-Nelvi Mathew | IMAWS (cbedit@imaws.org)
Kerala, often dubbed ‘God’s Own Country’, is a prime destination for travelers seeking tranquility, culture, and natural beauty. The state’s hospitality industry is integral to its thriving tourism sector, with hotels and resorts playing a key role in delivering memorable experiences. At the heart of this vibrant industry is the K. Hotel General Managers’ Club (KHGMC), a professional body that unites the General Managers of leading hotels and resorts across the state.
This association is dedicated to fostering excellence, collaboration, and innovation within the hospitality sector. Along with the perks there also come some disadvantages associated within this sector. While talking to Sijo Joy Varghese , the General Manager of Casino Hotels, Thrissur who is also the state secretary of the KHGMC, we got advanced with some information on how the covid season has an impact and made the people thrive everyday. Along with how the travel and tourism department of the government collaborates with the KHGMC for further development.
The General Managers’ association mainly focuses on exchanging creative ideas, ensuring the members welfare, FSSAI awareness and others. This association has the General Managers of all the three star hotels across the state which constitute almost 386 members. “Covid has shaken each and every person to the very core who has been part of the hotel sector in an enormous way “ says Mr. Sijo Joy Varghese. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other service-oriented businesses faced unprecedented challenges as global travel came to a standstill, and lockdowns forced closures across the world. Mr. Sijo listed out the paramount effects of Covid-19 had on the hospitality industry, the immediate responses, long-term changes and the road to recovery. The onset of the pandemic in early 2020 led to an abrupt halt in travel and tourism, the lifeblood of the hospitality industry. There were many changes that came along with this pandemic.
One of the foremost things that has happened were the massive revenue losses. With travel restrictions in place, occupancy rates in hotels plummeted to historic lows. Many properties were forced to close temporarily or operate at minimal capacity, leading to significant revenue losses. Restaurants, too, faced similar challenges, with dine-in services halted and revenues dwindling. Another hardship was job losses and furloughs. The hospitality sector, known for its labor-intensive nature, was hit hard by layoffs and furloughs. Millions of workers globally lost their jobs as businesses struggled to stay afloat. The uncertainty of the pandemic made it difficult for many employers to guarantee job security. The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, affecting the availability of essential goods and services for the hospitality industry. From food and beverages to cleaning supplies and linens, the supply chain bottlenecks exacerbated the challenges faced by businesses trying to maintain operations.
“The resilience shown by the hospitality industry, demonstrated a remarkable way of surviving and thriving throughout the covid. It was an eye opening path to enhance and secure the health and safety protocols. Along with ensuring an easy way for guests entering the properties without much formalities.”, he said further adding on how governments travel and tourism policy has had an influence over the hotel and resorts sector. The usual GST charges for the tariff of any hotels are 18 percent and very recently the upgrading of this issue was solved which helped both parties.
Speaking on the role of the Govrnment, he said that for any industries in the country the Government’s decisions are always directly proportional. The travel and tourism division ,ade many impacts on the hospitality industry. Very recently the tourism policy making of this sector was made along with the hotels and resorts association. But the government policies are very capricious and can lead into any type of crisis. Governments play a vital role in promoting tourism, which directly benefits the hotel industry. National and regional tourism boards often engage in marketing campaigns to attract international and domestic tourists, highlighting the cultural, historical, and natural attractions of a destination. These efforts can lead to increased visitor numbers, driving up occupancy rates and revenue for hotels, Mr Sijo says.
Additionally, government policies related to visas and travel regulations can either facilitate or hinder tourism. “For instance, countries that have simplified visa processes or implemented visa-on-arrival programs have seen a surge in international visitors, benefiting the hotel industry. Conversely, strict visa requirements or travel bans can deter potential tourists, leading to a decline in hotel bookings.”, the General Secretay added. Beyond immediate policy decisions, governments play a key role in shaping the long-term strategic environment for the hotel industry. National tourism strategies, urban development plans, and environmental policies can influence the direction of the industry for decades to come. In the conclusion, Mr. Sijo also adds to say that “ It has been only two years since the hotels and resorts started working fully fledged. It needs more time to aid from all the crises including the global pandemic. Along with all of the states decisions is always a crucial part in the profit margins of the hospitality sector”.
