Forbes Poll: Luxury Hoteliers Say ‘Worst of Covid-19 Crisis Over’

More than half of luxury hoteliers polled by Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) are expressing optimism that the Covid-19 crisis is subsiding but expect the road to recovery to be long.

Indicatively, 54 percent of luxury hotel proprietors believe the worst of the crisis is over with 63 percent claiming business will return to sustainable levels within two years.

Source: FTG

More specifically, the FTG polled some 418 general managers at luxury hotels to gain an insight into the main operational challenges and adaptations brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The study, which looks into the luxury hospitality market’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, reveals that 84 percent of hotels are now fully open compared to 56 percent in July. Of the remaining closed units, 63 percent said they plan to reopen in the fourth quarter.

Source: FTG

Of the total, 38 percent have delayed reopening, citing not enough demand (54 percent) and government travel restrictions (49 percent).

Due to the changes imposed due to Covid-19, 60 percent said staff have coped well or very well with the extra responsibilities, which include extra cleaning procedures (93 percent) and enforcing health and safety measures (80 percent).

Source: FTG

The study also revealed a higher or much higher than typical proportion of leisure guests compared to business guests (64 percent).

With regard to information, the number of telephone enquiries increased by 61 percent ahead of booking, and 78 percent of properties are welcoming more local and regional guests.

“We’ve witnessed such tenacity from the hospitality industry despite the unending daily challenges, yet we remain cautious, creative and steadfast in the future of luxury hospitality, however long it takes,” said Filip Boyen, CEO Forbes Travel Guide.

The Forbes Travel Guide is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas.