In a conversation with the Financial Post’s Larysa Harapyn, Susie Grynol, chief executive of the Hotel Association of Canada, discusses the challenges hotels face in their road to recovery.
Airport Chaos: A Perfect Storm for Hotels?
The chaos at airports across Canada has been well-documented. With massive bottlenecks and long waits, travelers are facing a perfect storm that’s impacting not just their travel plans but also the hotel industry as a whole.
Summer Travel Costs Soaring
Recommended from Editorial:
Summer travel costs are soaring and Canadians appear happy to pay the price.
Canada has temporarily lifted random COVID testing amid massive bottlenecks at airports. This decision was made in an effort to alleviate some of the pressure on travelers, but it remains to be seen how effective this will be in reducing wait times.
Airport Delays: A Double Whammy
Long waits on the plane await travelers as airports work out the kinks. Toronto Pearson travelers face long waits as airport hit by double whammy of COVID screening and staff shortages.
Listen to Down to Business for in-depth discussions and insights into the latest in Canadian business, available wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the latest episode below:
Recommended from Editorial:
Summer travel costs are soaring and Canadians appear happy to pay the price.
Canada temporarily lifting random COVID testing amid massive bottlenecks at airports.
Long waits on the plane await travelers as airports work out the kinks.
Toronto Pearson travelers face long waits as airport hit by double whammy of COVID screening and staff shortages.
A Perfect Storm for Hotels?
The challenges facing hotels are multifaceted. With airport chaos impacting bookings, it’s no wonder that hotel occupancy rates have been struggling to recover. According to Susie Grynol, chief executive of the Hotel Association of Canada, this is a perfect storm that hotels can’t afford to face.
"We’re seeing a significant impact on bookings due to the airport chaos," said Grynol in an interview with the Financial Post’s Larysa Harapyn. "Travelers are canceling their trips or delaying them due to the long wait times at airports. This is having a ripple effect throughout the industry, impacting hotel occupancy rates and revenue."
What’s Behind the Airport Chaos?
The airport chaos can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Staff shortages: The ongoing labor shortage has left many airports understaffed, leading to long wait times for travelers.
- COVID screening: The implementation of COVID-19 screening protocols has added an extra layer of complexity to the travel process, causing delays and frustration for travelers.
- Bottlenecks: The sheer volume of travelers trying to get through airports has created bottlenecks at security checkpoints, baggage claim areas, and other key points in the travel process.
How Will This Impact Hotels?
The airport chaos is having a significant impact on hotel bookings. With travelers canceling or delaying their trips due to long wait times at airports, hotels are struggling to fill their rooms. According to Grynol, this has resulted in a decline in occupancy rates and revenue for many hotels across the country.
"The airport chaos is having a direct impact on our business," said Grynol. "We’re seeing cancellations and delays in bookings, which is affecting our bottom line. We need to find ways to mitigate the effects of this chaos and ensure that we can continue to operate at optimal levels."
What’s Next for Hotels?
In order to navigate these challenges, hotels must be proactive in addressing the issues facing them. This includes:
- Diversifying their marketing efforts: Hotels should focus on reaching out to potential customers through various channels, such as social media and email marketing.
- Improving customer service: Hotels can differentiate themselves by offering exceptional customer service, which can help attract and retain customers even in the face of airport chaos.
- Developing strategic partnerships: By partnering with airlines, travel agencies, or other industry players, hotels can leverage their expertise and resources to navigate the challenges facing them.
Conclusion
The airport chaos is having a significant impact on hotel bookings across Canada. With travelers canceling or delaying their trips due to long wait times at airports, hotels are struggling to fill their rooms. To mitigate these effects, hotels must be proactive in addressing the issues facing them and developing strategies to attract and retain customers.
Recommended Reading
- Summer travel costs are soaring and Canadians appear happy to pay the price
- Canada temporarily lifting random COVID testing amid massive bottlenecks at airports
- Long waits on the plane await travelers as airports work out the kinks
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