Global hospitality organization Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and marketing firm MMGY Global have partnered to launch the Buy One, Give One campaign in a show of appreciation for those working tirelessly on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The “vacay layaway” program will also support the hotel industry, whose businesses have been devastated by the coronavirus.
With the incentive of discounted offers, consumers can purchase future travel now by way of bookings in addition to gift cards or loyalty points for later redemption. This buying of forthcoming travel will provide instant funds to more than 30 (and counting) participating hotels and hotel brands.
At the same time, the hotels and hotel brands will donate room nights, gift cards or loyalty points to charitable organizations benefiting health care workers, who can also redeem these items for future stays.
Donation recipients include American Nurses Association, a nonprofit organization that has represented the nation’s registered nurses since 1896; and NewYork-Presbyterian, a nonprofit academic medical center in New York City and one of the top hospitals in the U.S.
“In these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever for all of us to join together to fuel recovery,” said Bob Gilbert, president and CEO of HSMAI. “With Buy One, Give One, we offer a collective charitable response to the pandemic across the hospitality industry, providing immediate funds to hotels in addition to a much-deserved respite in the future for those who have put their lives on the line to care for the sick.
With Buy One, Give One, we offer a collective charitable response to the pandemic across the hospitality industry, providing immediate funds to hotels in addition to a much-deserved respite in the future for those who have put their lives on the line to care for the sick.
According to data from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, 70% of hotel employees have been laid off or furloughed due to the outbreak. In addition, eight in 10 hotel rooms are empty.
“The COVID-19 crisis has been devastating to the hospitality industry, with countless hotels currently closed globally and hospitality employees out of work,” said Katie Briscoe, president of MMGY Global. “But our research indicates that leisure travel will lead out recovery in the travel industry. Consumers are already dreaming about their next getaway, and we hope this program helps kick start their decision to travel again once restrictions are lifted, whether it’s near home or beyond.”
For the full, up-to-date list of participating hotel brands and individual properties, as well as their respective deals, visit the Buy One, Give One website.
The Details
Buy One, Give One
www.buyonegiveonestay.com
Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International
global.hsmai.org
MMGY Global
www.mmgyglobal.com
Read more from TravelAge West about the COVID-19 outbreak.
