TUI introduces 10-point post-lockdown plan for hotels

TUI has introduced a 10-point plan with a set of measures and standards in order to guide its hotel reopenings as lockdown measures begin to ease. The travel agency said these new measures will “enable guests to enjoy their holidays in the knowledge that the highest hygiene standards in relation to Covid-19 have been put in place”. The plan is split into several sections, including hotel organisation, capacity adjustment, hygiene and disinfection and the implementation of an “extensive” training programme led by independent auditors. The ten points noted across these sections include the implementation of contactless check-ins, two-metre distancing rules, personnel planning, the extension of opening hours, a restriction in restaurant capacities and a restriction of self-service. The new standards will be introduced across all TUI hotel brands, including TUI Blue, Robinson and TUI Magic Life, and will also be available to joint venture and hotel partners. The group has also launched a “comprehensive” training and inspection programme in cooperation with Cristal International Standards, which includes training materials, webinars, checklists and customer information. It will be made available to the joint venture partners and hotel operators “imminently”. Sebastian Ebel, a member of the group executive board responsible for Holiday Experiences, said: “Customer surveys clearly indicate that safety and hygiene will be of paramount importance for holidaymakers after the lockdown. “With our group-wide, integrated health and safety management system, we can ensure that our hotels meet guests’ high expectations and offer the best possible protection against infections during these unusual times.” He added: “We are laying the foundations for an agile and safe return to business so we can be ready to offer our unique holiday experiences again as soon as possible. “With this set of measures we are creating the framework required to ensure we can offer our guests enjoyable and safe holiday experiences as soon travel restrictions are lifted. TUI can be relied upon to continue working hard, in close partnership with tourist destinations around the world, towards the gradual opening up of global tourism.”