The Planhotel Malindi resort of hotel trio – Diamonds Dream of Africa, Sandies Malindi Dream Garden and Sandies Tropical Village have reopened to both domestic and international guests from Saturday, 1 August.
According to a statement from the hotel chain, the current occupancy started at 60% at the weekend.
The General Manager Mr Alexander Zissimatos, says that the re-opening has been received very positively.
“We hope it continues for the rest of the year”, he said.
Tourism and hospitality has been hardly hit by the global pandemic- Covid-19 forcing some hotels to temporarily shut down as measures to contain the pandemic were laid out. As a member of Small Luxury Hotel of the World (SLH), Diamonds Dream of Africa is incorporating the Stay Safe. Stay Small initiative, offering enhanced health and detailed safety guidelines launched by SLH for all 520 member hotels in 90 countries.
“Diamond Resort Malindi has prepared for the re-opening with the highest safety standards. And in order to safeguard these standards, the Kenyan coastal resort (through SLH) has entered a partnership with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) for its hotels to pursue the GBAC STAR accreditation.” Reads a statement from the hotel.
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This performance-based cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention programme helps hotels minimize risks associated with infectious agents and biohazards. GBAC STAR accreditation provides third-party validation to ensure the three hotels have the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques and work practices in place so guests can truly relax during their stay.
The Covid-19 situation is unprecedented and will shape the way people travel in the future. The hygiene initiative, cleanliness standards and Quality Assurance, as well as Best Practice Guidelines will be a major contributor in regaining the trust of travellers.
In addition to GBAC accreditation, Planhotel Malindi has initiated a 24-hours vacated room turnaround programme. “After the last guest has stayed, no one, including our staff will enter the room for 24 hours”, Alexander Zissimatos said.
“Further, our food and beverage set up will ensure social distancing between tables. We look forward to welcoming back our guests and assure them of a safe holiday”, he concluded.
Planhotel took the unprecedented step to offer transferrable Holidaybonds in June 2020, valid for two years at any of their Kenyan properties. One bond covered the value of one night accommodation for two, on an all-inclusive basis (all meals and drinks) at 50% of the cost.
