1.
We are passing an uncertain time that can be very difficult for usto grasp. Many are assuming that this pandemic of COVID-19 might behere for a long time, couple of years at least. Businesses arefacing an unprecedented challenge to survive. The impact of thispandemic will affect different industries differently and hence,they need to adapt accordingly.
The post pandemic world can be very different from the one that weknow. Consumers will adapt a different lifestyle and a conservativeeconomic approach. The overall economic situation might continue todecline for a long time before it starts to pick up again. Evenglobal leaders are not thinking any differently for businesses in2020.
“For people in business, 2020 is really just a year for stayingalive. Don’t even talk about your dreams or plans. Just make sureyou stay alive. If you can stay alive, then you would have made aprofit already” – Jack Ma
Even though some restaurants are open amid the ongoing generalholidays aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus,stakeholders say business is in shambles and they are worried aboutpaying bills and their staff. This has put restaurant owners in apredicament and they say they are not sure for long they cansustain losses as the situation shows no sign of improvement.
The restaurant business is bleeding. Stakeholders said they aregoing through a difficult time and are worried about meetingmonthly costs and expenses including rents, utility bills andsalaries of staff. Many upscale restaurants are also incurringsignificant revenue loss as foreign visitors cancelled their toursamid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a number of restaurant owners the eateries open forseveral hours daily and but the lack of customers are hurtingbusinesses. Besides, people’s increasing tendency to order foodonline is also declining as the customers are not comfortable withparcel delivery at their doorsteps due to the contagion.
Mizanur Rahman, owner of Bangla Hotel & Restaurant atMotijheel, said he has several restaurants and each of them employaround 40 workers. He stated “There are around 30,000 small and bigrestaurants in the country. Of them, more than 8,000 are in Dhaka.Around one million workers are engaged in this sector. But we areall at risk now due to the COVID-19”.
Let’s assume that you are working as a consultant. Based on thescenario given above answer the following questions:
a) Suggest new “place” strategies for Bangla Hotel &Restaurant for coping with the current crisis. Make sure you haveincluded details for safety. (Marks 10. Word Limit 250-300 words)*
b) Discuss each of the five promotion tools and mention whetheror not it is appropriate for Bangla Hotel & Restaurant hotel toimplement. (15 marks 500-600 words) *
c) Suggest new promotion strategies for Bangla Hotel &Restaurant based on the promotion tools you have chosen in answerto question number “2”. (15 marks 500-600 words) *