Travel Malnad

Category: Covid 19

  • Are Malnad homestays open during this Covid 19 situation?

    We at Travel Malnad®, getting this query frequently from a lot of our travel community members, users of our portal travelmalnad.com. Currently, this month as we are writing this piece of blog, most of the homestays in malnad are closed since the nearby sightseeings are closed. Only a few would be open as quarantine centers or having WFH (work from home) facilities. The majority of the stays in Malnad have shut their premises voluntarily as they do not want to risk spreading the virus to the rural parts of Karnataka. The reality is, the locals are also vigilant about the tourism movement and had expressed their concerns at this point.

    Travel Malnad® has been doing a very responsible travel service to date. We have owed to protect the interests of our hosts and the local community. Most important to us is the travelers who have been our guests ever since we launched this service. We request you all to stay at home and stay safe till we write to you about the safe opening of homestays in malnad where you holiday peacefully. There are a few operators, so-called trekking professionals trying to incessantly market to trekkers from cities promising the expeditions in the Malnad region during these difficult months.

    Be aware of the facts before you venture into forests or trekking trails in the name of trekking, camping, hiking, adventure… The tourism ministry of Karnataka has officially announced the closure and Deputy Commissioners of respective districts have sent notices to homestay owners already. Your safety is of utmost importance to us and it’s not about just selling a few rooms and increase revenue by risking your health & safety. We at Travel Malnad® strongly believe that the health & safety of the travelers coming to the Malnad as well as the local community is the only priority right now. We can travel in the future and do all that we wanted to do once the pandemic dies down and the Government will lift all travel restrictions. Until then, if you think that you were not aware and booked a service without checking the reality then it will be your mistake and might get into trouble unnecessarily. Those of you, who have already traveled and are staying at Malnad homestays as your Work From Home (WFH) accommodation, you need not worry as the Government also has told it to be not an issue.

  • SOPs for homestays in Karnataka as new normal sets in travel world

    Karnataka has a long list of homestays known for hospitality services that we all love to experience during our holidays. Recent lockdown for Covid 19 has made domestic travellers inaccessible to these homestays. As the government relaxed lockdown norms with guidelines for homestays they have slowly started opening up for guests. There is a new environment for both the staff & visiting guests at Karnataka homestays listed under Travel Malnad®. The need of the hour is to respect the new protocols to make sure it’s a safe atmosphere free of virus for the guests. Keeping this reality in mind state government has also chalked out detailed SOPs for homestays owners.

    It might sound little restrictive compared to the carefree travel world used to offer in our previous visits to these same destinations. It will be a necessity way forward to have a safe surroundings at your holiday location. Local authorities are not leaving any stone unturned to have a clarity as to how the homestays operate responsibly as they are mostly in rural / remote locations. Stopping the spread of virus to rural India is a responsibility of all stake holders of tourism industry.

    Some of the quick guidelines you as an owner of a homestay in Karnataka must know and adhere to are as follows:

    • Thermal screening of all guests who enter your premises
    • Hand Sanitizers and Hand wash facility at all common areas and in-room
    • All staff and guests must adhere to Social Distancing
    • No staff should be allowed from containment zone
    • Thorough sanitization of rooms before giving to guests and after they check out
    • Food served as buffet and contactless
    • Hand gloves and head gear along with masks for staff serving at your place.
    • Masks mandatory for all guests

    Together we can stop the spread of virus.

  • What changes to expect at homestays in Karnataka in the new normal

    The tourism department & state government of Karnataka recently hinted at the opening of hotels and lodging. Many travelers who have been visiting homestays in Karnataka as their leisure getaway have several questions on their mind. Travel Malnad® has tried to answer several queries of guests and hosts at homestays in recent blogs. As we all are aware of the fact that the virus is not gone, it will be there with us for couple of months or may be years.

    How do we prepare ourselves to face ‘the new normal’ in tourism sector is the big challenge for all stake holders.
    If have to take for example homestay in malnad, they are mostly located in the estates, forest region and in a typical rural set up. The owners or hosts at the homestays must be fully prepared for a clear-cut hygiene protocol & period screening for both guests and the staff. It is very important for the stays to invest little money in upgrading the house keeping routines & use of relevant sanitizers. Meanwhile, the tourism department is also shortlisting the rules & regulations that has to be strictly followed by travelers and hosts.

    Some of the bear minimum practices in the new normal as identified by experts at Travel Malnad®;
    1. Use sodium hypochlorite to sanitize rooms before and after occupancy. Also should be done periodically while guests stay for extended holiday and head out for sightseeing.
    2. Along with placing in room essentials you must add masks & sanitizers.
    3. Thermal screening should be done every time people enter from outside. Also routine screening for staff at homestays.
    4. Hand gloves & head gears for staff while on duty. Train them to maintain social distancing at all time.
    5. Social distancing for guests as well while doing activities or dining at the homestay.
    6. Encourage buffet dining for guests. They can serve what they need and eat at designated seats.
    7. In case you find anyone having symptoms of cold, cough, flu and any symptoms related to Covid 19 then you must inform local authorities without hesitation.
    8. Encourage your guests to book online using portal like travelmalnad.com
    9. Maintain contact-less check in processes at your stays.
    10. Use your smart phones to collect data like, e-voucher, Aadhar or Id Card and Other Documents.

    These are few most important points to consider while planning your reopening of homestay. There could be other inputs from the tourism ministry in coming days. We will add those points to this article and republish. However, we request you all to remember at all times that we stop the spread of virus while we conduct our hospitality businesses. Together we can make the tourism sector to emerge as one of the most safe and successful industry in coming months & years.

  • The dynamics of Homestays and Hotels Business will change post Covid 19

    Covid 19 in India has changed how we look at the travel and hospitality industry in India. We are still looking at the future in what shape, form and structure the ‘new normal’ of hospitality industry will restart operations. There are speculations about a lot of things which many of the stake holders & experts are not yet clear. The general perception is that driving destinations like ones listed in portals like Travel Malnad® will be apt options for experiential holidays in Karnataka. However, the dynamics of how we look at things will be different once the post Covid 19 lockdown travel begins.

    We must be always aware of the fact that Covid 19 virus will be in the world for more duration than we all can imagine. So, what next for tourism industry in Karnataka? How to enhance our hygiene measures at our stays? These big questions are weighing on the minds of homestays, hotels, resorts, restaurant owners, travel agents, tour operators, vehicle owners in Karnataka. We all must understand that our guests will be equally worried, cautious and skeptic about the environment around them when they travel and choose a stay. To create a comfort zone for all stake holders in the tourism sector, we must include inputs from experts, government, local authorities and your conscience about the cleanliness before starting the operations.

    We keep hearing from people that there will be a ‘New Normal’. To be very honest with you, there is no clear-cut definition of this phrase. Having said that, we cannot shoot in the dark without implementing necessary steps in this direction. If you want to learn more about how to include some of the safety and hygiene measures at your stay you must read Travel Malnad® blogs. We have given detailed information as to what to expect in coming days in the travel and hospitality sector.

  • How to restart homestays business in Karnataka post Covid

    We have been receiving this question from all quarters regarding the safety measures to kick start homestays business post covid 19. It will be naive if we say there is a deadline date to end Covid and post that there is no need to worry at all. The virus will be in our country for another few months and can be for a couple of years. We have to accept the reality of the ‘new normal’ for the tourism industry and start practicing all safety measures while we travel or host guests at our stays.

    The homestays in Malnad are no exception to this ‘new normal. If we are hosting the guests once the government gives a green signal then you as a host have a lot of responsibility. You need to relook at how your hygiene and housekeeping processes are practiced.

    There could be protocols guided by the government to follow before you accept guests at the premises. It may sound like a lengthy process but to be on the safer side for both host and guest it is mandatory. You can utilize this time now to refurbish, renovate or innovate your homestays business and get ready to host your guest.

    We are outlining few of the hygiene measures you can imagine in the ‘new normal’ to keep virus-free premises.

    1. Thermal screening at the entrance for every guest and even their drivers. Sanitize the vehicles before they enter your gates.
    2. Sanitizers at every doorstep of rooms. If it’s contactless usage with a leg pump, which is available in the market will be safer.
    3. Collect their id proofs and history of travel to maintain as a record for future checks by authorities.
    4. If they have already recovered from Covid then seek for hospital medical certificate before bookings.
    5. Social distancing at your restaurant or common areas like a campfire area should be maintained.
    6. Mandate the use of masks and hand gloves for your staff.
    7. Mandate use of masks for guests at premises.
    8. Keep sanitizing the areas once used by guests.
    9. Keep sanitizing all sports equipment after usage.
    10. Train your staff members about the ‘new normal’ and importance of keeping your premises hygienic.
    11. Teamwork with the co-operation of your guests will be the only way out for a safe and virus-free holiday experience.

     

    PLEASE NOTE: These points are consolidated collecting from our travel experts from all over Karnataka. You must wait for the Tourism Department, State Government Karnataka, and Government of India to give further instructions.

  • How to plan unplanned Covid 19 lean period for hospitality sector

    The hotel & hospitality industry is facing the brunt of this unpredictable Covid 19 lockdown that has affected the global travel industry. Though it’s an unexpected situation for the industry we need to identify some of the positive things we can do during these testing times. The hospitality industry will not be the same again post Covid 19 and we all have to embrace the new normal.

    Every brand in the hotel industry & every host at homestays and resorts is looking where to begin? It may be a difficult time but by looking inward for growth strategies we can come up with awesome solutions.

    Some of the hotels are worried about how to team up the workforce as some of their skilled staff have already migrated back to their villages. Others are worried about how to pay salaries without any business for these 3-4 months that have piled up bank interests and rental burdens on the costing.

    Those who are operational with a cloud kitchen catering to online orders have adapted to new hygiene requirements. Challenges were there for hospitality and there will be more in the coming months and years. We should not lose hope & collectively come up with strategies to start functioning.

    How can the staff and management plan to utilize the current lean period?
    1. Upskill your staff: There are different ways to invest time in learn new soft skills and educate oneself & focus on personal growth. Do R&D at your kitchens (abiding social distancing) to come with a new menu or plan to introduce more hygiene at preparations for your kitchen staff.
    2. Infrastructure: Since the constructions activities can resume now, finish those pending refurbishment, construction, and design work. You will be ready with a fresh look once your customers are starting to visit you.
    3. Learn new leadership skills and absorb content and training on emotional intelligence. You will be a more polished person to approach your peers.
    4. Introduce tech & innovations: You will need digital check-ins, smart apps in rooms to give seamless service to your guests. Your elevators need a hygienic atmosphere for people to use them safely.
    5. Customize your staycations and food beverage promotions. Your brand will be trusted with people loving to see your proactive measures to host the guests safely and hygienically at their premises.
    6. Make sure your guests and team members’ safety is the paramount responsibility, cost and profits come later as the virus threat will be there for a longer period than we all imagine.
    7. Reach out to your existing customers about the initiative taken by you at your stays to create awareness. The standards of hygiene have leveled up in the tourism sector, it’s important we act now and also create awareness for our guests.

    Please Note: Travel Malnad® Homestays and Resorts booking will be open once the lockdown is released with a government green signal on accepting guests at hotels and homestays establishments. You need to follow local administration guidelines about social distancing and lockdown.

  • It’s time to slowdown, refresh and reflect in Covid-19 situation

    We are heading to a major slowdown in the economy with the isolation mode. To combat Covid-19 widespread the Indian Government has taken the best method to stride forward. Most of us who have been used to a fast paced lifestyle this becomes a time out for proper rejuvenation. Our life is circled around the ideas of getting prosperous and successful in business & life. In this goals oriented competitive economic battle field most of us even forgotten to breath properly or drink sufficient water in a day. We assume that we are too busy to mind silly things in life. However, nature has remained calm about a lot of foolish theories of human beings. Now that we all are indoors at our homes without burning fuel on the road or doing noise in the towns nature is finally getting some time off to relax as well.

    Since all of us have got a lot of time for ourselves in this situation its best to utilize it in best direction. Dedicate your time for a little introspection daily about your personality. It could have been a reflection for a lot of external conditions but now as you are for yourself you can decide whether those traits were normal. Nature has given us a lot of intuitions to dig deep into our conscience to understand ourselves better. You need not be a philosopher to gain lot of perspectives about of life, work and relationships. You have to be present in the moment with a clear mind that can absorb your ideas of existence and allow you to decide what’s best suitable.

    You are contributing to the social cause of stopping the pandemic from spreading by staying indoors. At the same time, you must also dedicate time to uplift yourself to a new high in thinking. This is the test of time to a lot of companies who have employees work from home. Many would be cribbing about the drop in productivity in the companies whereas a lot of them have shut shop for the time being. If you are remotely contributing to your company, then it’s the best test of integrity and commitment. Give your 100% dedication to your creative work with more commitment. It will not only help your company but as a person it gives you an immense sense of satisfaction.

    The lock-down is not forever; we will be back on the saddle for the race soon. While we are now preparing for the future it is advisable that we do a lot of course corrections. Leaders in the organisations need not spend time about the share value or sales statistics. It is the best time to look at the creative side of the organisation and prepare it for a futuristic approach. Lot of our hospitality partners are facing issues in their business but we have been constantly encouraging them to think positive. With a positive mindset we can win this battle against a virus that caused havoc in the business world. Once the situation gets better and if you find this article somewhere and read it again you will feel it too.

     

  • Nature is our best teacher and well-wisher – Perspective about Covid-19 Situation

    We all have been worried about the pandemic Covid-19 virus that has brought everything to a halt. If we have looked at this situation as only a financial loss and loss of lives, we are wrong. This has been a most awaited pause nature was begging all of us from several years. We had always taken nature for granted and have been its destroying its delicate fabrics in the name of ‘prosperity’ and ‘development’. All countries were busy in the rat race and it has come to an uncertain pause. This is high time to reflect on a lot of things and fix it responsibly.

    This pause mode is nothing but a time off that nature needs to recover from a lot of damages caused by human beings. The urban population have started noticing the changes that nature has brought them during this lock-down. Reports from different parts of the globe including Indian cities have noted that its different. The sky is clear, birds are chirping and ducks are swimming in the water, butterflies are in merry. We have been occupying their space for so long and polluted it with smoke and noise.

    Many of us sitting at home are blaming the slowdown, cribbing about the stock exchange, economy, growth rate, GDP… How many of us had time to think about the damages we were doing to nature in the name of development? Have ever voluntarily gone out to stop an unnecessary felling of trees by local authorities? Have we thought of rejuvenating the lakes or rivers in our region? We always consider nature as an abundant resource for human beings. Which not true and this can be an eye opener for a lot of people who have been negligent about their surroundings.

    We can take this opportunity to reflect on ourselves about how we are handling natural resources with responsibility. We can easily blame government, authorities, communities… how can we change our individual behaviour about nature is the crux of the situation. Nature has thrust this situation on us to test us how we can learn and evolve matured. Our materialistic frenzy must take a back foot and do things more responsibly in coming days.