Marriott International
The travel and tourism industry is resilient and the long-term viability is strong. As we navigate through this unprecedented pandemic, Marriott International, as an organization, is fully committed to doing everything possible to support all of our stakeholders—our associates, owners, guests, vendors and the local community through these uncertain times. Through all of this, we remain resolutely focused on changing business dynamics and expectations. We know we can learn, adapt and adjust, so we emerge stronger at the end of this. This will end. And when it does, we will come out of this tougher both as individuals and as an organization—united and ready for the next chapter.
As an organization that puts people first, Marriott International recognised the need to unite with the community in its fight against novel coronavirus. Since the beginning of the lockdown, some of Marriott properties, given their geographical proximity to hospitals and government buildings, have offered frontline healthcare professionals the option to have a place to stay as they continued their fight against the virus.
Marriott associates from hotels across the region have volunteered several hours to serve their local communities. Many of the hotels were distributing care packages that included essential hygiene items, food donations and protective gears.
Marriott hotels in Pune joined hands with Panschil Foundation to distribute more than 30,000 packages across the city’s collector’s office. Similarly, hotels such as JW Marriott Aerocity New Delhi were distributing 200 pre-packed meals daily to the underprivileged. Hotels in Bengaluru and Kochi were also sending food to police stations and hospitals during the early stages of the pandemic.
Marriott International instated various programs to aid and assist some of their associates who were in immediate need. The group allocated close to USD 350,000 under the Marriott Disaster Relief fund to provide support towards these individuals.
For some of their previous employees, the group set up a Marriott International Alumni network with the goal to provide suitable employment options until business levels resume. This network includes companies such as Amazon, Zomato, Sodexo, etc.
Marriott International is looking at prioritizing internal and alumni hiring at all their upcoming hotels.
Frontline Heroes
Sutapa Das, Cluster Marketing & Communication Manager, Sheraton Grand Pune
Sutapa Das grew up in Silchar, a remote town nestled in the southern part of Assam with a low communication network and poor infrastructure, which delayed relief measures meant for the residents.
When the country was under lockdown, many residents of town struggled for survival. Das and her parents, Shanta and Debabrata Das, stepped in to help. They selected a few families and offered them basic daily essentials such as rice, potato, soap, bread, salt, cooking oil, spices (turmeric and cumin), a piece of cloth (traditional wear) for the female member and a very small amount of money (INR 100).
Their selfless act of generosity helped these struggling families to survive. Das and her family are in regular touch with these homes for any additional relief that they could provide. As an added measure, she is providing the families with handmade facemasks.
Chef Amogh Malvankar, Chef De Cuisine, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
Chef Amogh Malvankar took upon himself to prepare simple, wholesome meals for families of construction labourers (amongst the most severely affected community) and the police stations located in his vicinity.
Warm, fresh food cooked by him in his kitchen was pre-packed and served. Chef Malvankar operated with a strong network of individuals who help direct his efforts to the ones most in need. He believes that giving back in full measure is what will keep this chain of human kindness growing and expanding. In recognition of his services, he received an honorary citation from the Crime Branch Office (CID) in Mumbai.
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