We are all confident: the second half of 2021 will bring a bit of normality back into the tourism sector. Nevertheless, flexibility will still be the trump card despite vaccination progress and reduction of case numbers: Rebookings and cancellations should continue to be handled generously, and communication plays a crucial role here: adjust your booking conditions and make it clear that you are accommodating guests in this unpredictable period.
Of course, last minute bookings will continue to play a big role – be prepared for last minute arrangements. Be flexible but avoid too large discounts in order not to jeopardise your already reduced margins. One thing is clear: people have a stronger need for holidays than ever before, especially after months of restrictions and home office.

The pandemic has undoubtedly created one of the biggest tourism crises, it’s up to you to put fears to rest, because one thing is clear: people long for holidays, especially after a difficult year for everyone.  
Adapt the equipment of your holiday home: For example, install dispensers for disinfectants in a clearly visible place. Whether it’s the small battery-powered dispenser or the large stainless steel dispenser depends on your budget. Before each arrival, make sure that both disinfectants and soaps are in stock and develop a hygiene plan for cleaning.
You should air well before each cleaning and make sure that disinfection is always done after the cleaning itself. As is known by now, smear infections play a smaller role than assumed, but you should clean surfaces particularly thoroughly and wash bed linen and towels at at least 70 degrees. If your potential guests can see your hygiene plan before their arrival via email or on your website, you will help to dispel doubts and enhance your image as a responsible host.

The pandemic has hit tourism hard, yet the need for a holiday is there more than ever. Rules, restrictions and concerns about one’s own health raise many questions before the start of a trip. There is one golden rule for you as a host: communicate clearly and visibly! In the area of your advertisement, go into detail about your measures: hygiene plan, cleaning intervals as well as extended equipment such as disinfection dispensers or provision of masks should definitely be mentioned. If you have your own website, you should definitely give this sensitive topic its own sub-page.
In addition, you should pro-actively communicate the measures you have taken for a safe holiday to your guests before each arrival via your booking system or via e-mail. By being highly transparent, you will reduce your customers’ concerns and enhance your reputation as a responsible host. Challenging times bring uncertainty, be the permanent contact person to enable anticipation of a worry-free holiday.