hospitality & events
October/November june/july 2019 2021 business edge
Let’s raise a glass for hospitality Local hospitality is well and truly back in business. Conference centres and hotels are heading into the winter season with newfound confidence and a real spirit of optimism. Thanks to the success of the vaccine programme and the continued easing of restrictions, this Christmas already looks set to be far more festive than last year, and celebration plans are firmly back on the menu. The fact that the region’s hospitality has emerged from pandemic pessimism into a bright new-look future is due, in no small part, to the local community. Their unwavering levels of loyalty and support have helped even the smallest business survive the darkest days, and played a massive part in the sustained recovery. In fact, right from the word go, businesses and customers have embraced the
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government’s three R’s – Reopening, Recovery and Resilience – with gusto. Coming through Covid has made us all appreciate the importance of our local pubs and restaurants so much more. And simple things that we took for granted – like going out and socialising – are more valued than ever. We all now recognise that the hospitality sector is the real hub of the community… a place to meet, chat, make friends and network. Business innovation and willingness to adapt to change have also been a major key on the roadmap to recovery. New trends in technology and innovation were bubbling under the surface pre-Covid, but now ordering a pint by app or booking a restaurant takeaway are mainstream. And we’ve all taken to new ways of enjoying our leisure like ducks to water: staycations,
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outdoor eating, pop-up dining, enhanced safety and hygiene, and sleek online service are part of the new norm and here to stay. These are just some of the positives to come out of all the turmoil and prove that while the speed of change has been immense and unprecedented, hospitality is well up to the challenge. That’s not to say there haven’t been hiccups. Trade has surged steadily since the early days of Eat Out to Help Out, but supply has sometimes struggled to keep up with demand, and staff shortages are a big headache. One thing’s for sure though, lessons continue to be learned, and the sector will be as resourceful as ever in finding ways to adapt. Regional hospitality is well on the road to recovery. So here’s to a prosperous, sustained future!
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