Business

Planhotel resort records 60 percent occupancy after reopening

Monday, August 3rd, 2020 16:25 | By
Diamond Dreams of Africa
Diamond Dreams of Africa has reopened. PHOTO | COURTESY
Diamond Dreams of Africa has reopened. PHOTO | COURTESY

The tourism sector is slowly recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic following the easing of travel restrictions.

Many hotels have reopened to the public and are reporting higher occupancy rates.

The Planhotel Malindi Resort which runs three hotels -- Diamonds Dream of Africa, Sandies Malindi Dream Garden and Sandies Tropical Village – said that its occupancy rates rose to 60 percent after it reopened to both domestic and international guests on Saturday, August 1.

“We hope it continues for the rest of the year”, said General Manager Alexander Zissimatos.

He said the chain of hotels is incorporating the enhanced health and safety guidelines launched by the Small Luxury Hotel of the World (SLH) group.

SLH has 520 member hotels in 90 countries.

"Diamond Resort Malindi has prepared for the re-opening with the highest safety standards. And in order to safeguard these standards, the Kenyan coastal resort (through SLH) has entered a partnership with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) for its hotels to pursue the GBAC STARaccreditation," said Mr. Zissimatos.

This performance-based cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention programme helps hotels minimize risks associated with infectious agents and biohazards.

GBAC STAR accreditation provides third-party validation to ensure the three hotels have the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques and work practices in place so guests can truly relax during their stay.

In addition to GBAC accreditation, Planhotels Malindi said it has initiated a 24-hour vacated room turnaround programme.

“After the last guest has stayed, no one, including our staff will enter the room for 24 hours," Zissimatos said.

“Further, our food and beverage set up will ensure social distancing between tables. We look forward to welcoming back our guests and assure them of a safe holiday,” he added.

To boost occupancy rates, the manager said the hotel took the unprecedented step to offer transferrable Holidaybonds in June 2020, valid for two years at any of their Kenyan properties.

One bond covers the value of one night accommodation for two on an all inclusive basis (all meals and drinks) at 50 percent of the cost.

 

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