The global restaurant industry has been drastically affected by the pandemic, with dine-in opportunities few and far between. In China, KFC has partnered with Neolix, an autonomous vehicle producer, to create contactless, socially distanced delivery vehicles in Shanghai.

COVID-19 has hit the travel and hospitality sector harder than most others, with event venues forced to postpone bookings, airlines grounding fleets, and restaurants banning sit-in service. As people re-explore their leisure options post-lockdown, what will they expect from brands in this space?

As the pandemic continues to heighten hygiene awareness, it’s having an effect on our everyday interactions. A survey has shown that people are open to voice tech as an alternative to touch experiences in public settings, creating room for brands to explore new innovations.

The draw of many restaurants is their atmosphere, something that’s hard to come by with limited seating capacities and heightened hygiene measures. Some hotels are opening up their empty rooms as private dining suites to offer VIP-style escapism and exclusivity.