Impact of coronavirus on hotel industry

Summary

In this interview with Jean Felicia, General Manager of Orchard Hotel, he discusses the significant impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the hotel industry, particularly regarding event cancellations and room bookings. While many events have been postponed, cancellations have been a challenge, especially in the early months of the year. Jean highlights the hotel's contingency plans, which include increased sanitation measures, staff protection, and guest safety protocols. He also expresses gratitude for government support, optimistic that the industry will recover as the situation stabilizes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The coronavirus outbreak has had a significant impact on the hotel industry, leading to event and holiday booking cancellations.
• 😀 Guests have also been canceling their travel plans and room bookings due to the pandemic.
• 😀 The Orchard Hotel is reviewing cancellations daily and is hopeful about future events and bookings.
• 😀 Many events have been postponed, not canceled, leading to optimism for a recovery in the coming months.
• 😀 The hotel has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures in guest rooms, public areas, and contact points.
• 😀 Staff are trained to follow health guidelines, and guests are provided with sanitizers, masks, and gloves upon request.
• 😀 Temperature checks are conducted for both guests and employees to ensure safety.
• 😀 In the event of suspected COVID-19 symptoms, the hotel has isolation rooms ready and will disinfect affected areas.
• 😀 Orchard Hotel has contingency plans for business continuity, including possible team member vacation scheduling and isolation measures.
• 😀 The Singapore government has been providing support to help businesses during the crisis, and the hotel expresses gratitude for this assistance.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, the hotel remains optimistic that the situation will improve, and Singapore will recover stronger.

Q & A

How has the coronavirus outbreak impacted the hotel industry, according to Jean Felicia, the general manager of Orchard Hotel?

The coronavirus outbreak has significantly affected the hotel industry, with cancellations of events, wedding banquets, and holiday reservations. Guests have also canceled travel plans and room bookings. The hotel is reviewing these cancellations daily, but still expects to see some positive results in the coming months.

What specific impact has the coronavirus had on bookings and events at Orchard Hotel?

The hotel experienced cancellations starting from January, with bookings for February, March, and April being notably affected. However, many events have been postponed rather than fully canceled, which gives hope for recovery in the future.

Has Orchard Hotel implemented any contingency plans due to the coronavirus outbreak?

Yes, Orchard Hotel has put in place contingency measures including increased cleaning protocols, segregation of teams, and thorough disinfection of rooms and public areas. Staff members are also following local health guidelines to protect both guests and employees.

What measures has Orchard Hotel taken to ensure guest safety during the outbreak?

The hotel has increased cleaning frequencies, sanitized high-touch areas such as elevator buttons and reception counters, and provides hand sanitizers in guest contact areas. Guests are also offered masks and gloves upon request. In case of any health symptoms, guests are advised to consult a doctor immediately.

What steps are taken if a guest at Orchard Hotel shows symptoms of illness during their stay?

If a guest shows symptoms or has a fever, the hotel staff will immediately recommend that they stay in their room until medical assistance arrives. The affected room and other relevant areas will be thoroughly disinfected afterward.

How has Orchard Hotel prepared for potential isolation of guests due to the coronavirus?

Orchard Hotel has prepared isolation rooms for any guests who might need them. These rooms are available to ensure the safety of other guests while the individual is waiting for medical assistance.

What measures are in place for employees at Orchard Hotel to protect them from the virus?

The hotel has implemented various health and safety measures for its employees, including temperature checks, providing medical masks and gloves, and ensuring that employees follow local health guidelines. Employees showing symptoms are advised to consult a doctor immediately.

What has Orchard Hotel done to cushion the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on their business?

Orchard Hotel has a contingency plan for business continuity, including the possibility of vacation planning and team scheduling adjustments. They are also working closely with local authorities and are grateful for government support during this challenging time.

Has the Singapore government provided any support to Orchard Hotel during the coronavirus outbreak?

Yes, the Singapore government has stepped in to support businesses during this challenging period. The hotel expressed gratitude for the government's efforts and remains optimistic about the country's recovery.

What is the general outlook for Orchard Hotel's recovery from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak?

Jean Felicia, the general manager, remains optimistic, believing that although the situation is difficult, the hotel will recover in a few months. The postponement of events rather than outright cancellations suggests that recovery is on the horizon.