BALIK PULAU – Several hoteliers are coming out with innovative measures to revitalise their businesses, which are hit hard by travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite looming signs of another wave of infections washing over the country, industry players are going all out to assure guests that dining, staying and even holding meetings at their hotels can be safe.
Tanjung Rhu Resort in Langkawi has implemented a “pay first, stay later” later package, where guests can make bookings at attractive rates for later dates once interstate travel restrictions are relaxed.
Two properties of the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts – a chain owned by Malaysian magnate Tan Sri Robert Kuok – in Penang have invested in a Covid-19 medical coverage scheme, to be provided for guests at no additional charge.
It covers the medical expenses of visitors who contract the virus while staying at the properties.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Kedah and Perlis chapter chairman Eugene Dass said hoteliers have no choice but to embark on innovation and incentives to stay afloat during these tough times.
He said businesses that can afford to sign up for comprehensive medical coverage for guests should do so, while others can come up with bargain deals and specials during festive occasions, like the month of Ramadan.
Dass, who oversees the Star City Hotel in Alor Star, Kedah, said hoteliers are ready to assist authorities in pinning down the virus, while remaining open for business.
“We are disappointed, but we must stay strong to fight this virus.
“It is a matter of survival, but we need compact policies that do not severely disrupt the economy.”
Shangri-La’s Covid-19 medical coverage scheme
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa and Golden Sands Resort communications director Tunku Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman explained the group’s innovative Covid-19 medical coverage package to The Vibes recently.
He said the group has gone all out to assure guests that their safety and security will be top priority when they stay at any of the its properties.
“We have decided to invest in an insured medical coverage against Covid-19, where our guests will be covered if they contract the virus during their stay with us.
“It is our way of trying to revive our business and fight the pandemic.”
This also reflects the group’s commitment in ensuring stringent standard operating procedures are maintained in the fight against Covid-19, he added.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts group chief executive officer Lim Beng Chee in a statement said following the successful introduction of the Covid-19 medical coverage scheme at the group’s hotels in Singapore, it has announced the expansion of the programme to 21 hotels in Southeast Asia, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan.
The programme will be introduced in phases from this month, he added.
Lim said Shangri-La Group is among the first global hotel chains to provide this coverage for international guests, as it seeks to provide assurance and peace of mind for patrons.
To receive this coverage, guests will have to book stays at participating Shangri-La Hotel & Resorts properties on eligible check-in dates, then they will be automatically covered under the policy at no additional charge.
The highlights of the coverage include emergency medical expenses of up to US$184,000 (RM757,000) for medically necessary and reasonable costs should guests test positive for Covid-19 during their stay.
The policy, underwritten by American International Group, also covers additional room accommodation and travel expenses should guests need to extend their stay for medical reasons due to the virus. – The Vibes, April 22, 2021
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