McLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. is taking decisive action to protect the core of its business and support affected Team Members until the novel coronavirus (COVDI-19) crisis passes and travel resumes. With travel at a virtual standstill, operations have been suspended across many managed and franchised hotels, and those hotels that remain open have reduced services for guests because of decreased occupancy levels. At the corporate level, Hilton is taking the following actions to significantly reduce expenses and preserve liquidity: President and CEO, Christopher Nassetta, will forgo his salary for the remainder of 2020; The Executive Committee will take a pay cut...

NEEDHAM, MASS.—Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel platform, launched the first of several initiatives to provide immediate economic support to local communities, enabling diners and travelers to assist in the long term recovery of travel and hospitality businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Tripadvisor has always been a platform where humans help other humans by generously sharing their experiences (both good and bad) so that the next person, a complete stranger, can benefit. In a time of incredible uncertainty, the very vibrancy and diversity that inspires people to travel is at risk. The local businesses, and people who work at them,...

LAVERGNE, TENN.—Restaurants, bars and other types of foodservice operations must protect consumers against the transmission of pathogens that could pose the risk of infection. Wares used in food preparation and service such as dishes, pans and utensils must be properly cleaned and disinfected from germs acquired during food preparation and previous use. Dishwashing cleaning technology can vary considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer. But specific technological features and processing conditions are required to create the high level of clean that prevents the transmission of disease via food wares. HygCen Institute in Germany has certified that warewashing operating conditions, combined with the disinfectant...

BRAINTREE, MASS.—A new electrostatic disinfection process is being used by the nation’s three largest airlines. The EvaClean Infection Prevention System developed by EarthSafe Chemical Alternatives includes: handheld and backpack Protexus Electrostatic Sprayers: PurTabs and PUR:ONE hospital-grade EPA registered disinfectant tablets effective against coronavirus yet safe for people and environment; best practices for cleaning protocols; training processes; and monitoring programs to achieve maximum safety and efficacy. In February, Delta Air Lines began deploying a new electrostatic program from EarthSafe, a leading disinfection solutions company and developer of the EvaClean Infection Prevention System. Shortly thereafter, United and American airlines followed suit. Unbeknownst...

TAMPA, FLA.—As a result of recent layoffs, Tampa-based hotel management company, McKibbon Hospitality, has established an associate assistance fund in response to the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the hospitality industry. Aimed at assisting its former employees with groceries and other necessities, the fund will provide payments of $200 every two weeks for all their recently laid-off employees for 90 days beginning on April 3. “Our associates are like family and are truly the heart of our business, which has made this unfortunate situation so difficult,” said President Randy Hassen. “We are committed to supporting them through these challenging times in any way that we can, just like they’ve supported us over the years. Once the outbreak is contained, we look forward to restoring our operations and bringing as many employees...

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—Health authorities and state and local governments are recognizing the linen, uniform and facility services industry as an essential service. Consisting mostly of small, independent family-owned and operated businesses, the industry supplies, launders and maintains essential, environmentally friendly reusable textiles for industries that need these most, including restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, manufacturing, infrastructure, other businesses and government agencies. In addition to linens and uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as hygiene, first aid and other facility services, are provided. During quarantine/isolation mandates, the “essential services” designation allows laundries to stay open to serve other businesses designated as “essential”...

LAS VEGAS—Wynn Resorts has donated more than $2.5 million worth of goods to local medical facilities and nonprofits. Wynn Resorts was able to procure and donated 240,000 N95 equivalent CDC approved respirator masks, 600,000 surgical masks, 500,000 pairs of medical gloves and thousands of medical gowns to hospitals throughout Las Vegas. The company has also given thousands of protective gloves and surgical masks to local nursing homes and law enforcement facilities that are battling supply shortages related to the pandemic. Wynn will continue to work with community leaders and the newly appointed task force to assist communities during these challenging times. Additionally, Wynn donated 175...

CALHOUN, GA.—Mohawk Industries and Fabric Sources International (FSI) are combining resources to address urgent medical supply needs at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, Ga. and Emory Healthcare in Atlanta during the COVID-19 outbreak. Using fabric provided by FSI, Mohawk Home’s Dalton-based rug manufacturing facility is providing industrial sewing equipment for their skilled employees to produce vitally needed medical protective gear for doctors, nurses and other care providers. “During the developing COVID-19 crisis, we came together as a team to look at our current capabilities and see if there was any way that we could help the medical groups in our communities,”...

LOS RANCHOS DE ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—After over a year of development, Los Poblanos Lavender Hand Sanitizer is here, and the timing couldn’t be more serendipitous. Lavender has been used for thousands of years for its natural healing and antiseptic properties, and effortlessly lends itself for use in a sanitizer. The Los Poblanos Lavender Hand Sanitizer pairs perfectly with the signature Los Poblanos Lavender Hand Soap and Lavender Lotion for the ultimate hand cleansing experience. After several rounds of thoughtful development, the production team at Los Poblanos has crafted a sanitizer that not only refreshes hands, but offers an aromatherapy boost with a...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) announced today that more than 15,000 hotels have signed up for its new initiative—“Hospitality for Hope”—which identifies hotel properties that have offered to provide temporary housing for emergency and healthcare workers as the COVID-19 public health crisis grows. While the program will primarily focus on housing for the healthcare community, some hotels could potentially be used as “Alternative Care Sites” such as an emergency hospital or place for those quarantined to stay if needed. AHLA's “Hospitality for Hope Initiative” was created to boost collaboration between the hotel industry and local, state and...