How do you see a way out of the current crisis?
D. L. C - This crisis is unprecedented for everyone. We are hearing catastrophic scenarios, with no end in sight. no recovery for two or three years. For my part, I remain calm. This is certainly a very serious crisis for the hotel industry, but every crisis has an end. I think we'll be able to reopen the hotels before the summer, without a doubt. under very special conditions. Staff will greet masked customers with masks. For us Latins, it's important to shake hands, and Asians have often been made fun of. But since SARS, they have got into the habit of protecting themselves and others, and this different culture shows what could change tomorrow. Especially as it is an effective way of protecting against other viruses that may appear in the future.
Will the impact of the health crisis on the hotel industry be as great in Paris as in the provinces?
D. L. C - With an international customer base of 80% and key markets in difficulty such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the hotel business in Paris will be difficult at least until September. As China emerges from the crisis, the Chinese clientele could help the Paris hotel industry to recover in the autumn. On the other hand, the regions that are better protected from the virus, such as the Atlantic arc - the Charentes and Aquitaine - should manage to maintain a trickle of activity, with a recovery before the summer and a crescendo of activity in July and August. The French are not going to take the plane to discover Brazil and will opt for domestic destinations. While we're not yet seeing any new bookings, what's positive is that we're not seeing massive cancellations for this summer either. People are waiting to see.
This is certainly a very serious crisis for the hotel industry, but every crisis has an end.
When do you think hoteliers can expect a return to normality?
D. L. C - Everyone has become a virology specialist in recent weeks... Two scenarios are possible: if the containment measures pay offIt won't be a Berezina. Let's assume that an effective medication is found, then we can even be optimistic. The recovery could be solid if there is the beginnings of a treatment solution. Otherwise, it could be much more boring, and we'll have to wait at least 18 months and the appearance of a possible vaccine before a real return to normal.
