Adapting To COVID-19: Choice Hotels Asia-Pac Supports Its Network As Franchisees Look To Innovate New Guest Experiences

International franchise group Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific has announced a suite of measures to support its franchisees during this challenging time of COVID-19, while at the same time property owners are implementing innovative new offers and alternative experiences to ensure bookings and revenue momentum continues.

Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific CEO Trent Fraser said the impact that COVID-19 is having on the livelihood of franchisees is significant and the group is doing everything it can to support property owners and ultimately help mitigate the long-term impacts of this crisis.

“There’s no doubt the COVID-19 crisis has hit the hospitality industry hard and with many of our franchisees being small business owners we recognise they are hurting,” said Fraser.

“We appreciate the commitment that our hotel owners have to their staff, guests and communities, and we are taking action to support them with tools and resources to assist with daily operations, to help address issues impacting guests, and ultimately help a return to recovery as we move through this situation,” he added.

“Although these are tumultuous times, I’m particularly proud to see franchisees innovating and using their creativity to pivot their operations and experiences – out of these bleak times we are seeing our hoteliers more than ever strive to maintain a personal connection with their guests and communities.”

Specific steps being put in place by Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific to support its franchisees include:

• Suspending a variety of fees including reputation management fees and guest relations handling fees
• Assisting franchisees in managing guest reservations and cancellations
• Providing guidance and best practices on crisis preparedness, including specific prevention procedures, proper disinfection protocols etc.

With many Australians adapting to the new normal of working from home, this change in circumstance has not come without its complications and distractions. Several Choice Hotels Asia-Pac properties across metro and regional Australia have rolled out a new “work-from-hotel” option for guests, which offers workers a sanctuary to work from; away from the dining room table, or interruptions from family.

In Towradgi, NSW, Quality Suites Pioneer Sands has taken an approach similar to one used when booking corporate meetings packages, to fit the needs of those looking for a quiet and comfortable space to work. Guests can book a one-bedroom apartment complete with kitchen, lounge and dining, balcony, free underground parking, free Wi-Fi and printing for the following rates:

• $85 – 10 hours including morning tea, lunch and a takeaway coffee
• $65 – 6 hours including morning tea and a takeaway coffee
• $45 – 3 hours including a takeaway coffee

In Sydney, NSW, The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, is also offering a hotel office package available for $59 a day. Guests are invited to escape from the home office, boost their productivity levels and re-energise with a much-needed change of scenery in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Benefits include private bathroom facilities with shower, well-lit working desk, basic kitchen utilities such as coffee and tea making, microwave, fridge and onsite indoor biking storage.

In Brisbane, QLD, Comfort Inn & Suites Robertson Gardens is offering a daily rate of $69 between the hours of 8 am – 5 pm for workers. The package includes use of a room with unlimited Wi-Fi, work desk and phone, access to room service menu, printing and unlimited pod coffee. Located on a 10-acre property, guests can also walk through the beautiful gardens that surround the property, and remain within the social distancing guidelines – it is the perfect place to stimulate and refresh your mind during the workday.

In Mackay, QLD, Comfort Resort Blue Pacific is offering its studio units as an alternative office space for one week bookings for a rate of $450. Situated on the beachfront at Black Beach Mackay, this is another location perfect for those seeking some peace and quiet.

In addition to work-from-hotel offers, other properties, particularly those in regional areas, are looking outwardly to see how they can support community members. Comfort Inn Aden Mudgee, located in regional NSW, has turned its restaurant into a delivery service for seniors in the community, putting together cost effective meal deliveries for $8 each, in addition to offering grocery staples (bread, eggs, milk etc) for sale in partnership with local businesses.

For booking details or for more information, visit ChoiceHotels.com.au.