With a grade of 9.8 out of 10 on their Final Degree Project, we’re pleased to give the students Aina Román and Patricia Turró the chance to explain their research on medicalized hotels and Generation Z.
With a grade of 9.8 out of 10 on their Final Degree Project, we're pleased to give the students Aina Román and Patricia Turró the chance to explain their research on medicalized hotels and Generation Z. Naturally, Aina and Patricia are extremely satisfied with the work they completed and the grade they earned. Congratulations!
Tell us, what did you want to research for your project?
The main focuses in our project were COVID-19, medicalized hotels, and Generation Z. Our primary objective was to interrelate these concepts and research them in depth to answer the question: “What are the impacts of medicalized hotels on Generation Z?”.
During our research, we also uncovered interesting and relevant data about how Generation Z has been one of the most affected generations during the pandemic in emotional, labour, and economic areas.
What methodology did you use?
We used an objective methodology: our research wasn't based on our opinions. Instead, we extracted all the information from scientific articles. In addition, we conducted surveys to obtain information to carry out the hands-on part of the project and do field work with people in Generation Z.
What difficulties did you come across when doing your research?
Considering it's such a recent topic, researching and compiling scientific articles was the most complicated aspect. We found very few articles about medicalized hotels. With that in mind, we did an in-depth interview with Santiago Hernández, director of the Hotel Negresco Princess, to gain factual information and learn about the operation of a medicalized hotel.
Medicalized hotels: a commitment to wellbeing for society
How do medicalized hotels work?
Medicalized hotels have been a key factor during the pandemic as they have welcomed and housed a large number of affected patients and frontline workers. As Santiago Hernández, director of the Hotel Negresco Princess, explained to us, not all hotels can become medicalized as there are a series of requirements that must be met. Surprisingly, the daily operation of a medicalized hotel doesn't vastly differ from a hospital. It's practically the same, but with non-dependent or nearly-recovered patients.
In addition, thanks to different charitable entities, operating medicalized hotels was easier and less costly due to the selfless donations people made including medical supplies, books, food, and clothing.
Why is Generation Z important for tourism?
We read in a scientific paper during our research that Generation Z represents the next wave of travellers worldwide. That's why it's essential to uncover how this pandemic has affected people in this generation and what their preferences are in order to attract them and satisfy their needs.
What are their post COVID-19 travel preferences?
Some of the leading preferences we have found include checking-in electronically, the possibility of doing rapid COVID-19 tests at hotel entrances, the importance of cleaning and hygiene services, their preference to avoid crowds and get dining services in their room, and how they want to receive information on the safety measures taken by hotels.
How have medicalized hotels impacted Generation Z?
It has essentially been a social impact as the majority of Generation Z sees this as a social action and a commitment to wellbeing for society. In addition, this concept has had an important effect on our generation as it makes us more aware of the situation in which we're living.
In the survey, we asked participants to describe the feelings that medicalized hotels produced for them in just one word. Some of the most repeated words were: gratitude, insecurity, emotion, peace, fear, hygiene importance, and curiosity.