McKinsey & Company’s COVID-19 U.S. Consumer Pulse Survey released in late August shows how consumer sentiment has changed over the six months since COVID-19 arrived in the U.S.

People are tuned into what researchers are calling the health-and-caring economy. And hotels are part of the mix.

The survey shows an increase since mid-March of consumers’ intent to book a hotel stay in the U.S.

The study also reveals more people are shopping and buying online.

But for consumers who plan to show up in person at a business, including hotels, most will base their buying decisions on whether the business treats its employees with care and whether staff members and customers wear face masks.

The message consumers are sending businesses is loud and clear – health and safety is their top concern. But if your hotel can expand that consumer sentiment with a caring message, you may have a fighting chance at surviving the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

In this episode of Lodging Leaders podcast we interview several hotel marketing experts about how the coronavirus crisis has reshaped the traditional sales-and-marketing funnel and what hotels need to do to attract the attention of prospective guests, many who are making travel decisions just a few hours in advance of booking.

We feature Susan Barry, founder and president of Hive Marketing in Atlanta; Glenda Lee, a consultant at TBT Hospitality in Washington, D.C.; and Theresa Hajko, director of revenue management at Spire Hospitality of Irving, Texas.