MGM Resorts International announced its planned June 4 reopening of Bellagio, New York-New York, MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature, following the closure earlier this year of all of its U.S. properties amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. At opening, amenities at all properties will be limited. As demand for the destination builds, additional venues within these resorts will open and other MGM Resorts properties on The Strip will reopen.

Anantara Hotels and Resorts has announces the extension of its recently launched “Stay with Peace of Mind” program to include MICE facilities. To ensure guest and meeting delegate confidence, Anantara will be implementing stringent new health and hygiene measures, with enhanced levels of sanitation extending throughout the hotels’ meeting, events and conference spaces and focusing on wellbeing for guests and team members.

Benchmark, A Global Hospitality Company, has officially launched its recovery initiative that will support meeting planners and partners while creating new solutions for the industry in a post-COVID-19 world. In effect through March 2021, the plan mitigates the risk and uncertainty of committing to new meetings and events. To provide reassurance to corporate planners, the plan includes flexible short-term bookings, relaxed attrition and cancellation fees and 100 percent credit given on rebookings. 

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled a range of new protocols it believes will lead to the restarting of the travel and tourism sector worldwide. The measures are intended to rebuild confidence among consumers, so they can travel safely once the restrictions are lifted.

Marriott International announced that long-time senior executive Dave Grissen has decided to step down from his position as group president, the Americas, at the end of 2020 and retire from Marriott in the first quarter of 2021. Grissen, who has been with the 36 years—11 of which in his current role—oversees all of the Americas’ lodging business comprising more than 5,640 properties and a work force of 160,000 people.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has introduced a “Booking with Confidence” group meeting offer. Valid until January 31, 2021, Mandarin Oriental will waive any cancellation fees should government and travel guidelines give rise to event cancellation, provided that advance notice is received at least 30 days ahead of the event.

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. announced that it has taken additional steps to enhance its overall liquidity position in light of the operating and financial effects on the company due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Marriott International announced Tuesday that it will be elevating its cleanliness standards and hospitality norms and behaviors to meet the new health and safety challenges presented by the current pandemic environment.

Aimbridge Hospitality announced it has launched Aimbridge Aid, a charitable foundation with a sole mission to provide financial support for associates and the communities Aimbridge Hospitality serves during times of crisis.