In a recent interview, Milind Pote highlighted the profound disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has caused in the hotel and restaurant industry, noting that recovery for many establishments may take until 2023 or beyond. He emphasised that while the sector has faced a widespread crisis, smaller scale restaurants may rebound faster than large hotels — because they require less capital investment, depend less on skilled labour, and can more quickly adapt to new realities.
Pote pointed out that the region of Marathwada will likely face additional challenges, explaining that consumer habits there may take longer to shift — for example, adoption of QR-code menus and temperature screening at dining venues will be slower compared to more urbanised markets. He also warned that many large hotels may never reopen, given the high fixed costs and the difficulty in obtaining new investment or bank loans under the current climate.
Overall, his analysis offers a clear, grounded perspective: the pandemic has hit what was once considered a recession-proof sector; yet the scale, speed and nature of the damage mean that only businesses that adapt rapidly — especially smaller ones — may survive and thrive in the post-COVID world.