WTTC unveils new global protocols to restart, Africa’s hotel investors, Emirates Group shows profit, impact on hotels in Asia Pacific and wellbeing will be the new luxury.

WTTC unveils new global protocols to restart
Thursday, 14th May 2020

The World Travel & Tourism Council has unveiled a range of new worldwide measures to restart the sector, the measures have been designed to rebuild confidence among consumers so they can travel safely once the restrictions are lifted.

The new Safe Travels protocols provide consistency to destinations and countries as well as guidance to travel providers, operators, and travellers, about the new approach to health and hygiene in the post COVID-19 world >>

COVID-19 impact on hotels in Asia Pacific
14 May 2020 : While the pandemic is anticipated to prolong, hotels should start to draw up plans in preparation for a recovery. In the meanwhile, it is the perfect time to relook into operational strategies, cost-saving initiatives, refurbishment, marketing distribution channels, staff training and technology upgrade >>

Africa’s hotel investors are now choosing to go it alone
14 May 2020 : Hotel investors across the growing Sub-Sahara African market are moving towards greater control of their portfolios through outright and majority ownership >>

Emirates Group shows profit, against a drop in revenue
13 May 2020 : The Emirates Group announced its 32nd consecutive year of profit, against a drop in revenue mainly attributed to reduced operations during the planned DXB runway closure in the first quarter, and the impact of flight and travel restrictions in Q4 >>

HIGHLIGHT ARTICLE

Hotels Count the Cost of COVID-19 Pandemic and Look to Remodel the Business
Thursday, 14th May 2020

With much of Europe’s hotel sector still closed for business, the industry faces a huge challenge to rebuild consumer confidence once COVID-19 lockdown restrictions start to lift later this year.

Providing hotel businesses survive financially – utilising a combination of rent and bank loan freezes, Government support, working with owners and furloughing staff – they also face the question of how long it will take for consumers to once again feel confident staying in hotels >>

Wellbeing Will Be the New Luxury
The coronavirus shutdown has forced a reset to consumers’ purchasing behavior across the globe and at every income level and in a blink of the eye, consumer spending shifted from discretionary to necessity purchases and has remained that way throughout the months of the shutdowns >>

We'll Be Stronger When This is Over
I see light at the end of the tunnel, while we’re not back to 'business as usual,' we are starting to see business reopen and adapt to a new normal, I’ve made many observations over the past couple of months, some of which have found their way into my weekly posts >>

Emerging from the Great Lockdown in Asia and Europe
Several countries in Asia and Europe, where the COVID-19 outbreak appears to have peaked, are gradually reopening their economies, but without a vaccine or effective treatment, policymakers will be balancing the benefits of resuming economic activity against the potential cost of another increase in infection rates >>

In case you've missed it: Global eNews of May 13, 2020
HK tourism reveal post-strategy, Hyatt starts layoffs, hoteliers look to balance sustainability, profitability and temporarily closed hotels when to reopen? >>