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Crisis Communications during Covid-19
Did your tourism-related business have a crisis communications strategy in place, when the Covid-19 pandemic kicked in? Probably not. So what, how, and how often are you communicating with travel agents, FITs, clients, guests and the public during this ongoing situation? “Toolbox for Crisis Communications in Tourism: Checklists and Best Practices” published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, can help you navigate this virus storm. (Download below) The publication opens by stating, “Crisis communications…helps limit the negative impact of a crisis by addressing the information needs of all industry stakeholders in an efficient, timely and responsible manner.” The toolbox presents a simple and easy-to-read overview of crisis communication, and the step-by-step actions your business can be taking to maintain confidence until it’s time to fully open the doors to Laos and your enterprise. A good way to approach this toolbox is to pinpoint the measures that your business, big or small, can apply. Think of your consumers as your friends. They want to know how you are doing and what you are doing. Tell them via email, social media, text message, the press, or whatever medium best serves your purpose. And don’t just tell them, “We’re Closed”. It’s never too late to jump on the crisis communications bandwagon. Download the toolbox and start to effectively communicate now.
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Laos Locks Down
The Lao government announced it is tightening the screws on the country’s Covid-19 regulations from 30 March-19 April in a bid to curtail the spread of the virus. There are now eight confirmed cases in Laos. Curbside hand sanitizer All people must self-isolate at home or in their hotel rooms, and can only leave to buy essential goods, visit hospitals, and work at businesses that remain open. These include banks, clinics and pharmacies, convenience stores and shops, and restaurants and cafes. Cafes and restaurants can still serve guests. Hotels may continue operating, but can only provide accommodation and food and beverage services. They must also adhere to government guidelines aimed at the safety of guests and staff. Accommodation can stay open Entertainment venues, massage and spa parlors, karaoke clubs, beer gardens, fitness centres, and night markets must lock their doors. International and interprovincial borders are closed to all people except those transporting goods. All passenger transportation services are temporarily sitting idle. Passenger transportation has ceased. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs is handling foreign nationals wishing to return home, and the German, UK, and US embassies are arranging to airlift their citizens out of Laos. People are prohibited to hoard or price gouge essential goods including those needed for virus prevention and those practicing self-isolation. Items on the list include face masks, hand sanitizer, medication, and food and water. Social gatherings, are limited to 10 people. Lao New Year festivities, religious gatherings, weddings, and recreational activities are prohibited. Government staff will work from home except boots-on-the-ground personnel including the military, police, firefighters, doctor and nurses, utility workers, and those authorized to battle a potential Covid-19 outbreak. Source: The Laotian Times
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Crowne Plaza Takes Covid-19 Action
by Bernie Rosenbloom The Crowne Plaza, Vientiane has taken even stronger measures than those already in place to protect guests and staff after an employee tested positive for Covid-19 on 24 March. “I have been in contact and working closely with the Ministry of Health to minimize any further risk, and we provided them with all the information necessary,” said the hotel’s General Manager Patria Puyat. “All staff who have had contact with the individual were quarantined immediately after their colleague alerted us that he had flu-like symptoms,” she said. The hotel had already put in place precautionary measures, including increasing frequency of cleaning both public and back of the house areas. “We are now taking extra steps to make sure that all public areas are cleaned and sanitized multiple times during the day,” Ms Puyat said. “The hotel continues to work with our colleagues to be extra diligent with cleanliness and hygiene.” She stressed that the health and wellbeing of the hotel’s guests and colleagues take top priority. “Our (Crowne Plaza) hotels have prepared policies, procedures and preventive measures to minimise the risk, as well as taken actions in the event of an occurrence at the hotel such as this,” Ms Puyat. She noted this is a very difficult time for the hotel, and really appreciates the thoughts and concerns coming from locals as well as guests.
