Hotel groups respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

We have all watched in horror as Russia invaded Ukraine close to three weeks ago. The destruction and loss of life are devastating. Industries across the globe, including hotel businesses, have responded with economic sanctions and humanitarian efforts. The following are some of their statements, and we will continue to add others as they are released.

Marriott International’s Statement

“We are deeply saddened by the horrific violence impacting the people of Ukraine. We have supported and will continue to support humanitarian efforts through relief organizations, our network of global partners and our own operations, including housing refugees at Marriott properties in neighboring countries. We stand with all of our associates who are being impacted by the war in Ukraine and have earmarked $1,000,000 to our associate relief fund to support them during this tragic time.

We have made the decision, effective immediately, to close our corporate office in Moscow, and pause the opening of upcoming hotels and all future hotel development and investment in Russia. We have been closely monitoring the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries, and remain in regular contact with our teams on the ground, as we work to comply with sanctions and applicable laws. Our hotels in Russia are owned by third parties and we continue to evaluate the ability for these hotels to remain open.

“We deplore the loss of life, widespread impacts to millions of innocent civilians and the humanitarian disaster in Ukraine. We strongly support those working towards peace and an end to the needless suffering.”

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Statement On Ukraine

“Like others around the world, we are deeply saddened by the crisis developing in Ukraine and our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people. Wyndham is supporting those affected by this humanitarian crisis including:

Donating $100,000 to support the humanitarian relief efforts of Save the Children, which is currently on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Save the Children aims to reach 3.5 million children and their families with immediate aid and recovery support including food, water, hygiene kits and dignity kits, psychosocial support, safe spaces and cash assistance;

Donating 1 million Wyndham Rewards points to Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund;
Creating a Wyndham Rewards point donation program benefiting Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund, which enables 92 million Wyndham Rewards members, our franchisees and team members to donate points to support humanitarian efforts. The Company will match donations up to 10 million points;

Donating Wyndham profits from business operations in Russia to humanitarian relief efforts; and
Establishing a Wyndham Global Workplace Giving Campaign where franchisees and team members can donate directly to Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund and help send much-needed hygiene products to those in need.

“We continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. While Wyndham does not maintain a corporate office or hotel management presence in Russia, we are working with our team members in the broader region to support the Ukrainian people and our Ukrainian franchisees and hope for a peaceful resolution to this crisis.”

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has closed its corporate office in Moscow while continuing to support its affected team members. The brand is also suspending all new development activity in Russia, donating any Hilton profits from its operations in Russia to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, along with other measures. Hilton corporate released the following statement:

“Hilton joins those around the world in shock and disbelief at the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine. Our hotels have always been part of the fabric of our communities that we serve, and we take seriously our promise to positively impact the places where we live and work. In addition to the steps we have already taken to protect our Team Members and guests, we are taking the following further actions in response to the current crisis:

• We are donating up to 1 million room nights to support Ukrainian refugees and humanitarian relief efforts across Europe, in partnership with American Express, #HospitalityHelps, and our community of owners.
• And as previously announced, the Hilton Effect Foundation has contributed $50,000 to World Central Kitchen and Project Hope to further assist with humanitarian aid.
• Hilton continues to monitor the situation as it evolves. We are keeping our Team Members and all those impacted by these events in our thoughts and hope for a peaceful resolution to this crisis.

Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) has suspended some of its key operations in Russia. Its statement on the war in Ukraine:

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the war in Ukraine and our thoughts continue to be with all those impacted by these horrific events.
We have long-term management or franchise agreements with independent third-party companies that own the hotels in Russia. In light of the war in Ukraine, we are suspending future investments, development activity and new hotel openings in Russia. We are also closing our corporate office in Moscow but will continue to support our colleagues.
“IHG has a commitment to look after the people and communities where we have a presence around the world. We are working with our hotel owners in countries neighbouring Ukraine to offer refugees temporary accommodation. As part of our proud long-standing relationship with CARE International and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), IHG has also made a significant donation to these two humanitarian organisations. This will help them in their invaluable efforts to support refugee groups around the world, including getting aid, food, water, shelter and supplies to people in desperate need in Ukraine.”

Accor Hotels

As reported by thepointsguy: “With more than 50 hotels currently open in Russia, Accor is focusing on supporting its roughly 3,500 employees in Russia. The company has suspended work on five hotels currently in development in Russia and is working with European authorities and organizations to provide humanitarian relief to refugees with at least 15 hotels, 5 of which are in Paris, opening their doors to help.”