The-Negotiation-Society-Magazine-The-Change-Issue

SURVIVING COVID SURV
T
he global pandemic has on one level brought identical
challenge to the world. But some of the ways in which
regions have responded has revealed nuanced and
fascinating variance in policy and culture, and provided
negotiation learnings.
WE ASKED CONSULTANTS FROM THE GAP PARTNERSHIP
TO SHARE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES FROM THEIR REGION.
ASIA
by Chloe Su
As is evident worldwide, industries such as
transportation, travel and hospitality have been
particularly heavily impacted by Covid-19. But Asian
companies in these sectors have responded nimbly with
creatively adapted offerings. One such is The Singapore
Tourism Board who found a way to leverage people’s
continued desire for travel. Their Cruise to Nowhere
collaboration with Royal Caribbean kickstarted a new
style of mini-break in which cruise ships take passengers
on journeys that start and end at the same port
without any stops in between.
The success of this initiative has been echoed in
new offerings from other travel firms. Singapore
Airlines welcomed passengers aboard its fine-dining
restaurant inside a retrofitted A380-800 plane,
complete with cabin crew, pilot announcements, seatback
entertainment and a tour of the plane. The catch?
The eatery never makes it to the clouds but remains
grounded on the tarmac of Changi Airport. No matter;
for Singapore’s travel-starved residents it has proved
hugely appealing – in fact so much so that the slots of
the exclusive experience sold out in just 30 minutes
post-launch. Sure, you might not be taking off any
time soon, but fans of flying can still experience the
excitement of boarding a plane and enjoying a great
meal with premium service.
These are just two examples of companies that have
been able to successfully pivot to new offerings through
an understanding of their brand and service and what
their customers value in both. I would wager that
businesses that lack such adaptability, creativity and
the ability to think laterally may just find themselves
struggling, even after the pandemic has ended.
IMAGE CREDIT: (TOP LEFT) DAVID TADEVOSIAN
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