How Will the Hotels Reopen in July?

The hospitality sector was the most affected in the new coronavirus pandemic. According to IBGE, just in March, the tourism sector dropped by 30%.

In mid-June, the hotel sector began to envision a reopening plan. The Union designed an action plan in order to resume activities in July. But first, it is necessary to adapt some aspects, such as strict hygiene and prevention protocols.

Post-Pandemic Hotels Reopening

Hotel chains are already launching programs to assure guests of all necessary preventive measures, such as the Marriott, Accor, and Hilton chains. Even Airbnb, which has been suffering from high cancellation rates, has had to adapt to the new times and include strict cleaning plans for its hosts.

The Swan Hotels chain, for example, maintains 4 units open under the guidance of a “Guide to coping with COVID-19“. Among its new rules are:

• suspension of all activities and events;
• closing spaces for common use;
• mandatory use of PPE;
• meal service only in apartments.

Another hotel that recently released its new hygiene procedures was the Compact Hotel Alphaville. Check out:

Hotels Reopen Operations In Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina is one of the first Brazilian states to resume the activities of the hotel industry. For this, the Tourism Development Agency of the State of Santa Catarina (Santur), in partnership with the State Department of Health (SES) has released important guidelines for the means of accommodation. See some of them:

• It is recommended not to return home with the same clothes used at work. establishments can only activate 50% of the total capacity of places;
• Meals can only be taken with room service;
• Obligation to make alcohol-gel available at strategic points;
• Workers should be instructed in the use of masks provided by the employer, regardless of whether they are in direct contact with the public;
• Social areas such as the swimming pool and games room must remain closed;
• Attention to the cleaning of door handles, tables, counters, handrails, switches, elevators and physical barriers used as collective protection equipment such as transparent plates;
• Attention to the cleaning of keyboards, mice, office supplies, card payment machines, self-service ATMs or any other equipment that has an electronic physical contact panel;

How Did Europe Reopened?

With the arrival of summer, most European countries are defining the last details of the official reopening. Despite some similarities, each country will follow its own action plan.

UK

A survey was conducted among hoteliers and it was found that more than three out of four hotels say they are ready for reopening. The “one-meter rule” was established, which guarantees a mandatory social distance. In a survey, 40% of hoteliers said reopening is feasible if this rule is respected. 36% said the rule should be two meters. Domestic travel is permitted with restrictions, and the international reopening is scheduled for July.

Greece

Greece may be the first European country to reopen tourism, largely because they were one of the countries with the lowest number of fatalities. “The tourist season starts on June 15th, when hotels will be able to reopen. We will make summer the epilogue of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Spain

The country with the strictest restrictions in Europe still has no date for reopening. “We need to ensure that the person who is coming to Spain is a healthy person,” tourism minister Reyes Maroto told El País. “So I have no way of saying when and how you can enjoy our beaches.”

Italy

The country most affected by the pandemic in the continent, Italy eased the quarantine rigidity on June 3 with “calculated risks”. European Union tourists will need to go through 2 weeks of quarantine before they can enter the country. Museums, restaurants, cafes, and bars were reopened on May 18. There is still no date for the full return of tourism.

Germany

One of the countries that best managed the virus, Germany reopened its hotels and borders with Austria on May 15. The next reopening step is scheduled for the 15th of June.

Portugal

Restaurants, museums, coffee shops, and schools were reopened (with reduced capacity) on May 18th. They approved the 1 meter and a half mandatory social distance rule. The tourism authorities have proposed a free hygiene certificate to win the confidence of tourists. Raul Martins, President of the Portuguese Hotels Association, expects the opening to happen in July.

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