7 reasons you should support the hospitality industry.

With COVID-19 plaguing the world and creating unprecedented challenges, the hospitality industry has been hit with brutal force. We all play a vital role in getting through this crisis together, by following the guidelines from the respective governments of the countries in which we live.

With that being said, we are also obligated to keep the wheels turning, to avoid a financial meltdown. Many industries have suffered, but especially the hospitality industry needs our attention and support. As long as you act responsibly, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself and your loved ones with new adventures. Actually, the time has most likely never been more right than now.

1. You are directly saving jobs.

The hospitality industry is bleeding, and every day thousands of people lose their jobs. The only way to reverse this destructive downturn is to take action. Inactivity will lead to lost jobs, bankrupt businesses, and poverty.

A short romantic weekend getaway can make a huge impact. If you fly out, you support the airlines. If you go to the airport by car, you support them by paying for parking. Before you board you might grab a sandwich or coffee. Upon arrival, you will need some sort of transportation to get to your final destination.

The hotel will be very happy to greet you (and these days, there is a good chance they will offer you a great value upgrade). During the weekend you will support local restaurants, cafés & bars, and maybe spoil yourselves with new clothes or a few souvenirs to take back home.

All of the impacted people and businesses will then have money to pay their expenses and further support the local shops, bars cafés, etc.

So what are you waiting for? Get your superman cape on and go save some jobs!

2. Spoil your loved ones with memories for life.

Name one thing more important, than taking good care of the people who matter most to you. You can’t, right? Countless surveys have been carried out, where people at the final years of their lives have been asked, what they would have done differently if they could rewind time. “Work less and spend more time with loved ones” is one of the most common replies. You probably heard it before, and yet we keep on spending ridiculous amounts of hours at the office.

You can get more money, but you can’t get more time. Don’t mess this up like the vast majority – it’s not worth it!

You have the chance to become a 2 x superhero. Not only are you saving jobs – you are also investing in the happiness and well being of your family. Are you getting warmed up now?

3. Help bring back positive spirits and boost optimism in the hospitality industry.

The whole world is getting fed up with daily corona stats, travel restrictions, social distancing, face masks, and ever-changing guidelines that impact our everyday lives. Staying home and watching the news just adds to the injury. Now I’m not saying you should disregard the rules, or even enter the grey zone. But there is room (most places) to go out and have some fun. Most hotels have updated their procedures – they’re safe and ready to spoil you. Seeing the guests come back will for sure make a positive difference and boost optimism. But even if you just go to the local pizza place and tip a little extra, you can be sure it will be remembered. Every action counts!

4. Escape the everyday stress and replenish yourself

Imagine a pristine white sand beach. Now imagine you on it – with a piña colada – relaxing before your appointment at the spa. Doesn’t sound too bad, right? How often have you said “I really need a vacation” the last year or two? Well, now is a good time to do something about it. If COVID-19 restricts your access to an exotic beach, there is most likely a good wellness retreat within driving distance, that will do the trick. Take a timeout, forget about work, and return with renewed energy.

5. Experience new foods and drinks.

If you’re a foodie like me, there is nothing better than hunting out new restaurants or small local places to expand your culinary horizon. Have a look at your phone gallery. Chances are you’ll find several photos containing food or drinks. If you think about it, you can most likely recall several of the places you went out to eat, even if you go back many years. “Remember that confit de canard we had in Paris?”, or “the amazing ramen down that side alley in Tokyo?”. Most likely you have countless of your own variations. How about adding more of those memories?

6. A chance to forge new bonds.

Even though you might be traveling to get a break from it all and to have some privacy, you never know who you’re going to bump into. Maybe you will meet a new business associate, a new best friend, or even your future wife or husband. If you don’t go, you won’t know.

7. You will feel better – about you!

With all the reasons listed above, it’s almost certain you will become a better version of yourself than before. Especially if you are aware of all the positive changes your actions contribute to the people around you. Spending time with the people you love, or embarking one new exciting adventures, rarely results in a negative output.

In the end, the bill for not investing in yourself is a far greater price to pay, than petty cash for invaluable memories.

Need more reasons?

Then you’re just looking for an excuse! You don’t have to go all-in, and book a villa on a private island. Just taking your family out for dinner at one of the local restaurants, is enough to make an impact, and support an industry that needs all the help it can get.

So are you going to hide the money under the mattress, or take part in bringing the hospitality industry back on its feet? The choice is yours.

Thanks for taking the time to read and share the message.

/Per M Pedersen