A whole new world for the hospitality industry

There is no doubt that once all COVID-19 related travel and hospitality restrictions are lifted, the industry will never be able to operate in quite the same way again. Hoteliers, restaurateurs and owners of all related businesses will have to make significant changes - both physical and mental - to stay on top of the game. 

Says Pierre Van Heerden who is the Programme Co-ordinator and Senior Lecturer of The Private Hotel School - Rosebank: “Under the Level 3 regulations, hotels, B&Bs and guest houses have been allowed to accept customers who are travelling for business purposes only, but now that leisure stays are again permitted, holidaying and accommodation as we know it, will change forever. 

"We are excited that Level 2 regulations are now in place and we are working very closely with the hospitality industry on reopening to leisure travellers, whilst at the same time keeping visitors, staff and students safe.”

According to Van Heerden, the most prominent changes to take place in the hospitality industry will revolve around hygiene practices and, aside from hotel staff constantly having to sanitise areas which are frequently visited by guests, hotels and other accommodation establishments may also have to install markers on floors to remind people of social distancing etiquette as well as offer masks and hand sanitiser to guests checking in.

It may also be sensible and practical for hotels, B&Bs, guest houses etc. to leave rooms vacant for 24 hours after a guest has left and use the time to deep clean and extensively sanitise the room before the next guest checks in. Spas and gyms may have to be closed to guests, even when the Level 2 regulations permit that gyms now can be opened. Hotel gyms are often not the most utilised facility and keeping a space such as a sweaty gym sanitized could be challenging.

Other requirements may include touch-less hand sanitiser dispensers throughout the hotel as well as spray bottles of sanitiser in each room for guest use; automated doors so there is minimal touching of handles; hand sanitiser in elevators and the number of guests per elevator limited; multi-use and unnecessary items and amenities removed from guest rooms; room service adjusted for proper delivery protocols including the sanitation of cutlery and single use condiments and the discontinuation of self-service buffets.

Says Van Heerden: “There is also going to have be significant employee education around COVID-19 and all guest protocols and procedures. Employees will have to adopt proper hand cleaning practices and follow guidelines regularly and after activities such as using the restroom, cleaning, eating, and before and after starting shifts.

“They will also have to wear appropriate PPE in accordance with regulations and be trained on proper use and disposal of PPE. All bed linen and laundry will have to be washed at the hottest temperature, the frequency of cleaning and sanitising in all high traffic areas increased and shared tools and equipment cleaned and disinfected during and after each shift or when transferred to a new employee.”

So what's on the cards for current and new students at The Private Hotel School in this regard?

“The Private Hotel School students have been thoroughly trained in dealing and working with COVID-19. They have been exposed to all necessary processes and policies and have been trained fully on the regulations and importance of the aforementioned,” says Van Heerden.