Marriott International has announced that it will be extending its waiver on cancellation fees regarding stays affected by Novel Coronavirus (now code named COVID-19).
The hospitality group has announced that it will now waive fees through March 15, 2020 on reservations made by those traveling to any Marriott branded hotel in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Guests from these countries traveling to other global Marriott properties are also entitled to free cancellations.
“We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization’s statements regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and following the guidelines from these agencies and the local health departments. The wellbeing of our guests and associates is of paramount importance. We have extended the date that we are waiving cancellation fees through March 15, 2020 for guests with reservations at our hotels in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan and guests from Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan traveling outbound to other Marriott destinations globally.”
As at this post’s publication, there were 75,305 reported of those being infected with Coronavirus and 2,014 deaths globally. However even with adjusted statistics, the number of reported cases and deaths has started to slow as private and public organizations continue to discourage travel in and out of Mainland China and surrounding areas.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings has closed at least 150 of its 225 properties in China, and anticipates that the virus’ spread could impact operations as long as one year. They are also offering penalty free changes or cancellations on reservations through February 29, 2020 to. Like the Marriott, the offer is extended to those with reservations in Greater China, along with those traveling out of China to other Hilton branded properties. Hyatt is also extended similar benefits to those coming to and from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan through February 29, 2020.
[Featured Photo: Marriott International]
