Assessment of 2021 at Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel: Insights and Reflections
In the wake of the global pandemic, travel patterns have undergone a significant shift, and Kazakhstan is no exception. Mahabbath Bayaman, Director of the Room Fund at the Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel, shares that family holidays have become increasingly relevant in 2021, as borders with some countries reopened but the popularity of domestic tourism and staycations continued to grow among Kazakhs.
Current trends in domestic tourism emphasise shorter, last-minute domestic getaways with a focus on family, friends, and romantic partners travelling together, often favouring beach destinations, nature (national parks, lakes), and digital detox experiences. By 2025, wellness-focused mini-retreats and authentic, sustainable travel experiences are also growing in popularity, reflecting travellers’ increased interest in self-care and environmental responsibility.
In response to these trends, the Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel has taken several measures to cater to its guests. The hotel has enhanced its health and safety protocols, offering flexible booking options to accommodate last-minute travel shifts. They have also increased amenities and services suitable for family travel, including spacious accommodations and family-friendly activities. To improve convenience and safety, the hotel has accelerated its digital transformation by implementing contactless check-in/out, mobile concierge services, and enhanced online guest communication.
Important hotel information has moved to the digital space due to increased safety and cleanliness requirements. QR codes have been placed in public areas, rooms, and even on wine bottles at the Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel. Guests can use mobile check-in with the Marriott Bonvoy app when checking into the hotel. The restaurant Emiliya, located within the hotel, has also adopted digital menus and topped the TripAdvisor ratings just a year and a half after its opening in December 2021.
To further enhance the guest experience, the Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel has opened special family rooms with increased square footage, entertainment for children, and delicious treats. They have also introduced an electronic journal, "Sheraton Happenings," accessible via QR codes, and plan to open a new SALTER'S restaurant and a summer terrace at the Sheraton Spa & Fitness in 2022.
Alisa Moskalenko, Marketing Communications Manager at the Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel, stated that QR codes are convenient for guests to stay updated on hotel offers. The hotel's commitment to maintaining service levels during high or full occupancy, as well as offering half-board, special spa offers, and a movie night in one of their halls, further underscores their dedication to providing an enjoyable and memorable experience for their guests.
The closure of borders and instability in travel in 2020 led to a reduction in overseas vacations for Kazakhs. However, the adaptability of the Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel and the broader travel industry has ensured that guests can still enjoy a holiday experience, albeit closer to home. With its focus on health, safety, digital convenience, and family-friendly services, the Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its guests in these challenging times.
In the realms of hospitality, the Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel has embraced digital transformation by introducing contactless check-in/out, mobile concierge services, and digital menus, aligning with the growing lifestyle preference for technology. For those seeking a break from the monotony of home-and-garden routines, the hotel offers a travel escape, ensuring a memorable experience through wellness-focused mini-retreats and sustainable travel options.
