Delivering Luxury Experiences in the Post-COVID-19 Reality

Abstract

As the world slowly emerges from the pandemic of the newly discovered COVID-19 virus, luxury hospitality providers are re-opening their businesses in a completely new reality. While they ensure that their unique brand identity and image are appropriately communicated to the customers, they must also strictly adhere to the hygiene and cleanliness standards imposed on businesses by local authorities. As a result, luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and resorts find themselves in a situation where they must adjust, if not re-design, experiences offered to their customers.

This chapter looks at the concept of experiences and examines key elements of creating authentic experiences. It discusses the role of embedding the culture of adaptability to change to ensure the business's longevity and resilience to crises. Finally, it deconstructs some of the industry's best practices to showcase the most creative and resourceful approaches to embracing the new reality and offering authentic experiences to discerning guests.

The chapter is concluded by an attempt to look into future customer expectations and businesses' opportunities to re-open and provide updated services to customers by actually embedding strategic foresight in both short- and long-term planning to build genuine resilience to future crises.

Citation

Czyzewska, B. (2022), "Delivering Luxury Experiences in the Post-COVID-19 Reality", Kotur, A.S. and Dixit, S.K. (Ed.) The Emerald Handbook of Luxury Management for Hospitality and Tourism, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 497-511. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83982-900-020211025