Tips Inntopia Kitchen Table #4 Recap: Three Operators Share their Plans for Re-opening

May 5, 2020 – Now that many travel operators are opening or planning to re-opening the near future, we thought it would be a very good time to bring in some friends from across the industry to discuss what they have in store for their operations. You can also click here to view the recording of this conversation.

Tiffany Quilicci
Chief Marketing Officer
Roaring Springs Waterpark, Wahooz Family Fun Zone & Galaxy Event Center

• Reduced capacity in all pools
• Pre-purchased time slots for all indoor family fun center activities
• IR temperature in parking lot for all visitors
• All employees temperature checked prior to shift
• In addition to state and local regulations, looked to Disney for operation inspiration

Full details for operating procedures can be found here: https://www.roaringsprings.com/coronavirus-message/index.cfm

Robby Ellingson
General Manager
Mt. Baldy Ski Area

• Already opened for remainder of winter season
• Pre-purchased “ski times” for all visitors
• Guests were greeted at their vehicle to check their reservation and provide all tickets
• Limited to max capacity of 10% of normal capacity
• No lodge or additional services were offered
• Looked to the golf industry for inspiration for operational standards

Meg Simpson
Director of Marketing
Mt. Lake Lodge

• Only cabins and stand-alone lodging will be open (not the standard lodge rooms)
• Staggered units in adjoining lodging configurations so that there are never two adjoining units in use
• 48 hours after checkout before a unit will be put back into inventory
• All check-in materials will be available directly at unit versus a centralized check in location
• Food service is available as take out only or delivered directly to room
• Also looked to Disney for their operational standards

Do We Need a Branded Industry Standard Protocol?

At the end of the call we discussed whether there was a need to begin creating industry wide standard protocols for the various travel verticals i.e. ski, hospitality, golf, waterpark, etc.  Something that is easy to describe and is branded so that visitors can quickly discern whether a particular operation has the so-called “badge of approval.”  Both Gregg and Kurt believe that this level of standardization will be crucial to gain the trust of travelers as we emerge from the current crisis.

BUT…what do we know…we let the group of over 100 weigh in on the topic and 82% agreed that they would prefer industry wide standards to assist in re-opening.

Click here to view the recording of this conversation.