A variety of Accor branded properties across Australia have modified their focus during COVID-19, opening their doors as critical infrastructure rather than commercial hotels in an effort to provide shelter to those in need.
Working in conjunction with government authorities and community organisations, the hotel chain is making its accommodation and services available to those most in need, including front-line health workers and returning residents who are required to go into quarantine for 14 days.
Further, the company has set aside rooms in an effort to look after rough sleepers and homeless as well as vulnerable families and domestic abuse survivors needing a safe refuge for a period of time.
Accor Pacific’s Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath, said “Welcoming, protecting and taking care of others is at the heart of what Accor does best. We could not do this without the incredible people we have in our business. They are not only providing accommodation, but also pastoral care and kindness. We have never been more proud of our colleagues.”
Many Accor hotels are being utilised, including the brands SO/, Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure, Tribe, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles, ibis Budget.
On a smaller community level, several Accor hotels have stepped up with thoughtful acts of kindness which have benefited their local communities. Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters has assisted medical professionals at Sunshine Coast University Hospital by delivering dozens of meals; a delivery of baby toys and jungle gym equipment was delivered to a family in isolation at Novotel Brisbane Airport, and Grand Mercure Auckland surprised a guest on his birthday by delivering his favourite cocktail – an Espresso Martini – during his isolation stay.
Accor hotels across the world are also sending a message of love and compassion to their local communities by illuminating hotel rooms at the front of their building in the shape of a heart.