Opinion: hotels consistently showcase a commitment to the well-being of their communities in times of crisis
By Neeta Israni, Atlantic Technological University
Hotels are often synonymous with pleasure, luxury, and indulgence, serving as venues for weddings, parties and relaxation. But behind their opulent facades, many hotels emerge as pillars of support during times of crisis. When humanitarian disasters strike, the local community are often left in dire need of shelter, assistance and support. In such challenging times, hotels step forward as crucial partners in humanitarian efforts, providing vital aid and playing a significant role in combating these crises.
During the pandemic, hotels demonstrated their commitment to the greater good by offering free or discounted accommodation to healthcare workers and first responders who needed a place to stay near hospitals or healthcare facilities. This gesture minimized the risk of infecting their families and provided them with a convenient and safe place to rest. For instance, the Four Seasons hotel in New York City offered free accommodation to healthcare workers, setting a shining example for the industry, while many hotels in the UAE converted rooms into quarantine or isolation facilities, contributing to the efforts to contain the virus.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Denyse Campbell from the Irish Hotels Federation on challenges for hoteliers including providing accommodation for refugees
One of the countries most severely impacted by Covid-19 was India and it saw significant support from the hotel sector. The Delhi government requisitioned about 30 hotels and banquet halls, attaching them to leading hospitals to accommodate the surging number of cases. These converted spaces provided over 2,300 beds, aiding in the fight against the virus. Additionally, Mumbai's iconic Taj Hotel offered free stays to health workers.
The transformative role of hotels during natural disasters is undeniable. In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, employees of the Country Inn & Suites hotel opened their doors to those seeking shelter and provided refuge to families.
Ireland's hotel sector has a history of showing extraordinary resilience during times of need. In 2015, severe storms and flooding hit parts of Clare and Galway. Numerous hotels in these areas offered accommodation and assistance to affected residents forced to evacuate their homes due to rising waters. Collaborating closely with local authorities and emergency services, these hotels ensured the safety and well-being of those in need. In 2020, as the pandemic unfolded, several hotels in Ireland transformed themselves into quarantine facilities for returning travellers, relieving pressure on healthcare systems and curbing the spread of the virus.
Then, just as the tourism industry was recovering from the pandemic, another humanitarian crisis struck in the form of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This led to the largest displacement of Europeans since World War II, with nearly five million people seeking refuge in Europe under the EU's Temporary Protection Directive.
Despite Ireland's limited temporary accommodation infrastructure, the country opened its doors to Ukrainian refugees, providing them with a safe haven. Approximately one-third of Irish hotel rooms are currently being used to accommodate refugees and asylum seekers, highlighting the hospitality sector's willingness to assist those in need.
In response to the influx of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland, some hotels have even cancelled bookings to make room for as many refugees as possible. For example, the Park Inn by Radisson at Shannon Airport reportedly cancelled its bookings to prioritise accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers. This act demonstrates the hotel's commitment to humanity in the face of crisis. But it is essential to acknowledge that using tourist accommodation for displaced individuals and asylum seekers may result in substantial financial losses for non-accommodation tourism providers, estimated to exceed €1.1 billion this year.
Humanitarian logistics, a branch of logistics focusing on preparedness and response during crises, recognises the role played by the hotel sector. From supporting healthcare workers during pandemics to providing shelter during natural disasters and offering sanctuary to refugees, hotels have consistently gone above and beyond to showcase their commitment to the well-being of communities in times of crisis.
Neeta Israni is a PhD student in the School of Business at Atlantic Technological University
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
