Innisfree Hotels is requiring all team members, with approved exemptions, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 15. New hires must have received their first COVID-19 vaccine prior to their first day of employment or by Sept. 15.
“From the onset of the pandemic, our decision-making process has been driven by health, safety and scientific evidence,” said Ted Ent, president/CEO, Innisfree Hotels. “This resolution comes as a response to the stark rise in cases among the unvaccinated and the spreading Delta variant. With this requirement, we intend to better protect our staff and guests from exposure to COVID-19, staying true to our core value of helping those who help us.”
Among other factors, the recent FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine helped inform Innisfree’s decision. The company’s new policy is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities, and will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
“We have an unwritten contract with our guests that we will do whatever it takes to keep them safe,” explained Ent. “Our hotels are fully prepared to assume a leading role in the travel industry in the fight against COVID-19.”
Team members who require an exemption from this policy due to medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief must submit a completed Request for Accommodation Form no later than Sept.15.
Innisfree manages 19 beachfront properties and three urban hotels, and has more than 2,000 employees.