The hospitality industry has faced the worst burnt of the pandemic, probably more than any other industry. Now, the third wave poses another big challenge especially as the government has released restrictions, limiting the number of people who can dine-in.
Vijay Wanchoo, Sr. Executive VP and GM, The Imperial New Delhi is surprised that when hotels and restaurants follow all safety and hygiene protocols, they still remain the first ones to be targeted during an upsurge in cases. “This is despite the fact that buses and metros operate at full capacity,” he pointedly stated.
He believed that the limitation on seating in standalone and hotel restaurants will have a great impact on the F&B sector. “Even hotel guests are allowed to eat only in the rooms and no restaurants are operating,” Wanchoo noted. “Also with so many restrictions being imposed on hotels in Delhi, associates will start looking for opportunities in other regions where the scenario is still better and jobs are safer.”
This can become a huge issue for the long-suffering hospitality sector. While many hoteliers and restauranteurs had adopted to the 50% capacity in F&B outlets, its continuance will have a detrimental impact on the overall business.
“It will further impact the room count which will affect the F&B revenue, other than the banning local walk-ins,” Wanchoo stated. “However, to combat this we have to be aggressive in our home delivery and take away orders, mid-week staycations, workcations, be ready for adversities and strategise much ahead in time.”
The situation remains volatile, but this is the time for hoteliers to be mindful and act calmly for the benefit of guests and the associates alike.
