It is now time to get ingenious

This pandemic has been a litmus test for the travel industry which has shown that innovation and enterprise can go a long way in surviving a catastrophe. From airlines and hotel chains to governments, the need to survive has given birth to remarkable ideas that many can learn from.

Hazel Jain

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is offering a chance to dine on a plane on-board its A380 without having to leave the ground. Prices start at S$50 for a three-course meal in economy, S$90 for premium economy at SIA’s Restaurant A380@Changi, and S$474 for a private suite! It is now adding dinner service and extra days to what was supposed to be a two-day stunt.

South Korea

The South Korean government has unleashed US$750 million in loans and subsidies to entice local travellers to vacation. It has subsidised domestic travel if booked through travel agents and allows the customer an equivalent of US$30 coupon per booking. Travellers can download the coupon and redeem them at designated travel agencies.

Thai Airways

In Bangkok, the headquarters of national carrier Thai Airways was transformed into an airline-themed restaurant, where customers can enjoy in-flight meals. Diners are greeted by cabin crew in uniform at the restaurant, which has been decorated with airplane parts and seats. It is also selling time on its flight simulators, allowing guests to control an A380 for half an hour for US$640.

Marriott International

Marriott’s new initiatives and brands like Homes & Villas may find success during the pandemic, especially in China which continues to be its market leader in terms of revenue recovery.The hotel company also has global potential in newer business lines like its Homes & Villas short-term rental brand and even a work-from-hotel initiative.

Royal Caribbean

Taking a cue from this is the Royal Caribbean that will begin sailing with ‘Quantum of the Seas’ on round-trip cruises from Singapore with no port stops. The 3 and 4-night sailings will begin from December 1, 2020 and will be limited to residents of Singapore. The company claims the first sailing is almost sold out. These are pilot cruises that must meet all requirements for safe cruising.

Hilton Hotels

Hilton spent the last decade largely focused on business hotels, but it is now adding resort amenities to its business hotels. It is even retrofitting hotels aimed at single business travellers by adding connecting rooms to accommodate families and expanding F&B outlets to handle more people. Hilton even tweaked brand standards to adjust to this new expectation.