The hospitality industry struggled in 2021 to make a comeback after the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. As 2022 and COVID’s third year begin—heralded by another new variant, omicron—the testing will continue. Creativity, combined with a sharpened focus on risk management, will be key for navigating forward.

It’s not getting any easier. Finding qualified people is a struggle at all levels for hotels and restaurants. Tech investment can make up for some of the gap, but also heightens the risk of cyber exposure. Meanwhile, business travel is still flagging and indoor mask mandates in many regions can serve as a flash point.