make your employees regularly aware of their self-monitoring and reporting obligations with regard to the known Covid-19 symptoms.
payments
From when can/must you activate and pay deferred payment obligations?
disposal
Reconcile trash collection appointments at regular intervals.
Cash balance
Check your EC terminals and get enough change. Check out more options for contactless payments here.
sanitation
Make sure there are plenty of washing and disinfecting options.
Review and revise your hygiene concept from last summer. Where must adjustments be made and where must new ideas be considered?
Adapt your hygiene standards to higher requirements.
Activate your HACCP routines.
Clean all appliances, such as the dispensing system, ice cube machine, etc.
orders
Create a requirements overview for the start! What all needs to be ordered?
Contact your suppliers Are all products available for daily use or are there delivery problems and bottlenecks?
If you have suspended official approvals such as GEMA, outdoor space, GEZ, etc., don't forget to activate them!
The same applies to laundry contracts, cleaning companies, etc.
conclusion
We should see the lockdown as an opportunity and try to digitize ourselves over time in order to remain competitive. A well-established company will also overcome this period and come out stronger.
The checklist helps you to think of all the important things for reopening.
