From 9th April 2020, more than 270 hotels of the luxury hotel chain, Marriot International, Asia Pacific have been lighting up the rooms to form smileys on the facade of their respective hotels. The initiative taken up by Marriott International, Asia Pacific has been termed the ‘Light of Hope’. Since the onset of the pandemic, lakhs of people have fallen prey to the virus. With many losing lives every hour and with no vaccine yet, people have forgotten to smile as the future seems so bleak. The ‘Light of Hope’ is inspired to put back on people’s faces, their long-forgotten smiles, reminding everyone that there is still hope. Marriott International properties in cities like Seoul, Mumbai, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Maldives, etc. are doing their share in sending out the much-needed positivity.
“… We are in this together and we will come out stronger”, stated Craig S. Smith.
Craig S. Smith, the President of Marriott International, Asia Pacific says that during such uncertain times, what remains certain is that we are together, we will stand together and we will come out of the situation stronger. He further stated that we shall together look forward to the happy times when we can travel again. In the meantime, we should cooperate and follow the safety guidelines laid down by the authorities. He also added that Marriot International, Asia Pacific will continue to support the people of the regions where their hotels are at. The chain of hotels has always relied on its associates in times of adversities. Now, when days are so gloomy, Marriott International, Asia Pacific will keep the lights on and will continue to send out love, hope and faith to the people, stated the president. The 'Light of Hope' will be in operation until the end of April 2020.The group of hotels donate and sends out support and encouragement.
Marriott International, Asia Pacific has been donating food items, manufacturing personal protective gears and providing shelter to front-liners like doctors, nurses, journalists, etc. On top of these, they have also volunteered 40000 hours to be in service of people.
All are doing whatever they can to fight the ill effects of the virus and to emerge soon from the pandemic. Let us do ourselves and our fellow humans a favour by continuing to practice 'social distancing'.