Hoteliers in Dorset and Hampshire have joined forces for the first time to help get the industry back on its feet as it recovers from the Corona virus pandemic.
Tim Seward, chairman of Dorset’s BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA), and Richard Powell, his counterpart in the Southampton and Region Hoteliers Association, say they are speaking with a united voice for the first time.
In a joint statement, they said: “United voices in such time of uncertainty have never been more important than it is now. During these strange and ever-changing times, it is essential that we all work together to share best practice collaboration and helping each other out is key to our future success. The hospitality industry has been hit hard, it was one of the first impacted, and likely to be a long road to recovery ahead. We are all working hard behind the scenes to understand the vast amount of information out there, and very much reliant in government initiatives and consumer behaviour. There have been countless webinars, podcasts, zoom calls and blogs on what the future may look like.”
“The ability to navigate our way through the vast amount of information, and to share best practice across the region is very important. We want to make sure that all our businesses are fit and ready to give guests confidence to return as soon as able.”
They added: “A united voice has been a key focus. For the first time ever, we have united the hotelier’s associations across Southampton, and BAHA (BH Area Hospitality Associations), and are starting to work with contacts in Weymouth, Portsmouth and the New Forest, with the chairperson across each of those regions maintaining regular communication and cascading information as appropriate. We have also joined forces with local councils, city, town and coastal bids, Business South, economic development offices and the Institute of Hospitality. We joined each other’s Zoom calls and communication updates.”
“We have worked together on various initiatives, such as codes of action and best practice, so that we can ensure team and guest confidence on a gradual and safe return. Hospitality is one big family, and having a United voice across central South has never been more important than it is now.”
