How to communicate your tour or activity is open during COVID-19

Safety first. Please follow the advice of your local government before communicating your availability. We’re all in this together.

We’ve heard from many operators that have been able to remain open during this period but are struggling with ways to communicate it effectively to their audiences. 

Attracting locals remains a winning strategy at this time given many global travel restrictions. Demonstrating that your business is taking health and safety seriously, and with empathy, is an opportunity.

Recently, we received an email from a company in Australia called Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq who also run Holey Moley’s in the Viaduct, Auckland New Zealand (Aotearoa). Archie’s is an arcade style facility with bars, dining, ten pin bowling and so on. Normally, they could attract large groups easily over 100. And they’re popular with parents and children. Last year, our Sydney team went to their venue to celebrate the end of the financial year when things were a little different.

However, as a previous guest, we received an email from them about their operating procedures during COVID-19 which we thought was a real winner.

Their message starts with a reminder that they are still open, followed by the following notice:

“… in light of the World Health Organization’s recent designation of Coronavirus (COVID-19) as a global pandemic, and following instructions from the government around indoor gatherings, we have limited the capacity at all our venues.”

The team at Archie’s then go on to reassure their subscribers with the increased health and safety measures they are putting in place. They discuss security to monitor the number of people in the venue at one time, as well as the size of individual groups.

Beyond that, they advise on additional practices that they are initiating. Their communication goes on to state:

“In addition to reducing our capacity, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are:

• Increasing the number of hand sanitiser stations around our venues for guests and staff
• Disinfecting all surfaces and equipment, including all bowling balls, arcade machines, laser guns and vests regularly and consistently
• Offering hand/face wipes with all food items
• Waving, not hand-shaking or high-fiving
• Continuing our strict daily cleaning procedures”

Finally, their call to action directs the subscriber to book online, for themselves and a couple of friends. A nod to social distancing.

They conclude with a reminder for people to stay healthy, and if the subscriber is unwell, stay away. And that they’ll be open and ready for them once they’re feeling better.

If you have an opportunity to communicate with your subscribers and can communicate in a similar way, we recommend this approach. It’s both sincere, informative and reassuring.

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