MyTravaly's Hotelier Interview Series Hotel Green Palms, Uttrakhand

Mr. Prantik Sen Gupta, the Rooms division manager of Pupil Sea view resort(Gopalpur), Bandhan Inn(Bhubaneshwar) and Pupil Hotels and Resorts(Puri) shares his views upon the emerging role of Technologies in modern Hotel industry post COVID-19 era. He also mentions the specialities of these respective properties in Orissa which you can definitely look at if planning to visit the State anytime soon. And do not forget to check the trending deals at mytravaly.com for the above hotels.

         * Some positive changes due to COVID-19 in the hospitality industry.

When we talk about business, there are very less positives according to me as we are already in scarcity of revenues and job losses but yeah from service point of you it has led to more careful and hygienic service right from the reception to food handling and cleanliness, and due to Covid we are keener towards guest’s safety and hygiene standards which wasn't before, which is a positive thing, also along with this we've all personally learned a lot of life lessons.

         * How do you assure customers about safety and hygiene?

To assure our customers I feel promotion and advertising plays an important role to make people aware of the hygiene and safety standards that we are maintaining at accommodation, food and services. So we've updated testimonials of the safety measures and government guidelines being followed on our website. To assure them of their safety in our property, the staff do not enter the rooms when occupied. When guests we ensure sanitization and every safety measure in front of them.

         * some special aspects of your hotel/resort.

Our Hotel in Bhubaneswar has a very mesmerizing swimming pool on the rooftop where guests can enjoy as well as dine. Ut is near the railway station as well  .In our property in Puri there is a playground for where you can get your kids busy and spend some quality time. We have sea facing rooms just 200 metres away from the sea with private Balconies. We have an 8 floor property. The higher you choose to stay, the clearer is the view of the sea. Also there we have two Presidential suits that are interconnecting and similar in Gopalpur. We have sea facing rooms in Gopalpur property also.

         * How far do you think technology can help in bringing back the customers?

During the Covid I completely felt that technology is the only thing that can help Hoteliers bring their business back on track. It can help us establish trust, provide contactless, increase visibility, navigate, online demographics as well as easy service which is convenient for customers. So I think Technologies can help in numerous ways in normalizing things along with mandatory precautions.

         * What is the day to day changes practiced on a daily basis in your property after Covid.

We are not providing rooms before 48 hours of the last check out. Only 30% staff are at work, full occupancy isn't yet allowed. Special attention to hygiene of food, safety and refrain from services which includes touch or close exposure. We are trying to maintain distancing or crowding on reception and such, maintaining other safety standards strictly on a daily basis.

         * Is covid19 a curse or a blessing according to you?

Covid19 is definitely a curse for the Hotel Industry. Ever since has this pandemic started the industry is in commotion and yet not at rest. First few months were severe , slowly we started witnessing customers and near to normalization but haven't reached yet. Still now we are in shortage of revenue due to restrictions on international tours and travel. So according to me  it's a curse for Hotel industry.