The year of the pandemic and life in post-covid
COVID-19 surprised everyone last year. This was an intermittent scenario of opening and closing several businesses in the hospitality industry. “Uncertainty” was the most repeated answer in the industry. Week after week, businesses tried to comply and adapt their hotels to the instructions of the Ministry of Health. Preventing international travel from most EU countries, hotels in Ibiza could open during 2020 2 months as an average. By September, most of the hotels had closed. Either they could not work with the occupancy rates or the restrictions were so difficult that people could not visit Ibiza. These were key months for facing many unprecedented challenges and a new global situation which raised the obvious question: how do we deal with a pandemic? Is it a post-covid touristic world even possible?
An entire year has passed since, and the government of the Balearic Islands has been preparing the following season for months. Some of the measures include negative PCR tests on arrival in Ibiza, a massive local vaccination campaign, and a strategic change in the hotel offering. Remember to be updated about travel and COVID-19 restrictions here. 2021 is the year for post-covid tourism. The time for travellers to adjust to new areas of interest.
The key in a post-covid era: adaptability
This article covers hotels that highlight what we could define as “narrative” hotels, with an important investment in storytelling, transparency and a renovated way to offer sustainable options. Some of the new hotel openings which follow this philosophy are outlined here. Redefining the hospitality industry means thinking about the experiences that people live in a digitally connected world. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are stories, and after all, stories are the fabric that unites us as a species. After a COVID-19 pandemic, guests are more aware of their decisions and the way they want to spend their vacation. They also want a personal connection to the place. It comes down to having an emotional experience. Some 2021 independent travellers focus on open spaces with safe distances, fresh organic food within the hotel offer, being close to nature or a personalized service after a tough year.
Changes in consumer behaviour have developed in the exploration of the “free-spirited traveller”. This independent traveller aims to revive the original ritual of travelling: to experience the thrill of adventure. Having an open mind to discover the culture and history of the area, including the cuisine or the arts. All this while being well looked after in the selected hotel. Travellers also want to explore options that validate their responsibility within the ecosystem. There is an increased awareness of the environmental impact of travel. In short, travellers are more knowledgeable, better prepared to make individual decisions, and more willing to explore alternatives around the world. After the pandemic, these values will thrive, as will the demands for different experiences. For many, this will be their first formal vacation since the outbreak of the pandemic.
What was the response to these new behaviours? Boutique hotels with a strong approach to generate sensorial experiences, respect for nature and an attentive eye for the design. The narrative we highlighted earlier consists of this set of options that embody a different and renewed way of learning and being part of Ibiza, while being close to nature. We all want to live, share and appreciate each other’s stories. The new way for travellers is to share their personal history.