Resplendent Ceylon releases protocol on health and safety standards in hotels

Resplendent Ceylon, which has upcountry tea bungalows and southern beach resorts under its wing, has released Sri Lanka’s first dedicated COVID-19 Health and Safety protocol for hotels, and said it would be shared with local and global hotels.

The manual will serve as a guide to manage stringent health and safety measures aimed at minimising the risk of infection.

In a media release, Resplendent Ceylon said it will make this “protocol available to all hotels and tourism accommodation locally and globally, as the company sees the need to work together against a common enemy”.

“Industries must take an in-depth look at their processes” said Malik Fernando, Managing Director of Resplendent Ceylon, adding, “hotels and other tourism accommodation have a huge responsibility, requiring specific attention to build confidence and protect guests and staff”.

Resplendent Ceylon, part of the family-owned Dilmah Tea Company, is the pioneer in luxury experiential travel in Sri Lanka and the sole Sri Lankan members of Relais & Chateaux, the global fellowship of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants. Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge, form an enchanting circuit from tea fields to clifftop beach and safari lodge, the release said.

Despite their resorts being small and isolated, spread out over large areas with private villa and bungalow experiences, Resplendent Ceylon believes that such a manual is essential to build confidence as tourism resumes.

“Our mission now includes helping others in the industry as responsible citizens in the fight against the pandemic,” said Maheesha Ratnayake, Chief Operating Officer, “Our expertise in paying attention to detail is now more critical than ever.”

The manual seeks to ensure the health and safety of guests, teams, their families, and communities. It covers logistics and transport, guest and staff contact areas, emergency response, safety equipment, chemicals, maintenance as well as communications. Contents will be updated with new recommendations as they develop. Mandatory training of staff on the standard will take place before reopening shortly.

“Resplendent Ceylon looks forward to welcoming guests back to Sri Lanka, maintaining their renowned standard of excellence, as well as enhanced levels of safety and hygiene,” the release said.