The safe, gradual revival of the Philippine travel and tourism industry is finally underway.
Pinning its hopes on the popularity of staycations, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is now looking at this favorite leisure activity to provide that much needed impetus to reopen such a vital industry. Tourism, after all, has long been a powerful driving force for economic growth and job creation. In 2019 alone, Philippine tourism accounted close to 13 percent of the economy and generated a whopping $9.31 billion in revenues.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in an interview Thursday that they see staycations as a way to “slowly but surely” restart the industry after COVID-19 brought it to its knees. Hence, she has been going around the country, talking personally with local governments on how they can jumpstart the travel and tourism industry in their respective localities.
“Under the general community quarantine, tourism is supposedly not allowed yet. Last March, the hotels opened but it’s only for employees of banks, BPOs (business process outsourcing), among others. But we know that we have to already restart tourism because it has been six or seven months that we’ve been under the GCQ. Tourism employs some 5.7 million but as of today, 4.8 million of them had been significantly affected—either they lost their jobs, they’re under a no-work-no-pay scheme, or they have had pay cuts,” Romulo-Puyat told the Inquirer.
Safe reopening
The tourism chief herself has been on top of things as she enjoined all industry stakeholders, particularly the so-called “staycation hotels,” to stringently adhere to the DOT guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe reopening.
Currently, the Philippines was awarded last month with the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council. This would enable the travelers to recognize destinations around the world, which have already adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols so they can experience ‘Safe Travels.’
“The Philippine Department of Tourism is delighted to be awarded the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, particularly as we pursue the safe and gradual reopening of our tourist destinations. The Safe Travels stamp will further encourage our stakeholders to adhere to health and safety standards, and will also help us rebuild traveler confidence, so we can restart tourism and preserve and sustain jobs,” Romulo-Puyat said in an earlier statement.
As of Oct. 13, there were at least 10 star-rated hotels with DOT’s certificate of authority to operate for staycation (CAOS), including Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City.
Romulo-Puyat personally inspected Grand Hyatt Manila on Wednesday to check the health measures being implemented in the hotel. She took the antigen test, which was a basic requirement before any guest is allowed to check in, and received the results after 15 minutes. As of this writing, Grand Hyatt Manila is the only hotel that offers antigen tests for its guests.
“While we all long for a little bit of fun with the family, it is the responsibility of hotel operators to make sure that the health and safety of guests and employees are not compromised,” she added.
Keen foresight
While many stakeholders have done their share to help revive the industry, some players clearly stood out. Owing to its keen foresight, responsiveness and adherence to world class standards, Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Devt. Corp. has already been creating structures that are healthy, resilient and sustainable—even long before news of the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.
This is why today, BLRDC’s complex of Grand Hyatt Manila and Grand Hyatt Manila Residences located at the Grand Central Park in BGC can readily ensure that guests and residents will be afforded a safe, exceptional way of living amid these challenging times.
It thus comes as no surprise that Grand Hyatt was the first hotel to receive a CAOS.
According to BLRDC president Hans Hauri, Grand Hyatt Manila went beyond the government-mandated protocols as it adheres to the Hyatt International standards of sanitation and has secured a certification for World-Standards ISO 22000—even prior to news of COVID-19 making headlines here and abroad.
With an accreditation underway, Grand Hyatt may also soon become part of the Global Bio-Risk Advisory Council (GBAC), which will ensure continuous learning and application of the highest standards of safety and sanitation.
Hauri likewise pointed out that Grand Hyatt Manila offers such adequate spaces and generous layouts within the hotel that social distancing already becomes a “natural.” Add to that the environment within BGC, with the wide surrounding greenery offering fresh air and pocket spaces that could help lower the risk of virus transmission.
The open spaces on the 6th floor of Grand Hyatt Manila, for instance, became an oasis for those who take advantage of the hotel facilities. While the spa is still closed, the gym and the Garden Pavilion, as well as the poolside area offer a place for fresh air and open skies for hotel guests. The Grand Kitchen and the Peak Grill meanwhile allowed families, friends and business associates to enjoy cuisine from the different restaurant outlets in one venue, with measured social distances.
Responsiveness
Given its culture of responsiveness, Grand Hyatt Manila also immediately rolled out all the necessary protocols to ensure the health and safety of both guests and employees. This includes offering Rapid Antigen Test, to create a more seamless process for arriving customers and to also provide peace of mind for in-house guests and the staff.
“We are collaborating with Manila Doctors Hospital, a GT Capital Affiliate, who provides us with 24 /7 nursing and medical doctors’ in-house service. We also have medical technicians administering the RATest and providing analysis for the issuance of the certificate,” Hauri said.
“Life will never be the same again, by just one factor alone: social distancing. Lifestyles will be shaped by social norms, the new normal. Restaurants will never be as packed as before as distance becomes a consideration. Traffic will be worse because people are protective and don’t want to share. Take-out and delivery services will be strong, drive-thru food places will be booming and room service will be preferred,” Hauri explained. “Life goes on, albeit with adjustments from what it used to be. COVID-19 notwithstanding, it can still be a good life when foresight, innovation and safety measures are in place.”
Those keen on reuniting with family through a leisurely stay at the Grand Hyatt Manila can avail of packages starting at P9,888 net. For this rate, they can unwind in a Grand King Room—inclusive of breakfast for two adults and two children below 12 years old; 20 percent discount at The Grand Kitchen, The Lounge and The Peak; 50 percent discount on laundry services; up to a 24-hour stay (subject to room availability); complimentary parking; and the use of gym and pool. Should guests wish to avail of the package with Rapid Antigen Tests, the rate is P12,000 for a Grand King Room, inclusive of testing for two.
For inquiries and bookings, please call +632 88381234 or email [email protected]. For updates in its latest promotions, follow Grand Hyatt Manila on Instagram @grandhyattmanilaph and Facebook, www.facebook.com/GrandHyattManilaPh
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Article and Photo originally posted by Inquirer last October 17, 2020 7:00am and written by Amy R. Remo.
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