Hospitality Geared Up For Holiday Season – Nudges State To Push The Throttle On Travel & Tourism

Mumbai, Nov 10: Hotels and restaurants in the State of Maharashtra have not only opened for business but are also assuring patrons watertight precautions for ensuring their health and safety. With the on-set of the holiday season and Diwali just a few days away, the Hospitality industry in the State is all geared up to make up for the lost time and business. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has issued a letter to its members advising them of the Standard Operating Procedures to be followed for the safety of staff and for a great customer experience.

“We have been preparing throughout the lockdown. We were the ones to host doctors and other health staff during the worst phase of the pandemic. We have learnt, adapted, practiced and then opened our doors to guests. It is now holiday season and we welcome all vacationers to stay with us at our hotels and dine-in at our restaurants without a worry. Within our premises, guests’ health and safety is our responsibility. The hospitality Industry is ready to welcome patrons for Safe Dining and guests for Safe Staying,” says Mr Sherry Bhatia, President, HRAWI.

Hotels in the State have made elaborate arrangements to host guests keeping in mind the safety and hygiene aspects.

“At The Fern, we have designed and implemented highest ‘Staygiene’ practices for the safety of all our guests with minimal touch-points from the time of entry to exit, during their stay. Rooms are UV sanitized and payment transactions are digital. Also to maintain social distancing, we have strategically placed mannequins across the restaurant. Ordering food is implemented through QR code process to minimize contact. We believe in Hospitality with Responsibility and guest safety is our highest priority,” says Mr. Param Kannampilly, Chairman and Managing Director, The Fern Hotels.

“At The Dukes Retreat we have implemented a four-point check to measure guests’ oxygen levels, temperature, masks and sanitization, following which they are provided with a safety wristband. We would love to welcome guests at The Dukes Retreat but if not us, we would still encourage travelers to visit any hotels or restaurants to support the local hospitality economy. We have all been through very challenging times. A quick trip can do wonders for both travelers and the resilient employees of the hospitality industry,” says Sonali Thakker, Owner – The Dukes Retreat, Lonavala.

The Association has also appealed to the Government to initiate Maharashtra Tourism promotion to instil confidence in domestic tourists to travel and explore the State’s rich and diverse destinations.

“Our Minister of Tourism – Shri Aaditya Thackeray understands the dynamics of Tourism and Hospitality. He believes in the tourism potential of our State and has been vocal about it. Earlier in September, on World Tourism Day, he opined that this sector could be Maharashtra’s biggest saviour in a post-COVID19 world and we know he’s right. It can generate job opportunities, recover revenues and replenish the State’s coffers. We appeal to him to not miss this opportunity of making Maharashtra the tourism hotspot of India,” concludes Mr Pradeep Shetty, Sr. Vice President, HRAWI.

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