How access to air quality info can increase hotel occupancy

With tight operational constraints imposed by social distancing for customers and staff, the hotel sector has been one of the last industries to return to near normality during the COVID-19 pandemic. But there’s still lingering uncertainty from many guests about the safety of staying at hotels. While quarantine measures may be lessening around the world, the thought of staying alongside other guests from a mixture of departure countries can still be a concern. 

A clear polarization in terms of guests and their willingness to travel will continue to impact hospitality, as stated by STR. In response, the hotel industry has already begun fine-tuning its booking tools to remind customers about the restrictions in place and continues to look for new ways to reassure guests about their safety. 

Hotels are now following up with guests prearrival about any additional coronavirus restrictions. Some hotels additionally require guests to show proof of a negative test upon check-in and regularly measure body temperature throughout their stay. Providing customers with clear and systematically updated information also can play a large part in reducing their stress. 

Air quality monitoring systems also play a vital role in alleviating guests’ fears by giving real-time access to various wellness metrics. Visual dashboards displayed in a hotel lobby or the guests’ rooms can give a comprehensive overview of a building’s humidity, temperature and carbon dioxide levels. Eye-catching QR codes presented around the hotel also create easy access points that take guests straight to a mobile display of the dashboard. 

Let’s examine why this kind of solution can boost the hotel sector and bring in more guests safely and sustainably.

Peace of Mind For Guests

The fundamental reason to bring in air quality monitoring systems is for the peace of mind they bring. Hotels need to do everything they can to regain the trust of their guests. When asked what it would take to get them to travel again, most travelers wanted additional health and safety measures, according to the McKinsey Consumer Leisure Travel Survey, which surveyed 3,498 people in April 2020.

While it may have been sufficient in the past for hotels to demonstrate their hygiene standards by leaving a sticker on the door to confirm that a room has been cleaned and properly sanitized, post-pandemic consumers will be demanding more. As people become increasingly aware of building ventilation and air quality, an engaging visual dashboard, which updates information in real-time, is far more effective in winning the confidence of a guest.

Naturally, presenting these metrics around the hotel leaves it open to criticism if any of the numbers are not as they should be. However, this gives hotels even more incentive to ensure that their air quality is up to standard. Hotels can also use displays as a marketing tool, particularly if the metrics are at optimal levels.

Essential Air Quality Strategies

For hotels looking to increase their occupancy, upgrading filters and installing sensors for carbon dioxide and temperature levels are great strategies with which to start. Strategizing needs to be done correctly to take advantage of any equipment improvements, and several recommended measures to be considered are:

  • Maintaining 40-60 percent humidity to combat the spread of viruses
  • Increasing outdoor ventilation
  • Using the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems only where the building is occupied
  • Deploying ultraviolet germicidal irradiation solutions

Not all buildings will require drastic actions to improve their air quality. Some already well-ventilated buildings may simply benefit from reminding staff to open doors and windows prior to a busy period or at the beginning and end of the day to boost airflow. 

Attracting New Staff Members and Retaining Existing Ones

From the outset of COVID-19, the impact on staffing has been devastating. Even now, people are undeniably reluctant to work in public-facing jobs, and staff are forced to stay at home and self-isolate if they have come in close contact with an infected person.

Unfortunately, the hospitality and entertainment industries are undoubtedly in the midst of a staffing crisis, with 57 percent of restaurant operators citing staff recruitment and retention as their No. 1 challenge. Safety is not just a primary concern for guests—employees want to feel safe at work, too. This can only benefit a hotel because productive and happy staff increase profitability 12 percent. 

As the pandemic continues to morph in form, it is understandable that people may feel hesitant to return to the outside world. Air quality dashboards are a selling point for hotels as one way to attract new guests and staff while preventing employee turnover, providing clear information and invaluable reassurance to customers and workers alike.

John Bohlmann is the founder of HawkenAQ.