Rotana President Guy Hutchinson has released a statement on why the spirit of unity associated with the holy month is central to overcoming the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Hutchinson says: “The holy month is a time for togetherness, sharing and helping others. As we celebrate the arrival of Ramadan, we do so under unique circumstances. The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused untold disruption to nearly all aspects of modern life, including our plans to spend time with family and friends.”
He continues: “Yet, in many ways, by remaining steadfast in our practising of social distancing, we’re embracing the true spirit of Ramadan. Although we will miss our traditional gatherings, this is a sacrifice we must all be prepared to accept for the greater good. Following government guidelines is vital if we wish to help others. By uniting behind this shared sense of purpose, we’re coming together as a community in new and profound ways.”
“We’re very fortunate that governments in the region were quick to respond. Our leaders have spared no efforts to combat the spread of the virus and minimise its impact. As a result, the region has managed to limit the number of confirmed cases, despite being a major hub for corporate, leisure and religious travel,” Hutchinson adds.
He explains that, at Rotana, they have further enhanced industry-leading health and safety practices by implementing stringent protocols to protect guests, staff, and partners. Additionally, Rotana reached out to governments across the region to offer properties and resources in support of their efforts to deal with this unprecedented situation.
Hutchinson concludes: “The hospitality sector will surely recover. Whether our new reality will be the same as before remains to be seen. Speaking as a passionate hotelier, I would like to think there will be some differences. I believe the dark hours we have faced will lead to a heightened appreciation for the joy of travel, making us realize just how privileged we are to serve our guests through this incredible industry.:
