Following early signs of recovery and eased lockdowns after the coronavirus spread in China, Kempinski Hotels has reopened all its hotels in the country. New strict safety and hygiene procedures have been put in place to comply with local government authorities and WHO guidelines to guarantee guests’ and employees’ safety and wellbeing. In addition, innovative services have been introduced as a business enhancement and guest experiences.
The new measures include among others mandatory temperature checks for everyone entering the hotel at each hotel entrance; the posting of public health certificates in public areas; daily air purification in the dining outlets; rigorous enforcing of ingredient regulations; frequent disinfection of all equipment; obeying local laws on social distancing in all restaurants and public areas; and complimentary sanitiser and masks for guests and employees.
Takeaway and online ordering programmes are nothing new for most restaurants in China. However, for luxury hotels, focusing on the highest level of service and guest experiences, a takeaway service is a new business approach. In response to the social distancing rules and ever-changing situation, Kempinski hotels in China have partnered with Meituan and Eleme APP, the two leading food delivery companies, and launched online food and beverage sales to ensure contactless services for their guests’ convenience. Kempinski culinary teams have carefully selected high-quality dishes, best suited for long-distance delivery, and have worked on improved packaging to ensure freshness.
A great example of creative business initiatives has been implemented by Kempinski Hotel Hangzhou, with its elegant, luxurious design and unparalleled views of the Grand Canal, the hotel is the ideal venue for affluent photo shoots. In collaboration with Taobao Sellers, one of the largest online shopping website, the hotel has introduced the ‘Taobao Concierge Programme’ for fashion retailers featured on the shopping site. The programme allows retailers to choose from a number of venues at the hotel, like a luxurious suite, the Executive Lounge or the spa as the photo-shooting setting to best complement their products. Further supplements can be added to the programme, with gastronomic packages like an afternoon tea or champagne and canapés.
“The hospitality and leisure industry is experiencing a big impact as countries have been locked down in response to COVID-19. We switched our business efficiently, focusing more on the local market and cooperating with popular local food delivery companies, as well as planning various promotion packages for local residents. We always need to look ahead and be prepared for the rebound of the market,” said Ilja Poepper, Vice President Sales & Marketing – Asia Kempinski Hotels.