Showing Results for tag: coronavirus
Wishbox launches COVID-related digital features
Israel: Wishbox, a white-label guest engagement provider, has launched a suite of new smart tools to allow hotels digitise its guest communication.
One million hospitality staff to return to work
UK: A survey by UKHospitality (UKH) reveals that over 960,000 staff are expected to return to work from furlough over the course of July.
IHG reopens 90 per cent of global portfolio
Worldwide: InterContinental Hotels Group has reported an expected 75 per cent revPAR decline for the second quarter overall, with “small but steady” improvements during the quarter.
Rosewood update on global recovery
Worldwide: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has shared new plans and strategies as part of its path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tripadvisor launches ‘Travel Safe’ features
Worldwide: The suite of new tools help consumers find, filter, and validate health and safety information both domestically and internationally.
UK to lift quarantine restrictions on European arrivals from July 6
UK: Restrictions on overseas travel will be relaxed from July 6, ministers have said.
Hotel restaurants likely to “remain firmly closed” from July
UK: Following the recent government announcement that hotels, pubs and restaurants can reopen from 4 July, accountants Mercer & Hotel say that hotel restaurants are unlikely to benefit.
UK hospitality gets the green light as social distancing reduced
UK: In a statement this afternoon, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the reopening of pubs, restaurants and hotels on July 4.
UK hotels expected to reopen on July 4
UK: Prime minister Boris Johnson is reportedly set to announce hotels and bed and breakfasts can reopen on July 4 along with pubs, restaurants and hairdressers.
CitizenM launches new contactless experience
The Netherlands: Global budget luxury hotel brand Citizen M has announced the launch of its full contactless experience.
Hilton cuts 20 per cent of global workforce
Worldwide: Hilton Worldwide Holdings has announced it will lay off 22 per cent of its global corporate workforce, equating to around 2,100 jobs.
Times Square EDITION to close one year after debut
US: The 452-room hotel located in New York’s Times Square is to permanently close on 13 August 2020 due to financial issues caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Pan Pacific postpones London opening to 2021
UK: Originally set to open at the end of this year, Pan Pacific London has pushed back its launch date to early 2021.
Avion introduces sterilisation products for hotels
UK: Avion Group has launched a suite of products to help hotels and restaurants safely and hygienically resume business operations.
HMRC says Job Retention Scheme supports nearly 1.5m in hospitality
UK: HMRC, who have implemented the UK government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), have announced that these programmes have been used to support almost 1.5 million hospitality workers.
Domestic travel searches surge in May
Worldwide: Tripadvisor has revealed findings from its multi-month study on consumer travel sentiment, highlighting early green shoots of recovery in a number of countries worldwide.
Smart-tech pathogen protection equipment launches
US: BioPPE, a manufacturer of smart-tech health solutions, is rolling out a line of new products to help businesses adapt and prepare for heightened hygiene protocols.
Synoptic Reactivate launches to support safe working environments
UK: Synoptic, a global software company, has launched its Reactivate platform designed to facilitate safe and efficient reopening whilst minimising the potential problems that movement of people could pose for the NHS.
Xenia sues SBG US Holdings for backing out of deal
US: Xenia Hotels & Resorts has reportedly sued SBG US Holdings for backing out of an agreement to buy its portfolio of seven Kimpton-managed hotels.
Crystalbrook Collection launches Mindfully Safe
AUS: Crystalbrook Collection, a sustainable and independent hotel group in Australia, has launched its Mindfully Safe programme in response to COVID-19.
ALICE launches eBook on contactless hotel operations
US: ALICE has revealed a complimentary eBook to address COVID-19 response protocols, particularly focussing on technology and contactless service.
Contactless app allows safe luggage handling
US: Chexology, a technology provider for checking in items, is introducing its contactless application to the hospitality industry so operators can prevent the spread of COVID-19.
OYO launches ‘Scrubbed Clean’ programme
US: OYO Hotels has developed its ‘Scrubbed Clean’ programme in compliance with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to ensure a healthy and safe environment for guests and staff.
Campaign urges UK government to scrap 14-day quarantine for arrivals
UK: Over 200 travel and hospitality businesses have backed a nationwide campaign urging the UK government to overturn its planned 14-day quarantine for international arrivals.
Forbes Travel Guide introduces back-to-work guidelines
US: Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) has launched a complimentary set of best practice guidelines, coupled with a virtual training programme, to support luxury establishments prepare for post-quarantine service changes.
Free Masketeers campaign launches
UK: Free Masketeers is designing bespoke face masks for businesses using the leftover fabric from London hotel uniforms and NHS approved scrubs.
The Standard introduces ‘Buy One, Give One’ initiative
US: For bookings made now until 11 June 2020, Standard Hotels will offer those guests the opportunity to give a stay to a first responder, essential worker, friend or family member.
Expedia Group commits $275 million to partner recovery programme
US: Expedia Group has pledged $250 million in marketing credits and financial relief for those properties that participate in the programme, with a $25 million fund going towards advertising destinations.
Marriott extends furlough to October 2020
US: Marriott International announced on Wednesday that it will extend its furlough and reduced workweek schedules to 2 October 2020, and expects a “significant number of above property position eliminations” later this year.
Avani introduces digital brand standards as part of its AvaniSHIELD programme
Worldwide: Avani Hotels & Resorts is rolling out its AvaniSHIELD programme across all 32 of the brand’s properties, with primary initiatives driven by the adoption of new technology.
Colliers proposes easing of planning restrictions to allow hotel repurposing
UK: Colliers International argues that a relaxing of planning restrictions could allow hotel owners the opportunity to redevelop the building as a way to minimise losses.
UK consumers could spend nearly £4 billion in hospitality sector during first week after lockdown is lifted
UK: New research says pent up demand from the public for eating, drinking and travelling, could see £3.8 billion being spent in the first week after restrictions are lifted.
Accor adds €560m banking credit facility
France: Multinational Hotel Group Accor has announced the addition of €560m to its revolving banking credit facility resources.
OYO extends long-stay rates and offers additional rooms
UK: With manufacturing, construction and other businesses in England encouraged to resume operations, OYO has made available over 1000 additional rooms.
FM leaders call for performance-based contracts to drive success in cleaning
EMEA: Research from SoftBank Robotics EMEA reveal that 89 per cent of supply side and 78 per cent of demand side of facility managers (FMs) believe that performance-based contracts will improve the success rate of cleaning projects.
Black Sheep Hotels’ parent company goes into administration
UK: Mars Enterprise and Hospitality, which operates two of the three hotels in the Black Sheep Hotels group, has called in administrators after failing to pay more than £3 million to construction company Douglas & Stewart.
70 per cent of OYO hotels in China have reopened
China: OYO is seeing a small revitalisation of demand for travel, as 70 per cent of its Chinese hotels have reopened.
UK Furlough Scheme extended, companies to share burden from August
UK: Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed the extension of the UK’s coronavirus furlough scheme until October.
Wind-up hotel petitions set to increase due to coronavirus
UK: The number of petitions to wind-up hotels has almost doubled in a year, and is expected to increase dramatically once the moratorium ends on June 30.
Some UK hospitality businesses could reopen in July
UK: Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced a phased approach to easing Coronavirus lockdown restrictions, which could see some hospitality businesses open in July.
Over 1000 sign ups to Stays for Heroes initiative
UK: The platform, launched by online booking system eviivo, allows independent hotels and other accommodations to open up rooms to essential workers.
NH Hotel Group signs syndicated loan of $225 million
Spain: Coordinated by BBVA and Santander, NH Hotel Group has been granted endorsement by the Official Credit Institute to help finance its operational needs throughout the current crisis.
Criton offers hoteliers free app to reduce touchpoints during COVID-19
UK: Criton is offering its guest engagement platform free of charge to hoteliers until 2021.
TripAdvisor to lay off close to 25 per cent of its global workforce
US: Online travel company TripAdvisor is to lay off 900 employees — accounting for almost 25 per cent of its global workforce — in a “significant” cost-cutting exercise, CEO and co-founder, Stephen Kaufer, revealed in a company blog post.
Action group holds insurers to account for UK business interruption policies
UK: Hospitality Insurance Group Action (HIGA) launches today and is open to businesses which have been forced to close within the industry if their insurance company is silent or refusing to honour policies.
The Mandeville London partners with Smarter Giving to support care workers and locals
UK: The Mandeville Hotel in Marylebone has implemented a series of COVID-19 initiatives with the help of Smarter Giving to engage with St Mary’s Hospital and local food banks, as well as local residents.
Rosewood London to offer key worker couple £100,000 wedding
UK: Five-star hotel Rosewood London has partnered with Bridelux to offer one couple, working as key workers, NHS staff or carers during the COVID-19 crisis, a complimentary wedding worth over £100,000.
Preferred Hotels global future travel survey findings revealed
Worldwide: 4,000 members of the group’s I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme participated in a survey that looked at aspirations and plans for future travel when restrictions are lifted or eased.
Tripadvisor launches programme to connect NHS trusts with hotels
UK: The Hotels for Health programme allows NHS trusts to flag a request for rooms, and for hotels to advise they have spare rooms available.
Qbic offers rooms at London property to key workers
UK: City-based hotel brand Qbic is offering rooms at its property located in Whitechapel to front line workers for non-profit rates.
