Ceará hotels look set to reopen at the beginning of July in preparation for the corporate tourism season. Strict social distancing and hygiene measures will be in place as the hotels adapt to covid-19 precautions. The stringency of this may mean holidaymakers prefer self-catering properties.
July reopening
The Vice-President of the Brazilian Hotel Industry Association (ABIH in Brazilian), Ivana Bezerra, recently told the Brazilian press that Ceará hotels plan to reopen at the beginning of July. Business and corporate travel will offer the main clientele since high season for holidays in Brazil is in January.
Bezerra reported that there are currently just four hotels open in Fortaleza. Some intend to reopen at the beginning of June. However, she emphasised that most would be opening their doors again from 1 July.
Hygiene guarantee at Ceará hotels
All hotels have to comply with strict hygiene and security measures to meet covid-19 requirements. Bezerra said that these were the highest priority for hotels to ensure safety and peace of mind for guests.
She mentioned that communal areas were one of the biggest challenges facing hotels in Ceará, particularly when it comes to social distancing. “Hotels are also rethinking the breakfast format,” she said, “since the traditional buffet lay-out will no longer be valid.”
Optimism for second half of year
According to Bezerra, hotels in Fortaleza and Ceará are reasonably optimistic for the second half of the year. July inaugurates the corporate travel season in the state and despite covid-19, analysts expect it to be business as near as normal as possible.
Ceará has over 100 events, small, medium and large, planned for the second of the year. Bezerra said that the Ceará Events Centre has 38 confirmed conferences and events between July and December.
New Year 2020 plans
The busiest tourist season of the year in Ceará is over New Year when hotels in the region usually register 100% occupancy. Hotel teams are already planning for the festive season this year with marketing strategies in place and sales in the offering.
However, Bezerra pointed out that occupancy will depend on demand from the Brazilian market. It remains to be seen how many tourists will want to stay in hotels even if there are social distancing measures in place.
Self-catering preferable option
Tourism analysts believe that over the next few months, self-catering options will rise in demand. This is particularly true of holiday lets in quieter locations where social distancing is easier to do. Self-catering will be particularly popular with groups of family and friends, anxious about hygiene but still wanting to enjoy a beach holiday in the sun.
The Coral Resort offers a selection of high-end holiday lets and includes both villas and suites. The award-winning resort enjoys a privileged location on one of the quietest beach areas in Ceará. It's also away from crowded resorts, but still makes the most of the idyllic coastline.
Investors who have built villas on the resort are already enjoying return from holiday lets as more Brazilians discover this quiet spot on the beach. Demand is expected to rise as preferences shift towards less crowded locations for holidays in 2020. Investment at The Coral starts at US$40,500 for land and at US$160,000 for villas.
(Source: Diario do Nordeste)
