When a natural disaster strikes, the immediate results are devastating.  We all have watched the events unfold in our Gulf Coast areas in awe and sorrow, with each day bringing extraordinary stories and sights of damage, distress and heartbreak.  We have also witnessed unbelievable courage and resolve to rebuild lives, communities and businesses, for with usual American "can do", the vision of the future is attainable and bright.  However, each stage of recovery will be under the Media microscope:  successes will be showcased, missteps magnified and corruption and flim flam exposed.

With Tourism known as major economic driver for the Gulf Coast, the Hospitality Industry will play a significant role in not only the rebuilding effort but also what will become the new landscape.  Very heady times, representing huge investment, dedication, and vision!

But, what the most significant question now and for the foreseeable future is:  "How and what are you doing and are you open and ready for business?"  You may recall last year when the hurricanes blanketed the Caribbean and portions of the Southeast.  Information was scarce, uneven, and inaccurate.  Official spokespeople or Agencies were simply not believed.  USA Today was particularly vigilant in their reporting.  No amount of marketing dollars can sway the public mindset.  They are simply too smart, too wary, spin adverse and, often, too fickle - you are off the radar screen. 

So, this is a major dilemma, understanding that every move, announcement and action will be scrutinized, steadily, by various media concerns, some responsibly content directed, others moved to "yellow journalism".  Yet, the Gulf Coast area does want the good news to flow, the various stages of recovery and reconstruction noted, towns safe, residents relocated back, and, for the Hospitality Industry," Yes, we are open for business!"

At least six (6) constituencies make for a robust Hospitality Destination:

• The individual Hospitality Business (all Lodgings, Casinos, Restaurants, Attractions and Retail Stores).
• The Destination Marketing Organization (CVB, Chamber, Trade Association), representing the Hospitality community and often a Convention Center.
• The Meeting Planner, who directs volume business to the specific venue or Destination area.
• The ultimate Consumer – our Visitor.
• The infrastructure which supports the Destination in terms of private (taxis, parking lots) or public services.
• Purveyors and providers to the Hospitality Industry.

Understand that each group above has their own needs and faces their own particular unique set of challenges, yet their present and future well being are interwoven and mutually dependent. There needs to be a shared Vision and Commitment to this new Landscape!

• The Hotelier wants to welcome back the Guest, the Restaurateur wishes to seat their patrons, attractions want the turnstile to whirl, casinos seek the sounds of slots, and retailers look for the foot traffic. 
• The CVB wants to promote these businesses, and attract Visitors to town. 
• The Meeting Planner is looking for quality accommodations, spacious meeting rooms, dining options, best value and price, and, of course, safety to meet their Group's needs.
• The Visitor, either leisure or group related, looks for some level Quality Assurance, as well as activities within their budget, as they decide where to stay, dine, play and shop.
• The city "hum" and "buzz" wants to return to some normalcy.
• Purveyors want to provide their goods and services.

Many Gulf Coast areas will be artistically creating a new Destination canvas. You will rise again! The choice of colors, the palette, with all the tints, shades and combinations, should be drawn from four strategic "wells":

• Brand Development and Marketing
• Measurement/Research
• Education and Development
• Quality Assurance

Brand Development and Marketing:  This is the opportunity to refashion or design anew your Brand Promise.  Gathering talent from all sectors, you will create a concept which will be heard in a crowded, competitive Destination Marketplace.  The picture you frame will be defining, compelling, passionate and stimulate all the senses.  You will show your culture, history and uniqueness, permitting each participant to leverage their assets.  And, this consistent message will distinguish you in terms of positioning, advertising and marketing.

Measurement/Research:  This is ongoing –  your homework and your  report Card.  The data collected will demonstrate whether or not your marketing, your Performance, and Visitor Expectations have been integrated.  You will be able to allocate resources, identify "hot buttons" and Improvement Areas, and further establish Destination-wide Benchmarks.

Education and Development:  This aspect provides the opportunity to build Service capacity, upgrade skills and competencies at all levels, create Career Paths, better retain and attract talent, and establish Standardization of Excellence.  Some Destinations create their own "Institute", while others partner with existing Hospitality Schools and Programs.  But, such a central concept is critical for immediate and ongoing success. Any Program, whether newly created to "kick off" your initiatives or support them long term, like Housekeeping Basics or Service Standards, should reside in this structure you have designed to move the Destination forward and upwards.  Additionally, you have addressed a significant social challenge by providing education and opportunity for your existing and returning populace.

The first step is an across the board "Ambassador 101" Certification process for the Private as well as the Public Sectors, particularly, as your Brand, your essence, becomes formulated.  The Community must become engaged, enthused and sold.  Whether you are a policeman, a cabbie, a parking lot attendant or the front line hospitality provider, you create that essential 1^st impression.

Quality Assurance:  With this tactic, Standards are designated, they can be measured and rewarded.  Open to all sectors of the Destination, but focused primarily on the Hospitality Businesses, a QA Program evaluates product and service delivery, as well as physical conditions and environment.  Independent verification creates trust.

These four building blocks are essential to the Recovery effort, enlisting all community participation to build a new and better landscape, elevating the Visitor Experience by establishing a relationship, not merely a transaction. It will be memorable, they will return and you will regain prominence, but only hard work and superb product and service delivery will recreate that stature. 

However, right now it all comes back to information which is timely and certifiable.  When one says "they are open for business!", what does this mean, at what level, and what condition?  At this point reputations and former "standings" are no longer reliable.  Throw the "four stars" out, the remarkable commentaries from Travel Magazines are no longer valid, former reviews or even plateau ratings by marketing organizations are irrelevant.  Many Hospitality Businesses are almost back at step one or two.

What is needed today and tomorrow is a reaffirmation of the foundation of Hospitality – Hospitality Assurance Certification that reasonable, fundamental Quality standards have been met:  cleanliness, safety, security, comfort, acceptable service level and condition of the facility.  That is what your public wants to know.  That is what is important now and going forward.  This applies to ALL Hospitality businesses which "touch the Visitor".  This is not merely a prescription; it is a business credo.  It has always begun with a commitment to Quality which is critical for the memorable Visitor Experience, whether you be in a recovery mode or well established.

About the author. 

John Hendrie, of Hospitality Performance, a full service Consulting Consortium, considers the Visitor Experience the portal to Remarkable Hospitality. www.hospitalityperformance.com