Tourism and the Coronavirus

If there is any industry that we’ve probably all wondered how they would pull through the coronavirus crisis, its tourism. With airlines, cruises, and most means of traveling shutdown, hotels and travel brands stand to lose billions in revenue. Not to mention the uncertainty of how much the industry will evolve when it is all over.

Despite these issues and threats to the survival of the industry, several hotels and travel brands have put in great efforts to join the COVID-19 fight using their resources. Here are some of these brands and their contributions to the fight.

Rosewood Hotel Group

The famous Hong Kong-based multi-national hotel management group announced a relief initiative, Rosewood Raise, which is focused on supporting the local communities where the Rosewood Hotel Group does business. The initiative helps through several means such as donating hotel rooms, preparing meals for essential workers, and much more across China’s Wuhan and Guiyang areas. Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, California, is also doing its part with introducing #MiramarOnTheMove. #MiramarOnTheMove is a food truck dedicated to the delivery of free coffee and warm meals to the hungry and essential businesses like pharmacies, post offices, and fire departments. Other contributions by the hotel and group include care packages for employees by San Martin’s Rosewood Cordevalle, and providing food to local restaurants, law enforcement, and seniors.

Airbnb

Airbnb has introduced a program to offer free or subsidized housing for COVID-19 frontline responders. Hosts in up to 160 countries have opened up homes for pandemic responders and the company has announced that fees for the first 100,000 stays booked via the program will be waived.

Four Seasons New York

Recently Ty Warner, the owner of the Four Seasons hotel, opened up the hotel’s 368 rooms for doctors and nurses working overtime at the city’s hospitals. According to Ty Warner, these professionals have to travel far to get to and from the hospitals despite the long hours spent working. Free accommodation is aimed at reducing the stress involved.

Claridge’s

Claridge’s is a 5-star luxury hotel in London known to be the top choice for the likes of royalty and Hollywood stars. The hotel has opened its doors to offer free boarding to NHS workers of St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington. The hotel will also provide free meals for breakfast and dinner for the healthcare workers.

Le Sirenuse in Positano

Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, Hotel Santa Caterina, and Palazzo Avino have pledged to support a vaccine research fundraiser called “Together for a COVID-19 Vaccine.” Each of the four Almafi Coast properties will offer vouchers worth €5,000 in a bid to raise €200,000.

Dromoland Castle, Ireland

Dromoland Castle has dedicated its kitchens to preparing and delivering meals to seniors in the region as they are most vulnerable to the virus.

This brand is selling gift cards for future accommodations at any of its three famous hotels and donating 25% of its proceeds to Food Bank for New York City.

Read more from I On The Scene: HERE.