Neha Rawat
Vikas Ahluwalia, GM & National Head, Zone by THE Park Hotels shares how they are focusing on the health, well-being and wellness of their guests amidst the pandemic
How are you preparing for M!CE activities in the new normal?
In the new normal a drop for face-to-face meetings is anticipated with more demand for high-quality integrated-hybrid virtuallive streamed meetings as well as events. We have put in place various protocols as advised by the relevant authorities and incorporated it in SHIELD, an abbreviated form for S: Sanitisation, H: Hygiene, I: ISO Standard Equipment, E: Excellence, L: Luxury Redefined, and D: Distancing. This is an allencompassing programme that brings the best of luxury, design, hygiene, safety and service excellence, all under one roof. As health-wellbeing-wellness has become a top priority for travellers we have incorporated the same in our menus and guest offerings
Do you have different rules/guidelines for large groups and small ones?
The guidelines are the same – strict precautionary safety and heightened hygiene and sanitation practices.
We have implemented measures at all our hotels along with steps to assuage the concerns of people about busy public areas due to the nature of the virus.
Will you be continuing with buffets? What precautions will you take for food service?
We have stopped buffets at our hotels for now, but in banquets we are offering various options for our guests to choose from – interactive cooking station, meal on a plate, etc. However, if guests particularly require buffets then we have laid down SOPs for the same.
What steps will you take if someone tests positive for corona in a M!CE group?
We have laid down SOPs, guidelines in our SHIELD programme for someone who tests positive in our hotels. We work closely with local health authorities and take necessary steps as per the local guidelines.
Are you looking at the Indian wedding market as well? What is going to be different in the new normal?
Weddings are a critical part of our social space and will keep happening though with certain changes. We have hosted few small weddings as permitted by the administration across our hotels immediately after the restrictions were removed post the lockdown.
As of now, we are working with our partners and service providers to follow safety protocols and are also offering customised packages.
CHOICES We have stopped buffets at our hotels for now; in banquets
we are offering various options
M!CE facilities
- Zone by THE Park Kolkata has 5,000 sq ft of space in the hotel and is attached to Biswa Bangla Convention Centre Kolkata, one of the largest convention spaces in India
- Zone Palace by THE Park Jaipur has1,10,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor venues
- Zone by THE Park Raipur offers 9,500 sq ft of indoor sbanqueting spaces
