Today is Tuesday March 31, 2020, a #GivingTuesday–the simple open-handed concept embraced by many (thanks for the reminder, Simple Greek). It’s admittedly something that we, in weeks’ past have found ourselves too preoccupied, too nonchalant, too indifferent to participate in consistently. In this, and in countless other ways, this Tuesday will be different. The ways in which the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping our nation will drive us to be different, think different, rest different, give different and love different, both in the moment and in the years to come, are yet to be seen. In slowing down enough to notice both the tulips blooming next door and the neighbor who resides within, we are awakened to a new and different way. For this we are thankful.

In this slowing down, we pray for those struggling with the virus, for their family members and for those taking care of our sick, bravely going to work each day to battle the unforeseen enemy among us. We pray for our dear friends in hospitality, affected by shut down or staying open to serve those who need a bed to rest. We pray for our government leaders, business leaders, household leaders and those who now wear the hat of homeschooler, caretaker, dog walker, meal provider. We pray for those alone and those managing large households. Those afraid and those with courage. Those who are weary and those emboldened to act. Those taking all precautions and those indifferent.

We pray for you who are reading this morning, our friends, our clients, our business partners, that your day is different today. Different simply in how you might learn to love better than you did last week. We pray that we, this #GivingTuesday and in the days to come, learn to love our neighbors well.

Hospitality Stays True

During times of sacrifice and uncertainty, there are those that stand strong and true to who they are. Last week, the Four Seasons Hotel New York announced that it will provide free lodging to doctors, nurses and other medical personnel currently working to fight COVID-19 in New York City. In this single example, and certainly in many, many selfless others across the country, we see those in hospitality being truly hospitable. We appreciate you and pray for those who’ll call you “home” in the days to come. Read more >>

Free Daily Workouts

For those now homebound, wearing pajamas and snacking all day might sound fabulous, let’s be real – it’s not healthy. A consistent home workout routine is good for body, mind and spirit. Our friends at Body Temple Fitness Studio are helping us stay fit with their free, daily online high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Check their Facebook or Instagram pages at 10 a.m. to follow along live with a trainer, or visit their YouTube channel at any time to watch an archived video. Be sure to bring a water along!

At Home Art Lessons

This week’s at home art lesson by our favorite elementary art teacher, Mrs. LaMarca, was too good not to share. Mrs. L. encourages her students (siblings, parents and grandparents) to look through the lens of creativity at the day ahead. For budding artists of all ages, our favorite lesson, Different is Good, discusses surrealist works of art inspired by Salvador Dali. Grab a family member (or a mirror) and a washable marker and give yourself the gift of inspiration and creativity. Take an art break >>

#See10Donate10

The fight to conquer addiction is a daily battle. One that is requiring more grit, stamina and support now more than ever. Consider a donation to Broadway Recovery Services, a nonprofit in Youngstown, Ohio that provides safe and sober homes for those in recovery. Their #See10Donate10 challenge is simple (1) donate $10 through PayPal or Venmo (2) screenshot/post your completed transaction (3) challenge others to do the same. Help a neighbor in recovery >>

 

Officially declared as a global health emergency yesterday by the World Health Organization, the coronavirus outbreak has been at the top of headlines for weeks. In such a short time, this highly infectious virus has not only impacted people, but also markets and industries worldwide- especially the hospitality industry.

 

More About the Virus

Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, first made headlines in late December when several people in Wuhan, China fell ill with pneumonia-like symptoms. The virus supposedly originated from a seafood and animal market in Wuhan and has now started spreading from person to person. Thousands of people in more than 20 countries have been infected and at least 213 people have died so far. Health screenings have been put in place at major airports and entire cities have been quarantined to try to prevent further spreading of the virus.

 

What This Means for Hotels

China’s mass quarantines and travel advisories, during the usually busy Lunar New Year, could seriously threaten business for a number of global hotel chains. Brands like Marriott and Hilton draw significant revenue (think: $200+ million) from China’s tourists. In fact, in 2018, three million Chinese tourists visited the U.S., making the country the third highest source of oversea visitors. In general, travel rates across the globe have dropped from fear of catching the virus.

 

What are Hotels Doing?

Many brands are quickly informing their general managers of the signs and symptoms of coronavirus to hopefully identify any guests that may be sick. Ultimately, hotels are following the lead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by trying to prevent further spread of the virus.

 

The Silver Lining

Although coronavirus is spreading rapidly, it is in most cases no more dangerous than the common cold. Right now in the U.S. a person is more likely to get the flu than coronavirus. So, it’s not quite time to panic yet. Hotels can also find comfort in that other similar health scares (think: Ebola outbreak and SARS epidemic) did not have lasting effects on revenue.

 

 

Want hospitality news and marketing tidbits sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!