HOSPITALITY WILL OUTLAST COVID-19
Hotels are on the Frontline in the Fight Against COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all of us literally overnight. Both our personal and professional goals and objectives for 2020 have been altered. While all industries have been affected by the healthcare emergency, some bear the brunt of the downturn much more than others.
Travel is one industry in the U.S. that has been hit the hardest by the coronavirus. Hotel occupancies in the U.S. are down nearly 70% year-over-year, at 21%, according to STR Data (April 5-11, 2020). And, the hotel and lodging industry has laid off or furloughed 70% of hotel employees.
Yet in these uncertain times, hoteliers are staying positive and finding new ways to care for each other and their communities. Hotels are delivering food to their local hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing housing for healthcare workers and first responders, donating rooms, and offering discounted rates to essential workers, and some are offering housing for the homeless.
An Industry of People Taking Care of People
Hotel brands are offering incredible support all over the world.
Marriott is donating $10 million in hotel stays for doctors and nurses with the company's efforts focusing on the areas of the country most affected by coronavirus.
Hilton and American Express are donating 1 million hotel rooms for medical professionals working on the coronavirus pandemic response.
IHG has partnered with #FirstRespondersFirst donating up to 50 million IHG Rewards Club points so first responders can rest and recharge at IHG hotels nearby medical centers.
Over 17,000 hotels have signed up for a new American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) initiative called "Hospitality for Hope," which matches hotels with government agencies in need, offering temporary housing for emergency and healthcare workers amid the pandemic.
These are just a few examples demonstrating the true meaning of hospitality – treating guests and strangers with warmth, generosity, and friendliness. Not only in the best of times but in the most challenging times, too.
From natural disasters to individual family emergencies to the current global pandemic, the hospitality industry always rises to the top with a passion to serve and do whatever is needed, and we are so proud to be a part of it. These acts of kindness and partnerships will never be forgotten, and they once again prove that we are stronger together.
The Heart of Hospitality Shines Brightly
iResponze was founded by hoteliers for hoteliers and hospitality is at our core. We believe in the true spirit of partnership with our clients that doesn’t change in the hardest of times, ensuring our value proposition transcends the obstacles imposed by this crisis.
While the needs of our hotel clients have changed during this time, we are leaning in to support and adapt our services so they can continue to do what they do best – take care of their guests, their communities and their team members.
Whether it’s pausing services or identifying new services needed - managing direct message inquiries or social media messaging about hotel service level changes – we are working together, building and leveraging our partnership for their success.
I am so proud of our iResponze team members for showing compassion, courage, and leadership during these unprecedented times. We look forward to the day when the travel industry rebounds. Until then, we are optimistic and grateful the true spirit of hospitality continues to shine brightly!
Rose Mentrie
Chief Innovation Officer
RoseM@iResponze.com
407.592.1238
