In a BW HOTELIER webinar, Nikhil Sharma, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts shared developments that prominent players like him in the hospitality industry is undertaking to tackle the pandemic challenges.

Though the country is in the process of resuming operations in the hotel business, the hits the industry has already taken are in stellar proportions. As per a report by hospitality consulting firms HVS Anarock’s Hotels & Hospitality Overview, occupancies in India declined 81 per cent in April from a year earlier – possibly worst in the world. The hospitality industry is undergoing a phase of transition due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Experts agree the entire spectrum of the industry needs to be re-designed so that it can bounce back in the coming days. 

Nikhil Sharma, Area Director - Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts speaking at a webinar organized by BW HOTELIER on how the hospitality industry can regain prominence in times ahead shared that teams at his hotels will get re-calibrated, re-skilled, and re-deployed. He further added, “Most brands like ours have eliminated functions and not individuals.” Though he also accepts that they have lost colleagues who they have worked with. He informed, “For the colleagues who are staying back we are making sure that their emotional and physical well-being is taken care of.” 

Sharma, having almost two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, shared that most international brands are looking at keyless entries, check-ins, and menus. “All these have to be taken care of with the evolving technology,” added Sharma. Sharma also shared an observation: franchise business will witness a surge in the coming days – both internationally and domestically. “This is true because of the cost benefits that come with it.”                

As the Area Director Eurasia, Sharma at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts holds a full management responsibility encompassing franchise and new opening hotel operations support, revenue management, national sales, and local marketing. According to his analysis of how the current pandemic is affecting the industry: “Each organization is like a flight trying to change the crew and re-build while in mid-air.” However, he is hopeful that things will get better. “Perseverance and resilience will help us human beings and this too shall pass,” Sharma said.