A Change of Pace; How the Hospitality Industry is Finding Success with Unique Initiatives

This is truly an unprecedented time for our world and while almost every industry has been impacted in one way or another by the pandemic, the hospitality industry seems to have taken the brunt of the economic blow. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 15 million Americans are employed in the tourism and hospitality sector – be it in restaurants, theme parks, hotels, or other leisure and entertainment-based attractions. Across the boarder to the North, the hospitality industry contributes more than $78 billion to the Canadian economy.

Although it may seem like a whole lot of doom and gloom out there right now, hospitality and tourism professionals are nothing if not resilient! With global closures and social distancing measures currently in place, companies have found creative solutions to keep their doors open and are looking eagerly towards the future. Below, our COREcruitment North American team has compiled some positive and unique examples of how the hospitality industry is adapting to the current situation. 

Theme Parks and Attractions

Katie Carey lets you in on the best virtual trips! 

Have you always wanted to take a trip to Disney Land or any other Top North America theme parks? Now is your chance to do a FREE (that’s right free!) tour! These Theme Parks and Cinema Groups are really looking to the future and have adapted their business strategies during this crazy time.

Disneyland Virtual Rides

Through their YouTube channel, Disney has allowed their guest to explore their theme park at Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Studios!

A recent report from JP Morgan has estimated that the shuttering of all 12 Disney resorts around the globe amid the COVID-19 pandemic could cost the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products division $5 billion in lost revenue in the fiscal year 2020 and they are due to reopen in June 2020.

Legoland/Merlin Entertainment

Legoland, which is part of the Merlin Entertainment Group is also offering virtual Lego classes through their YouTube channel – good for anyone looking to keep their kids busy! Merlin are also offering other fun activities that can be found here.

Universal Orlando

Offering both tasty recipes and a fantastic playlist to help you feel like you are still in their theme parks!

Studio Movie Grill

Already missing the movies. Studio Movie Grill is offering two free movie passes when you make a delivery order with them and 10% of proceeds from your order support SMG team members at locations nationwide.

Meal Kits and Grocery Deliver

Emma Chambers comments on meal kits and delivery services!

During this time, you may find yourself lacking inspiration in the kitchen. Cooking 3 meals a day 7 days a week can have even the most advanced cook wanting some fresh recipes to spice up their home kitchen. Vancouver’s Iconic Top table Group recently launched Toptable2U in Vancouver and A B C Eats in Whistler, a take-away menu of house made provisions, prepped meal kits, and farm-to-table produce selections curated for the home kitchen. With a step by step recipe guide you’ll be enjoying your Top Table favourites in no time. I am currently drooling over their blue water miso sake glazed sablefish, elisa 10 oz holstein striploin and cincin pasta pomodoro. For more information visit here .

Eat Local

Yasmin Vora spills the deets on the best eats!

Supporting your local restaurants might be the best thing you can do right now, to not only keep the hospitality business thriving, but to also support our amazing healthcare workers. The bay area fast casual food scene has been more united than ever with remaining forward-thinking, positive and proactive by transforming their concepts into busy carry out models.

Some notable shout outs go to our favourite duo; the Square Pie Guys who have been serving their insanely delicious Detroit style pizzas to the NorCal masses and have also been feeding the hardworking individuals on the front lines at Zuckerberg General. Buy them some pizza here!

Early Bird Tacos are continuing to serve up their tasty tacos to the community and are also donating to local hospitals, schools, senior centers and other organizations working tirelessly throughout this crisis. To share some delicious breakfast tacos with these worthy causes; click here.

Rolling onto our favourite lobster joint; we are being inspired by what the crew is doing at Luke’s Lobster. As well as serving their seafood magic, they have also launched their e-commerce platform to deliver fresh lobster and premium sustainable seafood right to your door; creating a divine #LukesAtHome experience! They are also giving you the opportunity to donate fresh lobster rolls to our frontline healthcare workers by simply clicking here. They’re partnering with local grocery stores across the US; including Union Market, Wild by Nature and Whole Foods so you can get your favourite restaurant fix and support local and sustainable grocery markets as well.

Travel, Tourism, and Hotels

Kara Pavitt highlights how one hotel in Vancouver has helped in the fight!

Element Vancouver Metrotown, operated by Marriott’s Westin division and owned by Bosa Properties, announced anyone working with Fraser Health Authority can use its hotel property to self-quarantine, rest, or live away from their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This 169-room hotel is just steps away from pharmacies, groceries, and a train station hub in the heart of the Fraser Valley with easy access to many central medical facilities.

Bosa will be covering all room, taxes and parking charges for Fraser Health employees, who are currently working diligently on the front-line in support of our community as a whole.

“Through this crisis, we have come to realize that home is where the health is. Whether your home is where you retreat, after a long and stressful day on the front lines; your office, as you work from home; or your classroom, as you navigate a new era of education - home has become a mainstay of our lives in this time of social distancing.” Colin Bosa - CEO

To hear more from industry leaders regarding the adaptation of the hospitality, tourism, and related industries check out our free upcoming webinars! Please find more details and registration through links provided below:

April 22nd Leisure, Attractions and Fitness: https://bit.ly/34cBjXN

April 22nd Property, Maintenance and Facility Management : https://bit.ly/2UFnPRn

April 22nd Recruitment and Onboarding: https://bit.ly/2yoXpKX

Do you know a hospitality group or small business who has demonstrated their tenacity and creativity during this time? Comment down below and tag them and we'll shout about it on our social media! ?