As we navigate this worldwide crisis, our thoughts are with individuals and communities impacted by this unprecedented event. We remain steadfast and committed in helping our guests, staff, clients, partners and local authorities through this difficult situation.
As the public health response to COVID-19 continues, we are closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus outbreak and have activated our response teams worldwide to provide 24/7 support to our guests and hotels.
We have given guidance to our hotels in terms of business continuity plans as well as implementation of increased cleaning and disinfection measures according to official World Health Organization (WHO), local medical and government authorities, and our leading hygiene partners. These measures include, but are not limited to:
- Providing our hotels with ongoing instructions & briefings on operating/monitoring best practices and procedures required to ensure the safety of our guests and staff
- Heightening our already vigorous hygiene and prevention measures to ensure the highest cleanliness and sanitary conditions, with enhanced cleaning protocols and disinfection products in place which have proven effective in minimizing the spread of viruses and contagions
- The introduction of supplementary hygiene measures in some markets including the introduction of additional hydroalcoholic gel dispensers
While the severity of the crisis varies from market to market and hotel to hotel, properties that remain operational are fully committed to serving our guests, government personnel and other authorities that require our services. Nevertheless, in accordance with requirements from national and local authorities, some hotels may be temporarily closed or operating with limited services.
Accor has also advised all of its hotels to adopt flexible conditions in terms of cancellation or modifications for travelers with new or existing bookings through April 30, 2020. Accor continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide additional guidance and updates to its hotels as the situation evolves.
Of course, we recommend all travelers review guidance from the WHO and follow any travel advice issued by their home countries prior to travel.
We want to thank our guests, staff, government authorities and members of our health services. Our industry has never before been faced with such a challenge however our spirit of community and commitment has never been stronger.