S Hotels & Resorts Plc will temporarily suspend its hotel operations in global tourism destinations to respond to the COVID-19 crisis
Bangkok, 30 March 2020 – S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited (SHR), a hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is taking following actions in response to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic by suspending its hotel operations temporarily in global tourism destinations.
Mr. Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer of S Hotels & Resorts Plc, said the temporary suspension on hotel operations is reacting to the unfolding COVID-19 outbreak around the globe, following the lockdown measures implemented by many countries where SHR owns or operates its businesses.
“The suspension is designed to help reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 disease virus and to safeguard the health of all guests and employees, while simultaneously limiting operating costs. All properties are as well working directly with local health authorities to ensure further preventive measures are taken as circumstances indicate,” he said.
In Thailand, SHR’s four resorts including Santiburi Koh Samui, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort and Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort will suspend their operations during April 1-30, 2020.
In the Indian Ocean, all businesses in the Maldives, including CROSSROADS Maldives, which comprises The Marina @ CROSSROADS, SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, will begin to suspend operations from April 1, 2020 till further notice.
In Fiji and in Mauritius, SHR’s three resorts have prepared temporary suspension on operations following government directives.
In United Kingdom where SHR has 29 hotels in its portfolio, the Company is in close cooperation with its partner to craft a specific response to the coronavirus situation on the ground and the UK government measures. Majority of the hotels have suspended their operations till end of April except for three properties which are continuing their operations in support to host health personnel, governmental business and personnel from other essential sectors.
As the situation is evolving every day, S Hotels & Resorts will be closely monitoring lockdown instructions, travel bans and advisories from authorities related to each operating location, reassessing its initiatives as the situation evolves, and be ready to respond to pend-up demands when the situation improves.
During the period of temporary suspension, all SHR’s employees will remain at their positions while following the Company’s instruction to stay at home and refrain from travelling, in line with country-specific governmental directives. Resort based employees who are unable to commute back home due to public lockdowns or travel bans under this circumstance will continue to stay on properties following the Company’s instruction with additional precautionary measures aligned with local health authorities.
“The health and safety of our guests and employees is of paramount importance. We also understand that many travel plans will be affected by the situation. Wherever possible, we will offer our guests the flexibility needed to adjust reservations, in line with the relevant travel advisories and governmental restrictions. The situation is evolving every day. All drastic measures are expected to minimize the impact on guests, employees and business partners. We hope the hard time will be temporary. By staying united and cooperating with each other we can overcome the challenge we face together,” Mr. De Cuyper said.
