Across the United States, the hospitality industry is stepping up to do its part in the COVID-19 pandemic. Through several initiatives, hotels and resorts are offering more than 33 lakhs hotel rooms to healthcare workers in country's time of need.
More than 15,000 hotels have signed up for a new initiative called "Hospitality for Hope," which matches emergency and healthcare workers with hotel properties that have offered to provide temporary housing as the COVID-19 public health crisis grows. Organized by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), the program will primarily focus on housing for the healthcare community but some hotels could potentially be used as "Alternative Care Sites" such as an emergency hospital or place for those quarantined to stay if needed.
"As an industry of people taking care of people, the hotel industry is uniquely positioned to support our communities by caring for the first responders who are on the frontlines of this public health crisis," said Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the AHLA.
"In the short time since the initiative was announced, participation has grown from nearly 6,000 hotels to more than 15,000 properties," said Rogers. "Already, this initiative has identified a total combined 23 lakhs rooms located in close proximity to established healthcare facilities." To streamline the process, the AHLA is working to create a national "Hospitality for Hope" database to assist the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local emergency management and public health agencies.In addition, Hilton and American Express have teamed up to donate up to 10 lakh hotel room nights across the United States to frontline medical professionals leading the fight against COVID-19. Beginning next week, Hilton and American Express will make rooms available without charge to doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other frontline medical staff who need a place to sleep, recharge or isolate from their families through the end of May.
Hilton is initially working with 10 associations who collectively represent more than 10 lakhs healthcare workers to provide access to the program, designed to support individuals who would otherwise have to spend their own money on accommodations. "During this crisis, we have seen so many examples of medical professionals working in the most challenging circumstances, sacrificing their own needs for the greater good. They truly are heroes," said Hilton President and CEO, Christopher J. Nassetta. "We are honored to extend our Hilton hospitality to them during this difficult time."