Struggling sectors continue to give back
There are no two ways about it: Times are bad and the hardest hit sectors are the aviation and hospitality industries. Yet, the two are putting up an admirable fight against the pandemic, lending their manpower and resources to give back to frontliners and the suffering. Below, we list some of the notable initiatives by hotel groups and aviation companies.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways made headlines for its generous move announced on International Nurses’ Day (12 May). The airlines is giving away complimentary round-trip tickets to 100,000 healthcare workers. Each worker is entitled to up to two tickets for themselves, as well as their companion. The giveaway ends on 19 May 2020 at 4.59pm. Frontliners, head here to participate.
Singapore Airlines
Like other airlines, our national carrier has too been hit badly by the pandemic. Yet this hasn’t paled its indomitable spirit. Many of its cabin crew have been redeployed to lend a hand to hospitals. The airlines have committed at least 300 of its crew to be Care Ambassadors, assisting in low-risk wards, and tasks such as food catering, general admin, and patient service management. Some have also been deployed as Transport Ambassadors with SMRT, to ensure social distancing measures between those still commuting using public transport .
Hilton Resorts and Hotels
In the US, Hilton Resorts and Hotels announced a partnership with American Express to donate one million hotel nights at the properties across the country that will host nurses, doctors, and EMT workers until the end of May.
Vistajet
Vistajet is pulling its weight to ensure that those with critical travel requirements during the pandemic are able to keep moving. Working with governments and consulates, it offers empty leg flights to repatriate citizens, and to transport medical experts to crucial locations. It’s now in talks with medical organisations to assist with the transportation of key medical supplies.
Marriott International
Like Hilton, Marriott International is working with credit card partners, American Express and JPMorgan Chase, to help health professionals battling the pandemic. Together, they’re offering US$10 million worth of hotel stays for healthcare professionals leading the fight against COVID-19 in the United States, particularly in areas most impacted. In Asia Pacific, many staff in its properties have volunteered over 40,000 hours to help with food donation, making of protective personal gears for frontliners, and securing shelter.
