Page 45 - Noble Magazine • July-August 2020

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TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

Bouncing back versatile, mouthwatering menus at an

affordable price.

to Business – According to Nthobatsang, there is a
lot of uncertainty in terms of recovery
of the hospitality and tourism sector,
with strict travel and crowd control
Staywell Hotels restrictions the sector is left in limbo on
how to proceed. The limitation of social
distancing as well as limited number
of people attending conferences and
events puts a strain on the sector, as less
numbers mean less business.

ike most businesses in the “The propensity of people to book a room
Botswana tourism and for leisure has decreased, as I believe
hospitality sector, Staywell people would now prefer to be at home
LHotels has been hard hit due to flatten the curve. The escalating prices
to COVID-19 pandemic. As Botswana of electricity is also eating away our profit
went under lockdown, the hotel had to margins, and for us to accommodate
also stop usual operation but opted to guest we can’t only heat water for that
offer quarantine site to stay afloat. Now one guest or keep their lights on alone.
that the hotel is back in business, it has So, it actually costs more to serve people
to ensure that all health regulations and when our occupancies are low. This
protocols are in place. Staywell Hotels pandemic has changed a lot for us both as
has over the years expanded from a six a business and on our employees as well,
bedroomed guest house to a fully serviced so we are sensitive to how employees will
Hotel with 30 rooms and 120 seating using their facilities more. Nthobatsang discharge their duties under emotional
conference facility. The hotel is graded 3 also suggested that there should be stress caused by this mishap, therefore
star by Botswana Tourism Organisation. reduction or freezing of the bed levy we are talking to different counselors
and using the bed levy for wage relief so that we can afford our employees an
Staywell Hotels Operations Director, or subsidy in the hospitality sector. To opportunity to release any tension and
Lesedi Nthobatsang said, “In our add on, there should be presence of help them cope with the disruptions,”
hotel, we ensure that surfaces are the Minister of Environment, Natural explained Nthobatsang.
sanitized after every two hours and Resources, Conservation and Tourism
we have installed two wash basins at as well as relevant personnel in updating Transitioning Staywell Hotels towards
each entrance for patrons to wash their the sector so as better understand the success in the ‘new normal’ is a challenge
hands. Further to that, we offer our challenges at hand. as well but it will happen through the
patrons sanitizer from time to time, introduction of the Digital software
request that masks be worn all the time Since the world has been disrupted by which will be used on all booking
and ensure that social distancing is COVID-19, Staywell Hotels financial systems so that customers can check
always adhered to.” performance was not spared from the in and out at the comfort of their
crisis. “There is a saying that ‘Cash Is cellphones. Payments will be done online
Nthobatsang further explained that they King’, we found ourselves having cash and ordering of food and drinks from
offer more personalised service with a tied up in our debtors’ book and not the restaurant will also be done through
lot of care to minimise any possibilities being able to discharge our obligations the application. This will reduce the
of spread of the virus. In addition, the to creditors, and our work force as well. movement to service areas as customers
hotel gives clients assurance that good The wage subsidy really came in handy will be given personalised service and be
practice hygienic measures are put because we were able to top up what we assured safety at the same time.
in place. “We had some of our clients had so that we can be able to pay salaries.
inspect our facilities to have assurance Going forward there is a lot of uncertainty In conclusion, Nthobatsang said, “We
that they can continue to do business around whether the business will perform will continue to support Government
with us. In these times it calls for us as before, occupancy wise, so it’s a game and the public by offering affordable
to be transparent for our client’s peace of wait and see,” explained Nthobatsang. accommodation and conference rates
of mind, and we offer them just that,” as well as making sure the Hotel is
added Nthobatsang. Despite the challenges, Staywell Hotels Covid-19 compliant by observing all
has innovatively introduced food health protocols and giving correct
During these challenging times, Staywell deliveries from its restaurant. Even information to guests checking in and
Hotels suggests that government can though it is a competitive space right now, out of the Hotel. We will on a day- to-
help the hospitality sector by supporting the hotel’s uptake is really promising. day basis offer counselling to our staff so
local non- franchise enterprises through Therefore, the hotel is working on having that they ease into the new normal.”
Noble Magazine // July - August 2020 45