Hyatt’s take on emerging from the storm

TORONTO — Hyatt’s global footprint, including their significant presence in China and Europe, provided an early indication of the situation’s potential impact on North America. In light of the rapidly evolving situation, Hyatt hotels partially or fully suspended normal hotel operations due to government mandates, business impact or travel restrictions. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Hyatt hotels have continued to follow recommended operational procedures and guidance in consideration of various health organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities.

At the onset of the crisis in late January 2020, Hyatt immediately assembled a global cross-functional response team to monitor new information and promptly update  company-wide  guidance. They also engaged  an  infectious disease and health expert to  support their efforts with COVID-19 research findings  and information.

In light of the quickly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and in an effort to prioritize the safety and well being of guests and colleagues, the company made the decision to temporarily suspend normal hotel operations at several Hyatt properties in Canada. At this time, several hotels are currently open, including Hyatt Place Edmonton Downtown, Hyatt Place Edmonton West, Hyatt Place Calgary Airport, and Andaz Ottawa.

Certain markets, or specific properties such as airport locations or locations in close proximity to major health centres, are experiencing varying degrees of occupancy premiums over the national (global) average. Hyatt also sees a strong pent-up demand for travel and expects to see leisure travellers act on this first, reflecting the basic human desire to explore and travel – likely in drive-to markets first. Group and business travellers will return more slowly as the world is still trying to understand how to best come together in large groups, but once a vaccine becomes widely available, travel demand will rebound quickly and dramatically.

As the world begins to reopen, Hyatt getting ready to help people do what they’re longing to do – get back on the road to explore new places, feel the excitement of reconnecting with those they miss, destress and re-energize – once again experience the joy of travel, and do so safely.

Hyatt and American Airlines awarded thousands of healthcare professionals from NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst three-night complimentary vacations to help them recharge and reconnect with their loved ones, once they are able to take time for themselves.

World of Hyatt loyalty members have expressed an overwhelming desire to leverage their points to support healthcare workers and can contribute points to help support Hyatt’s commitment to healthcare workers at Hyatt.com/thankyou. In addition, Hyatt will be including global healthcare workers in its Hyatt Friends & Family Rate to support them in taking much-needed rest with their loved ones. Qualified healthcare workers can access the special rate at Hyatt.com or via our Global Contact Centers by including the Special Offer Code THANKYOU and validating their professional status. They will be able to enjoy this special offer for stays through June 30, 2021.

Hyatt’s offices around the world, including its global headquarters in Chicago, are in various stages of closure and re-opening per the direction and guidance of local authorities and public health officials. Due to the historic drop in travel demand and the expected slow pace of recovery, Hyatt has also made the extremely difficult decision to implement layoffs and restructure roles across its global corporate workforce, effective June 1, 2020. These actions impacted around 1,300 colleagues around the world.

In a focused effort to help the colleagues who are most financially impacted by COVID-19, Hyatt created the Hyatt Care Fund, a program designed to support colleagues with the most pressing financial needs due to COVID-19 through a series of coordinated efforts around the world. Impacted Hyatt colleagues in owned, managed and franchised hotels and in Hyatt’s corporate offices around the world are eligible to apply.

In April 2020, Hyatt announced its Global Hyatt Care & Cleanliness Commitment, which is designed to enhance the company’s business and operational practices, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. What’s unique about their commitment is that it examines the entirety of the hotel experience – from health and hygiene to food and beverage safety to technology and even how spaces are designed and used. Hyatt is taking decisive actions – like committing to third party accreditation across the portfolio, appointing hygiene and well being managers and working closely with medical and industry professionals from companies like American Airlines and Gensler to make sure our guests feel confident that everything Hyatt does is with their safety in mind.

The company is working to reimagine the hotel experience to further enhance safety and well being among guests and colleagues and critically examine every vantage point – from pre-arrival, to guest rooms and lobbies to spas, restaurants and meetings space, bringing in the latest research, technology and innovation to make that happen. One example is providing care at your fingertips through the World of Hyatt app, which enables orders for pickup at the restaurant or knock-and-drop room service. App technology makes it easy for the hotels to support mobile menus, connect through QR codes and support payment.