Some hotels are going beyond just boosting cleaning efforts during the pandemic.
Hyatt Hotels Corp. has launched a program to support small businesses around the world that are impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis.
Nearly 60 hotels and resorts across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East are participating in the initiative, known as Hyatt Loves Local, whereby they provide complimentary resources and exposure to select regional businesses that have struggled during this unprecedented time. In turn, these businesses are able to continue operating and offer Hyatt guests distinct and enriching experiences that foster a meaningful connection to the destination’s local community.
“By always listening to our guests, members and colleagues, we understand their strong desire to not only experience the Hyatt hotels’ destinations but also to have the opportunity to support local communities,” says Amy Weinberg, senior vice-president of brand loyalty, brand marketing and consumer insights at Hyatt. “We have been caring for the communities in which Hyatt hotels operate for more than 60 years, and we are proud so many Hyatt hotels around the world are finding new, creative ways to lift up beloved local businesses in this time of need through Hyatt Loves Local.”
From culinary and wellness to fashion and art, community collaborations span a variety of industries.
In Seattle, for instance, Motif Seattle is collaborating with Monorail Espresso, a woman-owned business that started as a mobile espresso cart. As a result of the pandemic, Monorail Espresso saw sales drop 50 per cent at its two brick-and-mortar shops and have temporarily closed its third shop. The hotel features a pop-up shop in its lobby where visitors can purchase coffee growlers, beans and Monorail Espresso swag.
On the east coast, Hyatt Regency Atlanta is providing complimentary kitchen space to Anna Bell’s Kitchen Mac and Cheese shop, as well as selling Anna Bell’s goods in the hotel’s lobby market. The space allows Anna Bell’s to continue selling its coveted homemade macaroni and cheese dishes to locals and guests, while also expanding to ship its product nationally. The business previously prepared its recipes in commercial kitchens and sold products at farmers markets before the pandemic suspended many of these shop operations.
“The opportunity to collaborate with Hyatt Regency Atlanta through Hyatt Loves Local has enabled us to preserve and pivot our business while attracting new fans and customers during this challenging time,” says Kevin Mobley, owner of Anna Bell’s Kitchen Mac and Cheese.
As part of Hyatt’s Change Starts Here commitment to foster inclusivity and achieve equality together, some Hyatt Loves Local collaborations are with minority-owned businesses like Anna Bell’s, which are more likely to be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
