As preparations continue for the safe return of international travel in Thailand, Banyan Tree Group has created the Safe Sanctuary Programme; an integrated health and safety initiative incorporating over 40 protocols to safeguard guests, rolled out across all Banyan Tree hotels from June 2020 onwards. In response to these new measures, Tourism Authority Thailand (TAT) has already awarded safety certification to the group.
Created in partnership with Bureau Veritas, the Safe Sanctuary protocols cover every aspect of the guest experience, divided into three categories: Protect, Provide and Prevent. The new protocols include contactless check-in services, hand sanitizers in public areas, temperature checks and health certificates for all guests and workers, social distancing measures, limited capacity in hotel facilities and hourly cleaning of high-touch-frequency areas with EPA-approved disinfectants. The intensity of room cleaning has also been increased, with disinfectants used on high-touch surfaces. A la carte dining options have also replaced buffet services, to ensure food safety standards are met in all F&B outlets.
A month into operation of the new safety protocols, Banyan Tree’s flagship hotel, Laguna Phuket, has already received Safe Destination Certification from TAT, and has even held its first post-COVID-19 event. The “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Certification Award Ceremony” was hosted at the Angsana Convention and Exhibition Space (ACES) earlier this month and featured members of the Phuket Tourist Association, hospitality professionals and local media.
At the award ceremony, Laguna Phuket’s seven deluxe hotels and golf course were presented with SHA certificates by TAT Governor Mr Yuthasak Supasorn and the new Governor of Phuket Mr Narong Woonchiew. As the largest MICE facility in Phuket, Laguna Phuket is leading the way in Thailand’s tourism revival, particularly in the corporate events sector.
“All hotels in Laguna Phuket have implemented global safety programmes, while the non-hotel resort facilities and services have enhanced safety measures,” said Banyan Tree Holdings Executive Vice President and Laguna Phuket Managing Director Mr Ravi Chandran, in a speech at the event. “This makes Laguna Phuket the biggest and most inclusive destination resort that is fully certified – the safest destination to welcome our guests,” he added.
Working with Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Group is a key stakeholder in Thailand’s collaborative approach to creating health-focused travel policies for the tourism revival.
Banyan Tree resorts, such as Laguna Phuket, are well-positioned to offer post-COVID-19 travel experiences to guests when they return. Combining new health and safety protocols with nature, space and privacy, Banyan Tree is ready to offer a safe and welcoming sanctuary for travellers in Thailand.
