How to sustain your travel business during the lockdown

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Covid-19 is shows no signs of subsiding, and is on a rampage to break the economic well-being of nations worldwide. The impact of this unprecedented scenario will be experienced for a long time. However, it is the job of an innovator to find a silver lining even in these bleak times. The lockdown presents businesses with exactly this opportunity.

New-age players under quarantine can, and indeed, should, utilise this time to introspect. Look for the sensitive areas in your businesses, focus on strengthening them, pool resources in that direction and re-strategise your short- and long-term plans. This applies to players operating in any and all sectors. The travel ecosystem is no exception.

Hailing from the travel industry ourselves, we understand what it means to unwind and how important it is to travel. Although prospects look dim, we must remember that the night is darkest just before the dawn. We will eventually emerge from the pandemic healthy and whole, if we endeavour to make the most of this time given to us. Let’s take a look at how.

Reinvent. Repeat.
It is a good time to explore your options. It is as important to reinvent as it is to formulate foolproof strategies. It is often observed that fear of failure keeps people from trying. Look into all directions for inspiration, make alterations in the way you function, come up with a unique marketing idea and dedicate your entire system in its execution.

Cling to social media
Be active on social media. It lends you an opportunity to connect with people and to remain sane, but also to keep an eye on the trends to stay relevant. The research you do now will enable you to make robust strategies tomorrow.

Reconnect with your stakeholders
Planning and strategising are important but a company is made up of people. While you should definitely take out time to think about your operations, don't forget your associates while you aim for your objectivea. Use this time to connect with your in-house teams and external stakeholders. Strong relationships are crucial to sustaining business and your efforts during this time can serve as a strategic advantage for your business in the post-lockdown future.

Phase 2: Business after lockdown
You should also invest in preparing necessary policies and reforms to help you transition into the transformed business landscape in the post-pandemic world. Some of the major points that you should think about include:

Decontamination of office spaces
The post-Covid-19 economy will be visibly different from the world before coronavirus. For one, people will be more conscious of health and hygiene. This will translate into people avoiding high contact environments and heightened attention to keeping the surroundings sterilised. Office spaces are no exception.

You will also need to transform your workspaces to make them social distancing-compliant. The pandemic has apprised us of the need to have a back-up for such unforeseen circumstances. It's better to be prepared with a robust digital infrastructure than being sorry, again.

Flexible employee policies
Companies will also need to consider implementing employee-friendly policies to keep functioning in the post-Covid-19 economy. It is quite possible that remote working may become the new normal. Businesses should, therefore, seek to adapt to the culture beforehand.

Relax your sales windows
Do not force people to commit to a date. Let them decide when they wish to take the vacation. We are better aware of how plans can change. People may want to cancel their bookings and reschedule. Adjust to their requirements by taking bookings in advance and let them reschedule as they please.

In public interest
Provide crucial information related to Covid-19, including helpline numbers and a database of hospitals. Spread information on guidelines issued by governments and local health authorities. Vital information on such critical issues comes handy in distress. Adequate and timely awareness on a global level could have averted this situation as well.

Share your Covid-19 story
Let people know about your game plan—how your company wrestled with the pandemic before emerging victorious. Positive words and exceptional experiences act as a soothing balm for those who are looking for inspiration. Share with people what disruptions the pandemic caused to your business, and the steps you took to manage the crisis.

Things might take longer than usual to get back on track; markets may take time to stabilise, but things will eventually adapt to the new circumstances. One might have to strengthen alternative infrastructure to function smoothly. Remember that bad days are good learning experiences. They may look intimidating initially, but the joy of overcoming the bumps always makes the effort worthwhile.

The writer is co-founder & CEO of Zostel

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The thoughts and opinions shared here are of the author.