TOP STORY UK government advises hotels to close for business UK: The government has issued guidance to accommodation providers and has advised all hotels providing commercial accommodation to close. LATEST NEWS FEATURES VIDEOS
Editor's comment 25/03/2020
• The effects of the coronavirus are at different stages in different countries, with many nations - us in the UK included - still bracing ourselves for an escalation in the number of infections and deaths. It does seem rather one-eyed to look at the virus solely in terms of hospitality when it is causing so much pain and anguish around the world, but the fact is that our industry is very much in the wake of the virus' path.
In Europe and the US travel is virtually at at a standstill, while occupancy is low and getting lower. In the UK, the government has just advised all accommodation providers to close for business during the lockdown period, with a few exceptions.
But if we look to China, where the pandemic began, they seem to be coming out the other side, with lockdowns being lifted - even in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.
And hospitality and travel is quickly rebounding in response. Chinese hotels are reopening and the domestic air travel market is coming back to life.
These are incredibly hard times - nobody in the industry that I have spoken to can remember anything remotely like this. It's more important than ever to remember that this situation is temporary and we will come out the other side, to an industry that will be very different. Our next challenge will be to reshape it for the better when that time comes.
• Here at BHN we want to use the collective experience and knowledge of our readership for the good of the sector, and we are appealing for you to share any hints and tips you might have that can help others. We particularly want thought leadership articles from industry figures who can offer words of wisdom and encouragement as well as practical advice.
Please drop us a line at george@internationalhospitality.media if you'd like to contribute - we'd love to hear from you.
George Sell, editor
Katie Houghton
Group head of sales: media and events +44 (0)7535 135 116
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