Hygiene is the hospitality industry’s biggest priority this winter

Vivienne Speckmaier, Product Manager at Kärcher UK, discusses the trends impacting those in the hospitality sector this winter

Hygiene standards in the hospitality sector are always of paramount importance. However, these pressures are undeniably exacerbated during the busy winter season. This time of year is one of the busiest that companies in hospitality will experience, thanks to the seasonal surge in guest numbers for hotels, conference rooms, hospitality events, and holiday parks, and, as such, enhanced cleaning protocols must be rigorously implemented throughout.

So, what trends are at play and how best can businesses cope with these challenges?

Staycation fever

A key trend in the hospitality industry is the growing popularity of staycations. Economic factors, including the cost-of-living crisis, have made domestic holidays an increasingly attractive option for holiday-makers. Once again, the stats reflect this with new research from April of this year showing that 80% of British people are considering a staycation, with Christmas proving to be a particularly popular time for a family getaway. This is a key market for the hospitality sector and implementing effective cleaning practices and tools - particularly in hotels - can help ensure quick turnover and keep pace with the increased visitor numbers and footfall during the winter season.

The office Christmas party

Potentially the principal opportunity in hospitality at wintertime is the work Christmas party. Research shows that 60% of employers lay on a Christmas party or lunch and 77% of UK business leaders regard the office Christmas party as the most important work event of the year. This means venues and function rooms must be maintained to the highest standards, as pressure on hospitality spaces is never greater. Implementing effective protocols and using the right equipment is essential to ensure fast turnover times while keeping cleaning standards consistently high.

Post-covid hospitality boom

The UK has embraced everything the hospitality industry has to offer post-covid. This is reflected in the numbers: in 2024, transactions reached £5.75 billion, representing a 20% increase on the 10-year average, according to the London Business School.

At the same time, the pandemic placed unprecedented emphasis on cleaning and hygiene standards. Maintaining spotless, hygienic premises is now essential for attracting and retaining guests - businesses that fail to meet these expectations risk falling behind their competitors.

Investing in best-in-class products 

To help tackle this increasingly busy time of year, it's imperative that businesses are equipped with the right products to take on the challenges ahead. Kärcher Professional provides a wide range of products to suit all winter needs for those in the hospitality sector. The KIRA CV 50 robotic vacuum cleaner is perfect for cleaning entrance areas and lobbies, navigating around people at even the busiest times – removing the time-consuming and monotonous task of vacuuming. Steam cleaners such as the SG 4/2 Classic are a match for any kind of dirt, whilst for those businesses with carpet and upholstery the Puzzi 9/1, the spray extraction fabric cleaner range, provides exceptional performance and maximum freedom of movement when deep-cleaning textile areas. Ultimately, whatever your cleaning challenge may be, Kärcher’s team of experts are prepped and ready to support you.

Visit the website at Kärcher UK for more details on the products and services available this winter. No matter your cleaning challenge, there’s Kärcher for that.