A microscopic organism that can travel mysteriously through almost any fabric has literally brought the world to a halt and in record time. This virus has unearthed a new reality, “social distancing,”. Daily briefings as are a constant reminder of the unfortunate tolls of sickness and death the virus has brought. We are asking ourselves: “just when or how will our lives look going forward? Will mandated social change be a “new normal?”

Facing Down The Fear

Living in isolation leads many of us to harbor feelings of helplessness and uncertainty. To move beyond feelings of despair, we need tangible evidence that the austerity of social distancing is showing results. There won’t be a silver bullet until a vaccine has been discovered. Medical sources predict a cure could be a year or more away. What we need now is a treatment that can save lives and lessen the symptoms; in order to re-establish our working and social livelihoods. Whether it is an existing medication or the use of antibodies, people won’t feel safe going out into the world until there is a plan of treatment that limits their risk of falling ill or worse, dying from the virus. Effective treatment is desperately needed to face the fear, build hope, and move forward and rebuild a “new normal” with our lives.

These Four Walls

Working from home (WFH) at one time, had the connotation of a casual day at home while working in one’s pajamas. Yet, as government has enforced WFH to reduce the virus spread, the walls seem to encroach upon our sanity. The social distancing mandate, has been especially difficult for our road warriors who thrive on human interaction. Once the ban of travel is lifted, they will be the first to bolt from their homes, in order to get on that flight and re-enter the workforce. These business travelers in essence, will be the 21st Century pioneers in showing the rest of us that it is safe to travel again and dream big once again. We do not know what potential new changes will occur as a result of social distancing. We may not ever shake hands again, yet, there is still something very important and personal about being in the presence of another person, whether it is a client, flight attendant or front desk attendant. ZOOM conferences cannot replace human contact. We all have a role to play in the ecological chain of business and hopefully we appreciate each other more as we get out of our four walls and unite once again in the open world.

Human Touch, Not Just Tech Touch

While technology, such as Skype and Zoom have saved jobs by allowing business to be conducted from home, to continue, human nature still drives the need to interact with one another leisurely. We look for ways to connect and/or reconnect with our fellow human beings. Today, now more than ever, this happens through travel. It is how we perceive future travel for vacations, or how Baby Boomers plan a “bucket list.” It may include a back to nature trip, or an Eco trip to clean up a beach or a holistic retreat to deepen your soul. These will become the new destinations where you can appreciate the local culture not just purchase a tchotchke. This time will leave a deep impression on us, on our souls and not just our mobile devices.

Let’s show the rich heritage of the hospitality community, comprised of owners, hotel staff, designers and suppliers scattered all over the world, by participating in opening the doors of hotels and our hearts to welcome the tired and weary travelers. This innate human exchange will show the world, the meaning of hospitality will not be re-defined. As we practice our gratitude for being able to participate in a world filled with wonderful people offering unique experiences in visiting beautiful places, all just waiting for us to return.