On one of the enticing things about an All Inclusive Resort is the endless supply of food and buffets. We hear those terrible stories about people spending half of their vacation in the resort clinic or sick in their room from some gastrointestinal issues, likely from food. News reports of salmonella, e-coli, and norovirus outbreaks in a resort quickly spread on social media. But what about respiratory virus like COVID-19? Does this add another level risk to the traditional All Inclusive Resorts?
While respiratory viruses cannot be transmitted through food, the elements of the buffet itself may warrant some concern. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) coronavirus is stable for 2 to 3 days on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel.
The glamour for the customers is the vast array of choices of endless supply. The resorts are able to greatly reduce their expenses with minimal staff with the self-service options.
Let us first remind ourselves of the buffet scene:
Guests enter the large dining room. They grab plates that are sitting at the end of the buffet line. While many buffets now have the plexiglass sneeze guard the servicing utensils are handled by each guest as they go through the line. Breads and pastries are set out on platters for anyone to touch and grab. Glasses are at common at self-service beverage stations with coffee, fountain drinks and juice. Dining areas are often crowded with quick turnover of tables awaiting the next family to be seated.
So, in an environment where we were already worried about others inadvertently touching or sneezing on our food, how can we be ensured safety at the All Inclusive Buffets as we work our way out of this pandemic?
It’s been reported by some hospitality industry leaders that resorts will no longer be able to provide continental breakfasts and buffets. All dishes, silverware, and even menus may have to be disposable. TUI, the UK’s biggest travel firm, reports that resort restaurants will likely have limited capacity and operational times and self-service buffets will be reduced to a minimum.
It looks like our love for the all-you-can-eat buffet is going to end. All Inclusive Resorts will have to dramatically change the way they serve guests (and if they do not we should be even more concerned). Even if they increase safety by adding more serving staff, eliminating the self-serve option, and move to all disposable dishes and silverware, their costs are going to sky-rocket. And when their expenses go up, they will need to pass that along to the customer.
So what about my vacation? Does this mean we have to continue to postpone our vacation plans while the industry figures this out? Not at all! This may just be the best time to consider a vacation rental. With a vacation rental you have more control. Traditionally, when you compare the expense of an All-Inclusive Resort and the vacation rental, you will save more with the vacation rental. With the anticipated additional expenses as a result of the pandemic being passed along to resort-goers, this may be the perfect time to look rent. Preparing some of your own meals, even if it is just for breakfast or lunch, not only saves you money but also increases your safety.
So you don’t have to be worried about your next vacation. You just need to take control of your next vacation. Enjoy that time to relax without the anxiety. Ask the right questions and do your research, no matter where you choose to stay. It is time for us to get back to living and doing what we love.
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