This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
Surviving the Storm: Ibis Styles Hotel's General Manager on Moulding His Hotel's Future ¶
Friday, June 12, 2020
Stuart Clay, the general manager of Ibis Styles Hotel, has been facing a daunting task: keeping his workforce of 150 employees intact amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel's occupancy rate has plummeted to around 25%, with some days seeing as low as 4% occupancy.
Clay's concern is not just about the hotel's financial sustainability but also about protecting his team's livelihoods. 'I get stressed when I look at our bank accounts,' he reveals. 'Having to protect my team's livelihoods has been my biggest headache.'
Despite the challenges, Clay remains optimistic about the future. 'I think we've seen the worst of the pandemic. But it's still unclear what the future looks like. We'll wait and see how the situation evolves.'
The hotel has implemented various measures to minimize contact and ensure safety, including masked attendees behind plexiglass barriers, sanitiser dispensers, and social distancing signage. The sitting arrangement has also been transformed, with a space that would normally accommodate 60 patrons now limited to 10.
Clay acknowledges that the current crisis has forced the hotel to rethink its business model. 'We're considering the model,' he concedes. 'We're in talks with several delivery companies.' The hotel is also exploring home deliveries as a way to survive the storm.
Clay emphasizes the importance of re-imagining the hotel business model and prioritizing domestic tourism. 'Kenya has a very big domestic tourism market. Hotels should come up with packages that suit the local traveller.'
When asked about the industry's recovery timeline, Clay projects that it will take until 2022 for the industry to spring back. 'Next year will be a year of recovery. We expect airlines to continue to enforce social distancing rules after resumption of flights. Even so, few people will feel safe enough to travel.'
Clay's face registers amusement when asked about his other passions. The Briton is a nearly fanatical traveller and an adrenaline junkie. 'I've driven to Mombasa twice with friends. It was an exhausting but amazing expedition. Whenever I've time, I like to drive to Nanyuki. It's very cold out there.'
