THE NEW BANQUETING EXPERIENCE - REVIVING AND RESTORING THE BOTTOM-LINE

Industry leaders walk us through the factors that will recast hotel banqueting into a completely new avatar

- NISHA SHUKLA

The coronavirus outbreak has forced us to socially distance, bringing in norms of contactless service and forcing hotels to carve out their spaces and experiences around this one reality.

As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels are evolving new concepts. The focus has shifted from delighting and creating out-of-the-box experiences to safety, hygiene and sustainability.

While the luxury services in hotels are either getting replaced or temporarily suspended, the moot question here is: how will banqueting/MICE halls function, given that they are subject to higher footfalls and lavish décor.

We asked a few hoteliers about what it would be like to host an event or a wedding during a pandemic and the new alternatives that are emerging in order to make events more special and safe for guests.

The emergence of intimate gatherings

While the banquet halls are allowed to function with certain restrictions, hoteliers are introducing short-term measures and new concepts for built spaces in hotels, in a bid to practice social distancing and touchless hospitality.

“Social events in India are an elaborate affair and events such as weddings are considered a big milestone for people across cultures. The significant change in the coming times will see large galas reduced to small gatherings. As living with COVID-19 becomes the new normal, hygiene and safety are need of the hour. Given that intimate gatherings will be allowed, I think it will provide us an opportunity to showcase our bespoke cuisine and hospitality,” says Binny Sebastian, General Manager – Alila Fort Bishangarh.