The Great Reset
What does hospitality look like post-Covid?
Having worked closely as digital growth partners with the teams behind brands like Mitchells & Butlers, Resorts World Birmingham, Pure Morzine chalets and Lakeland Leisure Estates, we are always looking to learn more about innovation in the hospitality space and challenges faced by the UK restaurant, nightlife and hotel sectors.
At its best, tech enables hoteliers and restauranteurs to streamline operations, automate processes, supercharge their marketing, improve cyber security and even help reduce emissions. Data can be used to provide state-of-the-art customer experiences, thus improving service, increasing retention, saving money and helping boost revenue as well as direct bookings.
The pandemic has truly demonstrated the resilience of UK hospitality businesses. In this article, we go through some of the biggest trends and pain points we have identified, as well as exciting new opportunities arising from the great reset.
Convenience, efficiency and low cost are the obvious benefits of automation, but personnel-free services could also benefit those who are immunocompromised or looking to otherwise limit exposure to infectious diseases during their visit.
Health is nr 1
Perhaps unsurprisingly, sanitising solutions and products aimed at the reduction of human touchpoints were very much a trend at this year’s UK hospitality trade shows. From cleaning chemicals and fogging devices to nanotech-coatings and sanitising lights, it is obvious that there is a whole new level of expectation for sanitary measures in hospitality, as businesses look to regain the trust of their customers.
Contactless receptions, digital workers and Wundermart’s staffless hotel convenience shops envisage a future where machines work alongside hospitality professionals. Convenience, efficiency and low cost are the obvious benefits of automation, but personnel-free services could also benefit those who are immunocompromised or looking to otherwise limit exposure to infectious diseases during their visit.
Communicate your brand’s H&S actions
Covid-19 has left customers feeling vulnerable. Reconnecting with your clients to offer a safe and clean environment is more important than ever. Efficient communication is key when organisations communicate their policies including health and safety precautions. Studies have shown that consumers care not just about their own health but also about the health of the staff.
Additionally, staff shortages have encouraged businesses to invest in their talent acquisition strategy – sick leave, social distancing and hygiene practices are high on jobseeker’s list of priorities.
Maintain business continuity with digital: takeaway, delivery and personalisation
Consumer preferences have shifted towards delivery, click-and-collect and in-app orders at the table, which has aggregated greater demand for logistics services and fully integrated digital solutions. Targeted promotions combined with a smooth digital ordering experience are ideal for elevating customer loyalty.
Outsourcing your digital services is often an investment as hospitality businesses can get access to top UX design, development and marketing experts at the fraction of the cost of a hire. At Verse can help you develop a growth strategy that combines first-class connected digital services with Business-As-Usual Marketing campaign delivery.