(TAN): Radisson Hotel Group has unveiled a holistic recovery plan for its hotels and resorts in China, as the revival of China’s travel and hospitality industry is now picking up speed following the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The majority of hotels in the country are now open for business and occupancy levels reached close to 50% during the recent Labor Day holiday – ten percentage points higher than in recent weeks. Encouragingly, this included an upswing in corporate travel in first tier cities such as Beijing, where hotels in the financial district have seen their occupancy triple.
As China rebounds, Radisson Hotel Group has devised a series of measures to enable its hotels to accelerate their recovery, ensure the safety of its guests, team members and business partners, and give back to local communities.
[ALSO READ: African destinations meet to plan growth and sustainable future for tourism]
The Group earlier launched Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol – a program of in-depth cleanliness and disinfection procedures to further strengthen hotels’ existing rigorous sanitation, cleanliness and disinfection guidelines. These include increased cleaning and disinfection in all areas, paying special attention to high-touch items such as door handles and room keys; hand sanitizer stations and gloves in public areas and entrances; express check-outs; cash-free payment options; and the roll out of special hygiene training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves for team members.
To reinforce the message of health and safety, Radisson Hotel Group is working with partners including SGS and Safehotels, which will measure and certify its hotels with a 20-step plan for operations and a 10-step protocol for meetings and events. The company has also aligned with the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) “Safe Travels” initiative for restarting the global tourism industry.
Responsible Business is a key part of the recovery strategy, and Radisson Hotel Group has unveiled a program with its Rad Family mascot, Lumi to help raise funds for a local charity. Lumi, a cuddly toy firefly, will be sold to brighten up guests’ stays and support the Ai You Foundation’s training and education program for young doctors. Lumi will be available at Radisson Blu, Park Plaza and Radisson hotels and resorts in China from June.
Guests can do their part for the community by simply booking on the dedicated room packages, “Radisson Cares” which include adopting a Lumi with each stay. The campaign is slated to run till the end of the year, with profits from the sale of Lumi will be donated to the appointed charity, Ai You Foundation.
[ALSO READ: Lufthansa Group airlines significantly expands flight schedule until September]
“With the COVID-19 pandemic under control in China, we are cautiously optimistic of an upturn in domestic business. Throughout this challenging time, Radisson Hotel Group has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners in China, providing extensive support and guidance. We are launching our holistic recovery plan, which focuses on the health and safety of our guests and teams and gives back to the community. We are delighted to cooperate with Ai You Foundation to provide meaningful support to young doctors in China and provide hope for the future,” said Gary Ye, Vice President, Operations, China, Radisson Hotel Group.
“We are proud to work with Radisson Hotel Group on this important initiative. The COVID-19 outbreak has underpinned the importance of our healthcare workers and the need to upskill the medical profession. At Ai You Foundation, we strive to support the next generation of doctors, for the benefit of all humanity, ” added Yanping Li, Senior Vice President of Ai You Foundation.
