Hotels see downturn in revenue

Business

By CLARISSA MOI
MAJOR hotels in Port Moresby have seen a downturn in revenue and guest occupancy rates meanwhile extra precautionary measures have been implemented following the 14-day lockdown in the nation’s capital.
The Stanley Hotel & Suites general manager Geoff Haigh said the hotel had seen a slight downturn in revenue since the latest lockdown was announced.
“All staff are wearing face masks and all guests are required to wear a mask to enter the hotel,” he told The National.
“Our cleaning regime has been stepped up with lifts being sanitised every hour and there is a greater focus on ensuring social distancing measures are adhered to.”
Airways Hotel Ltd general manager Sushil Gordon said the hotel’s occupancy level had dropped drastically because reservations had been slow leading to a significant drop in guests and customers.
He said there was increased hygiene practices, cleanliness and sanitising lifts, door handles, public areas and outlets on a regular basis.
Gordon said that extra precautionary measures were in place.
“Temperatures checks and face masks are mandatory for guests and staff and also we have increased social distancing in public areas, restaurants and lifts,” he said.
“The staff are briefed on a daily basis on what is happening in terms of fact sharing and knowledge on the Covid-19.”
Meanwhile, Holiday Inn general manager Robert Coates said: “We understand that, at this difficult time, guests’ most immediate concern would be around cleanliness and safety.
“We have the right measures in place to ensure the personal wellbeing of guests and colleagues, and to reassure guests that it is safer than ever to travel.
“IHG’s (InterContinental Hotels Group) industry-leading initiative already includes deep cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants, and we have built on that to develop new science-led protocols and service measures, partnering with industry leading experts, and launching a global ‘IHG clean promise’ that gives guests greater confidence and protection.”
Coates said guests could expect to see evolved procedures in every area of the hotel, which may include reduced contact at check-in, touch-less transactions, front desk screens, sanitiser stations, sanitised key cards, paperless check-out, new standards and service approach to buffets, banquets, room-service and catering among others,” he said.
“We are committed to the highest levels of cleanliness, which means clean, well maintained, clutter free rooms that meet our high standards.”
Coates shared the same sentiments as the others that the Covid-19 had affected the hotel’s operations.