Judy Wang, public relations director in China for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, says the May 12 earthquake was felt most strongly by Shangri-La Hotels in Chengdu, Wuhan and Xi'an.
Wang says, "There were no staff or guest injuries at any of the hotels and any physical damage to the buildings was only cosmetic in nature. As a precautionary measure, Shangri-La hotels in Chengdu and Xi'an have called in structural engineers to ensure that the structural integrity of these two hotels is secure."
She says the Shangri-la Hotel, Chengdu emergency response team responded quickly and guests and staff were immediately evacuated in the moments following the quake. The hotel closed some of its facilities on the higher floors right after the earthquake and provided complimentary dinners for guests on the ground level. So guests could easily communicate with their families and friends, the hotel provided complimentary IDD calls and Internet access.
The fundraising events for earthquake relief are underway at all Shangri-La's 30 hotels in China including Hong Kong SAR, which include employees' cash donations. Apart from cash donation among the employees the hotel also placed donation boxes at all public areas and food and beverage outlets. Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu is organizing volunteers to provide help to the local community. Some of the hotels are working on charity auctions. All the funds raised will be sent to Red Cross or Care for Children for Sichuan earthquake victims.
Since the earthquake took place, Wang says the Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu has received cancellations and is expecting about a 15% decrease in May occupancy from both FIT and group sectors.
