Toronto just got a new pet and eco-freindly hotel by the airport

A brand new hotel has just opened across from Toronto Pearson Airport. The hotel itself is owned by Easton's Group of Hotels, which has already built nine other Marriott branded hotels. 

Branded as an "eco-conscious" building, Element has water filtration systems in every "outdoor-inspired" suite, shareable bikes for guests to borrow, and electric car charging stations.

For More Information Click Below :

www.blogto.com/real-estate-toronto/2020/06/toronto-new-hotel-airport/

download (1).jpg

Google Maps helps healthcare workers find hotels

Key Take Away

As part of its broader COVID-19 response, Google has given healthcare providers the option to add virtual care offerings to their search and Maps profiles and made government coronavirus-related announcements more prominent in search. Google is adding a new Maps feature to help those individuals find special accommodations when they're done their daily shifts. This feature will help those workers who want to keep their families safe.

The new feature is only available in the US and UK, but Google plans to roll it out to other countries in the future

For More Information

www.engadget.com/google-maps-search-frontline-healthcare-worker-hotel-finder-144000833.html?utm_campaign=fullarticle&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=inshorts

download (6).jpg

MHRIL moves ahead with expansion plan amid Covid-19

Key Take Away

Mahindra Holidays Resorts India Ltd is moving ahead with its planned capacity expansion even after the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the hospitality industry. In contrast, MHRIL will start work on two new resorts in addition to an ongoing project in Goa.

Club Mahindra is working with various experts in healthcare, facility management, and technology to implement enhanced safety procedures and contactless services

For More Information

hospitality-economictimes-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/hotels/mhril-moves-ahead-with-expansion-plan-amid-covid-19/75845291

cl.jpg

American Airlines, Hyatt Hotels offer free vacations to NYC healthcare workers after pandemic

New York City healthcare workers on the frontline of the coronavirus battle are being treated to complimentary vacations courtesy of American Airlines and Hyatt hotels.

More than 4,000 employees at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst in Queens will get three-day trips to a variety of destinations in the U.S. and the Caribbean once COVID-19 subsides and they're able to take time off.

Doctors, nurses, physician assistants and even food-service workers are among those receiving the thank-you gift.

“We are extremely grateful to Hyatt and American Airlines for this generous gift to our healthcare workers, who have been at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Israel Rocha, the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals' Elmhurst facility, said in a news release. “Our doctors, nurses, and other staff on the front lines of this unprecedented healthcare crisis really appreciate the outpouring of support from two of America’s major companies, and we look forward to taking advantage of these well-earned vacations in the near future.”

download (16).jpg
Hyatt.jpg

ITC Hotels launches ‘WeAssure’

ITC Hotels has launched the ‘WeAssure’ initiative under which the chain has partnered with National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and DNV GL Business Assurance to ensure 'clinical' levels of hygiene and safety for its hotels.
The company said these assurance certifications will stand testimony to the ' rigorous' hygiene protocol being put in place to ensure the safety of guests and associates at ITC Hotels across India.

Nakul Anand, executive director at ITC said WeAssure is a unique programme designed in collaboration with medical professionals and disinfection experts to further enhance the existing hygiene and cleaning protocols.
ITC Hotels said the accreditation by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) will enhance existing procedures and controls in the area of sanitation, hygiene, safety and infection control thereby conforming to hospital level hygiene standards
ITC said ‘WeAssure’ will address all facets of hotel operations from revised protocols for back of the house activity at the receiving store, back offices, laundry to the public areas with heightened sanitization measures for guest luggage and elevators to room service.

download (3).jpg

A Message from Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb, Inc.

Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO Brian Chesky sent the following note to Airbnb employees.This is my seventh time talking to you from my house. Each time we've talked, I've shared good news and bad news, but today I have to share some very sad news.

When you've asked me about layoffs, I've said that nothing is off the table. I must confirm that we are reducing the size of the Airbnb workforce. For a company like us whose mission is centered around belonging, this is incredibly difficult to confront, and it will be even harder for those who have to leave Airbnb. I am going to share as many details as I can on how I arrived at this decision, what we are doing for those leaving, and what will happen next.

 Airbnb's business has been hit hard, with revenue this year forecasted to be less than half of what we earned in 2019. In response, we raised $2 billion in capital and dramatically cut costs that touched nearly every corner of Airbnb.

While these actions were necessary, it became clear that we would have to go further when we faced two hard truths

  • We don't know exactly when travel will return.

  • When travel does return, it will look different.

Out of our 7,500 Airbnb employees, nearly 1,900 teammates will have to leave Airbnb, comprising around 25% of our company. Since we cannot afford to do everything that we used to, these cuts had to be mapped to a more focused business

How we approached reductions

It was important that we had a clear set of principles, guided by our core values, for how we would approach reductions in our workforce. These were our guiding principles:

  • Map all reductions to our future business strategy and the capabilities we will need.

  • Do as much as we can for those who are impacted.

  • Be unwavering in our commitment to diversity.

  • Optimize for 1:1 communication for those impacted.

  • Wait to communicate any decisions until all details are landed — transparency of only partial information can make matters worse.

    Process for making reductions

    Our process started with creating a more focused business strategy built on a sustainable cost model. We assessed how each team mapped to our new strategy, and we determined the size and shape of each team going forward. We then did a comprehensive review of every team member and made decisions based on critical skills, and how well those skills matched our future business needs.

    The result is that we will have to part with teammates that we love and value. We have great people leaving Airbnb, and other companies will be lucky to have them.

    Severance

    Employees in the US will receive 14 weeks of base pay, plus one additional week for every year at Airbnb. Tenure will be rounded to the nearest year. For example, if someone has been at Airbnb for 3 years and 7 months, they will get an additional 4 weeks of salary, or 18 weeks of total pay. Outside the US, all employees will receive at least 14 weeks of pay, plus tenure increases consistent with their country-specific practices.

    Equity

    We are dropping the one-year cliff on equity for everyone we've hired in the past year so that everyone departing, regardless of how long they have been here, is a shareholder. Additionally, everyone leaving is eligible for the May 25 vesting date.

    Healthcare

    In the midst of a global health crisis of unknown duration, we want to limit the burden of healthcare costs. In the US, we will cover 12 months of health insurance through COBRA. In all other countries, we will cover health insurance costs through the end of 2020. This is because we're either legally unable to continue coverage, or our current plans will not allow for an extension. We will also provide four months of mental health support through KonTerra.

    Our goal is to connect our teammates leaving Airbnb with new job opportunities. Here are five ways we can help:

  • Alumni Talent Directory — We will be launching a public-facing website to help teammates leaving find new jobs. Departing employees can opt-in to have profiles, resumes, and work samples accessible to potential employers.

  • Alumni Placement Team — For the remainder of 2020, a significant portion of Airbnb Recruiting will become an Alumni Placement Team. Recruiters that are staying with Airbnb will provide support to departing employees to help them find their next job.

  • RiseSmart — We are offering four months of career services through RiseSmart, a company that specializes in career transition and job placement services.

  • Employee Offered Alumni Support — We are encouraging all remaining employees to opt-in to a program to assist departing teammates find their next role.

  • Laptops — A computer is an important tool to find new work, so we are allowing everyone leaving to keep their Apple laptops.

images (4).jpg

Hospitality Industry United for “Buy One, Give One” Campaign to Jumpstart Travel, Support Hotels and Provide Thank You to Healthcare Workers

To help Jumpstart Leisure Travel, the hospitality industry has united to launch Buy One, Give One, a "vacay layaway" program designed to generate immediate revenue for hotels, while simultaneously providing a "thank you" to healthcare workers who have been tirelessly working on the front lines.

Available at BuyOneGiveOneStay.com through June 30, the initiative incentives consumers to purchase future travel now with special offers ranging from discounted stays to gift cards to loyalty points for redemption prior to travel.

In return, participating hospitality brands/hotels will donate room nights, gift cards, or loyalty points to organizations, including the American Nurses Association and NewYork-Presbyterian, among others of their choice, to distribute to medical professionals who can use them toward future leisure stays.

 MMGY Global, the largest integrated marketing company specializing in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, and the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) partnered to launch the effort.

Hospitality has been one of the industries most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic with 70% of hotel employees laid off or furloughed and eight in 10 hotel rooms empty, according to data released by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

From the comfort of their homes, travelers can explore enticing offers from more than 30 participating hospitality brands and hotels and counting. They can also take comfort in knowing that their purchases will result in meaningful donations by the participants.

"In these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever for all of us to join together to fuel recovery," said Bob Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President & CEO of HSMAI. "With Buy One, Give One, we offer a collective charitable response to the pandemic across the hospitality industry, providing immediate funds to hotels in addition to a much-deserved respite in the future for those who have put their lives on the line to care for the sick."

xxl_153114257.jpg

A message from Sébastien Bazin, CEO Accor

Sébastien Bazin delivers a message of hope and solidarity to all the Group's employees, partners and owners despite the crisis, Accor is maintaining solid financials and is preparing for the rebound.

As the world is facing an unprecedented health crisis that is having massive and unique impacts on the tourism industry, the Group has just published its first-quarter 2020 revenue down 17% as reported - expected results due to the spread of the epidemic and the enforced lockdown.

Regional initiatives are multiplying to fight the epidemic and support employees in need, owners, government authorities, healthcare professionals and local communities

Accor is also positioning itself as a key actor in the hotel sector, in order to prepare for the rebound, with great energy.

The Group can rely on a robust balance sheet thanks to its recent transformation. This will enable the Group to better absorb the economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis in the coming quarters.

xxl_153114165.jpg

Centara Hotels & Resorts launches ‘Help the Heroes’ campaign with donations to support healthcare workers and communities in need

Bangkok, Thailand - Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand's leading hotel operator, has launched 'Help the Heroes', a campaign aimed at supporting those in need during COVID-19, with donations going to the Chaipattana COVID-19 Aid Fund (and other pandemics) and Thai Red Cross Society.

'Help the Heroes' is an initiative designed to directly benefit health workers and vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19. When a consumer buys a Centara cash voucher for a future escape, Centara will add a further 50% value to the purchase. Half will go to the buyer, with the value of the voucher being increased by 25% to help them get more out of their next adventure, when it is safe to travel again. And the other half will be made as a donation to those in need, with the customer able to choose which of the two charities Centara donates to.

Both selected charities support the fight against COVID-19. The Chaipattana COVID-19 Aid Fund (and other pandemics) provides support for under-resourced hospitals with items such as personal protective equipment and other essential medical supplies. The Red Cross Society provides medical supplies to hospitals and masks to the most vulnerable people.

To help Thailand's heroes, people can visit the company's website and buy Centara cash vouchers. Valid from now until 31 October 2021 and with a value starting at THB1,000, the vouchers can be redeemed for hotel stays or spending in the hotel whilst staying at any Centara Hotels & Resorts' properties in Thailand and overseas.

The company is also providing complimentary hotel accommodation and meals to healthcare workers while flagship property

Has hosted doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff from the Police Hospital since 1st April 2020. The company is also poised to launch a social media campaign to thank the healthcare heroes from Thailand and around the world.

Centara Hotels & Resorts supports social distancing and the Thai government and global initiatives to stay at home. The company also recently introduced a high-quality delivery service to take food to people's homes during the crisis.

In addition, thermal scanners check the temperature of guests and visitors; those with high fever or other symptoms may undergo additional screening. When checking in, all hotel guests are also asked to fill out a questionnaire enquiring about their prior trips.

xxl_153114229.jpg

Disney to stop payment of 1 lakh workers to save $500 million a month :Report

Disney to stop payment of 1 lakh workers to save $500 million a month during COVID-19, Financial Times reported. Disney will give healthcare benefit to staff and has asked them to apply for benefit through US’ $2 trillion relief package .

Its theme parks and hotels have been shut across US and Europe for 5 weeks

download (4).jpg

We Will Travel Again - An Update from Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson

I want to let you know how we’re focused on supporting the communities where our associates live and work. I also want to provide you with an update on our room cancellation policy and Marriott Bonvoy status and points expiration dates.

In the Community

Marriott understands that the pulse of the world beats as one to overcome COVID-19 and its devastating impact around the globe.  To that end, we have established the following programs to aid in the urgent fight against the pandemic.

With support from our credit card partners, American Express and JPMorgan Chase, Marriott has committed to provide $10 million worth of hotel stays for healthcare professionals leading the fight against COVID-19 in the United States. The initiative, called Rooms for Responders, will provide free rooms in some of the areas most impacted including New York City, New Orleans, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C. and Newark, N.J. To implement this initiative, we collaborated with the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Emergency Nurses Association to match doctors and nurses with free accommodations at participating hotels.

In a separate effort for frontline healthcare workers, we have joined with a number of our hotel owners and franchisee partners to launch the Community Caregiver Program. This initiative, available in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, provides significantly discounted rates for first responders and healthcare professionals who want to book rooms at hotels in close proximity to the hospitals where they’re working. The rate is available on Marriott.com at nearly 2,500 hotels.

With both initiatives, our goal is simple – we want to support the frontline heroes who are selflessly supporting us.

For Our Customers

We remain committed to ensuring our customers experience flexibility during these challenging times, so we have further extended our cancellation policy and I wanted to give you an update on those changes.

For guests with existing reservations for any future arrival date, including reservations with pre-paid rates that are typically more restrictive, we will allow full changes or cancellation without a charge up to 24 hours prior to arrival, as long as the change or cancellation is made by June 30, 2020. Please note that any changes to existing reservations will be subject to availability and any rate differences.

For guests making new reservations for any future arrival date, including reservations with pre-paid rates, between March 13 and June 30, 2020, we will allow the reservation to be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival date.

For Our Marriott Bonvoy Members

  • Status Extension: We want you to be able to enjoy the status that you earned in 2019. With that in mind, the status you earned in 2019 will be extended to February 2022.

  • Points Expiration: To provide you ample time to redeem points, the expiration of points will be paused until February 2021. At that time, your points will only expire if your account has been inactive for at least 24 months.

003.jpg

Accor launches day-room bookings across 10 hotels in Bangkok for use as private offices

Accor is offering a day-use room package across 10 hotels in Bangkok to guests who need a private office space for the day.

Bangkokians who are desperately looking for a spacious hideaway to get their job done or who need a quiet place to focus on an important project can now book a room for up to 8 hours between 8:00am-8:00pm in 10 hotels.


Participating hotels are located all over Bangkok to enable local residents to select a private office location that is close to their homes:

  • GRAND MERCURE ASOKE RESIDENCE

  • GRAND MERCURE BANGKOK FORTUNE

  • PULLMAN BANGKOK KING POWER

  • PULLMAN BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT

  • VIE HOTEL BANGKOK MGALLERY

  • IBIS Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit Phra Khanong

  • IBIS STYLES BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT 50

  • NOVOTEL BANGKOK ON SIAM SQUARE

  • NOVOTEL BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT 20

  • MERCURE BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT 11

     Accor recommends that all travellers review guidance from the World Health Organization and follow any travel advice issued by the Thai authorities.

    Last week, Accor announced the launch of the 'ALL Heartist Fund', a COVID-19 special purpose vehicle dedicated to supporting employees and partners globally. This fund will typically assist the Group's 300,000 employees, pledging to pay for their COVID-19-related hospital expenses, for those who do not have social security or medical insurance, as well as furloughed employees suffering great financial distress.

    The fund will also seek to support individual partners facing financial difficulty and assist in the deployment of solidarity initiatives to support front-line healthcare professionals and non-profit organisations.

download.jpg