The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented economic collapse worldwide, so investment aid for hospitality has been necessary to ensure that such a productive sector of the Spanish economy remains profitable.
In this regard, investment in Spanish hospitality should focus on staff training and the digitalisation of resources, in other words, implementing contactless systems to ensure compliance with COVID rules.
Increasing operational efficiency and implementing and expanding technology appear to be part of the investment structure in hotels. These are seen as the two most important lines to follow.
Operational efficiency
It is essential to train all hotel staff more and better on the COVID regulations in force in Spain and Europe. Employees must not only know the rules but also apply them to themselves.
In addition, to ensure safety measures are followed, many hotels have decided to invest in kits given to guests on arrival, such as masks, gloves and bottles of hand sanitiser gel, on top of those placed in corridors, walkways and common areas.
This is an important part of investment in Spanish hospitality, ensuring the proper handling of hygiene products (for cleaning rooms, for example) both for guests and for legal compliance.
Automatic disinfection systems at doors and temperature checks are also being installed.
Technology for greater efficiency and safety
Investment aid for hospitality has been used to install much more effective devices and systems to minimise contact. It's a reality that COVID-19 has forced us to get used to.
To reduce points of contact, from entrances to payment methods, many hotels and airports have introduced mobile-controlled systems and online payment methods, including check-in and check-out.
A safety and hygiene protocol must be part of the investment structure in hotels to protect the health of guests, staff and everyone involved in tourism services.
This safety protocol can include mobile solutions providing keyless access via mobile phone to rooms and other common areas such as gyms, restaurants or pool areas.
For example, proximity electronic locks can be opened with a mobile phone via Bluetooth, a technology that can even be used in lifts.
Contactless access is entirely possible, and makes sense because keys (even cards) pass from hand to hand and can never be fully disinfected.
For check-in, the mobile phone will always be the preferred tool, as this process can (and should) also be done from a smartphone. Once the guest arrives at the hotel, the procedure is completed on their phone, which receives the electronic key.
This way, guests can reach their room with practically no contact with hotel staff or objects. Check-out works in exactly the same way.
Technology stands out as the most suitable solution at a time when contact with hard-to-control surfaces must be kept to a minimum.
