No Ground Zero Yet For Hoteliers
“This has undoubtedly been the most difficult event we could have ever imagined; to be faced with no choice but to suspend our island operations, and for an unknown period of time” said Raffe Hotels and Resorts chief executive officer Bradley Robinson.
Thursday 26 March 2020 | 12:31
The last group hosted by Volivoli Beach Resort, in Rakiraki, before their flight to Los Angeles. Photo: Suncoast Fiji
As hotels and resorts close in the face of coronavirus, while others operate with a skeletal staff, most tour operators have expressed optimism about the Government supplementary budget announcement today.
Prayer sessions and sports on the beach are among activities carried out by resort staff who make up the skeletal workforce in resorts and hotels across the country.
Treasure Island Resort, Mamanuca
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Treasure Island Resort has closed indefinitely as 126 staff members were sent on indefinite leave without pay, said general manager Jim Saukuru.
When the last guests left on March 23, the resort had to concede with zero occupancies.
Mr Saukuru said future bookings were either cancelled, deferred or postponed to October, November or December.
“We cannot foresee any lights in the tunnel for any improved occupancy till September.
“2020 is the worst year in our trading and it has given me no options but to completely shut down the resort.”
Skeletal staff comprising of six senior managers and four security guards maintain the resort.
Mr Saukuru said the hotel retained 32 staff because Lautoka was cordoned off for security measures.
The 32 workers are unable to leave the island resort to access their homes in the highlands and on the peripheries of borders set up in Nadi and Lautoka, he said.
Mr Saukuru said staff may be redirected to work on reclamation sites on the resort that include the seawalls, groins, replacements of walkaways and pool decking.
“We will also do the construction of a 130-metre new seawall, and replacements of 25 beach umbrellas.”
“We are also withdrawing any bookings from the European and Asian markets.”
Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa, Yanuca Island
Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa general manager Francis Lee said the hotel had implemented a range of precautionary measures since January 2020.
“Our colleagues are also reminded to stay home if they are not feeling well and to seek medical attention immediately if they believe they have symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness.
“We continue to remain vigilant and keep in close contact with local health authorities on the latest developments.”
Mr Lee said he could not respond to other queries as they were experiencing a blackout period.
Mana Island Resort and Spa, Mamanuca Islands
Workers of Mana Island Resort and Spa have turned to prayers as the effect of coronavirus takes its toll on the tourism sector.
The staff members are hoping that divine intervention will put an end to the global pandemic as prayer meetings and vigils are held at 7 pm daily.
Resort chief operation officer Hiroshi Matsumoto said the resort had a 10 per cent occupancy, but the number was expected to drop further in the weeks ahead.
Some of the 220 staff members of the resort remained on the mainland as Lautoka remained a confined area.
Mr Matsumoto said provision was made for a de-stress programme for workers.
Between 4 pm and 5 pm daily, sporting activities were permitted among staff members in a move to maintain high staff morale.
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, Natadola
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa general manager Lachlan Walker said occupancy rates were not as it used to be.
“There are no plans to change staffing, although some have applied for leave without pay.
“We’re taking it day by day, as the situation is very fluid.”
Mr Walker said 60 of the hotel’s 200 rooms were occupied.
He said management was “very open-minded and very positive” in their outlook of the industry and would be expanding its plans to include the local market. The hotel has long stay guests.
Warwick Fiji, Coral Coast to remain open
Warwick Fiji general manager Marco Saxer said the hotel was open.
“We still have some foreign guests in the hotel, and we won’t send any staff home.”
Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island
Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island general manager Charles Homsy said management was reviewing its contingency plans.
“Occupancy is fairly low at this stage,” he said, adding they were finalising plans before an announcement would be made.
Viwa Island Resort, Yasawa
At Viwa Island Resort, the 32-strong workforce was reduced to minimal staff, said general manager Patrick Wong.
“It’s quiet, but we’re not closed yet.
“We have just under 10 per cent occupancy rate.
“There is no ground zero as yet.”
Mr Wong said the management of the boutique resort took a 20 per cent pay cut.
“These scenarios we used to see in movies.
“Now it’s our reality.”
Viwa Island Resort is owned by a consortium whose members are from countries that include Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Vomo Island Resort, Mamanuca Islands
Vomo Island Resort is open retaining all staff members, said general manager Justin King.
“Our owners are keen to keep staff as we involve them in a group of projects that we had in mind, but had put on hold until now.”
Vomo Island Resort, a luxury resort, currently operates with 80 workers, while 60 other employees have opted for reduced rates.
“We gave them an option to stay on the island or go home.
“Fifty per cent chose to stay, however, all are on reduced hours.
“This is a temporary situation and it is our duty as employers to keep as many workers as we can.”
Vomo Island Resort workers moved to other projects around the resort.
Malolo Island Resort and Likuliku Lagoon Resort to close end of this month.
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