Dear Members,
As the World Health Organization has recently announced that the COVID-19 virus has reached pandemic level, we want to support you in every way possible as we collectively navigate this issue.
While Canada and BC continue to be safe travel destinations, we understand that COVID-19 is top of mind for your guests and employees.
The health and safety of our members, employees, your guests, and our partners is our top priority, and we will continue to monitor and relay information to ensure that is not compromised.
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) is closely monitoring the ongoing progression of the COVID-19 virus and we understand that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has currently assessed that the overall risk to Canadians remains low. Public health risk is being continually reassessed as new information becomes available.
While the risk remains low, you are undoubtedly receiving many inquiries, cancellations, requests for refunds, and concerns from guests. To help prepare your property for the continued progression of the virus, we have developed the following resource for you in the form of a
DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE
. The guide contains:
- Key messages for you to communicate to your guests about COVID-19
- COVID-19 FAQ’s to consider
- Steps you can take to get your workplace ready for COVID-19
- Signage resources for your property
- Additional resources to help inform your communications, preparations, and your business response
Understanding that this is a difficult time for everyone involved, we recommend that you continue to promote the health and well-being of your employees and guests. As a collective we have asked for leniency and flexibility in cancellations, refunds, and credit policies.
As a next step, properties should assess the financial impact of this event, and plan for the possibility of a short-term decrease in revenue (resources can be found in the attached guide on workplace planning).
We encourage you to increase your cleaning and disinfecting of objects and surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple people (high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, faucet handles, elevator buttons), as this will help prevent the transmission of viruses from person to person through contaminated hands. Properties should also consider increasing the number of hand wash stations (or alcohol-based sanitizer stations) around their facility, as well as providing tissues and waste disposal.
We are asking you to increase communications to staff and guests on the recommendations provided by the provincial health authority, leveraging signage where possible.
As an Association we want to best understand the impact to our industry and would appreciate your participation in our survey to help inform our future communications and actions.
Your cooperation, support, and partnership is appreciated as we all navigate this pandemic together. If you have any questions or require any additional support, we are here to help you. Please call 604-443-4756 or email
communications@bcha.com
if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ingrid Jarrett
BCHA President & CEO
