I had recently written a post about how the vaccinated and unvaccinated are traveling to different places. Here’s a prime example (granted, not that the unvaxxed have any say in this particular matter).
A resort and six hotels in Waikiki will be the first in Hawaii to require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, not only for all their employees but all their guests and patrons, as well.
As of October 15th, all seven Waikiki-based properties owned by Highgate, a hospitality investment and management company, will require COVID vaccines for all employees and guests. They include:
- ‘Alohilani Resort
- Ambassador Waikiki Hotel
- Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach
- Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach
- Park Shore Waikiki
- Pearl Hotel Waikiki
The resort/hotels will not allow COVID testing as an alternative. However those with medical or religious exemptions, as well as children under age 12, will be exempt from the new rule.
According to the Hawaii Department of Health, approximately 65% of Hawaii’s population is fully vaccinated. Roughly 75% of the state’s visitors are vaccinated against COVID, 24% arrive with a pre-test exemption and roughly 1% opt to quarantine upon arrival.
Some other hotels and resorts in Hawaii already require their employees to be vaccinated, but not their guests and patrons. The Highgate properties will not only stand out for visitors who want to maximize COVID safety, but also will be a way for their 1,000 employees to decrease their chances of contracting COVID at work.
Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, said Highgate’s announcement, “will resonate. It will set a standard. It will be an example that we need to do as we go forward.
“Now more than ever, we also have to maintain a reputation as being a healthy place to visit first for our residents who call Hawaii home and then for our guests who come here,” said Hannemann.
Feature Photo: Alan Light / Flickr
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
