NATIONAL REPORT—As other properties have done recently, hotels, landmarks and other buildings are showing their support through lights for medical personnel, first responders and others who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of them:
San Francisco Honors Hospitality Workers With Lights
San Francisco’s iconic City Hall, along with several tourism-related locations throughout the city, were bathed in purple lighting on April 6 to honor hospitality industry workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Joining City Hall were San Francisco International Airport, the Moscone Center, Coit Tower, Chase Center, SFMOMA, Oracle Park and the California Academy of Sciences. The Ferry Building launched its purple lighting on April 7.
Several hotels also decorated in purple to honor their employees—many of whom have lost their jobs due to the crisis—while others displayed heart shapes made of the lights in empty hotel rooms.
“The instantaneous support for this idea is symbolic of the unity of the travel industry and the City and their shared commitment to honoring the workers in hospitality,” said Joe D’Alessandro, president/CEO of San Francisco Travel Association (SFTA). “We all recognize that we are facing this challenge together, and we’re proud that our city took bold action early on to hopefully shorten the length of this crisis.”
The spectacle will be repeated on April 13 and 20 and is expected to grow as locations across the region and state join the tribute to those who welcome visitors from around the world and have now experienced personal and economic hardships.
The color purple was selected to represent hospitality because of its blend of luxurious, confident red and relaxing, comforting blue, noted the SFTA.
“Thousands of employees in our hospitality and tourism industry have been heavily impacted by the ongoing coronavirus crisis,” said San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed. “We know this is an incredibly difficult time for hospitality workers and that many are experiencing uncertainty and financial hardships. We’re committed to helping them through this time because of all they’ve done for San Francisco. Lighting buildings throughout the city in purple is a symbol of that commitment and our gratitude for their work.”
“Our hotel family is, for many visitors, the first experience they have of San Francisco,” said Kevin Carroll, president/CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco. “Their smiles and professionalism set the tone for millions of visitors every year. Until we can smile again in person, we’re going to light up our hotels in electric smiles of thanks to these frontline and behind-the-scenes hospitality workers. Truly, we are the city that knows how.”
Disney World Hotels Show Some Love
Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort lit up with a heart to thank Disney Cast Members and fans for their continued support of Disney Parks during this difficult time.
The cast members who are still staffing Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort lit up the building in a giant Mickey Mouse silhouette.
“While our world looks very different today, one thing endures: The American flag still flies over Walt Disney World,” said John D’Amaro, Walt Disney World Resort president on his Instagram feed. “I’m inspired how our security cast members continue to raise it each and every morning at Magic Kingdom while they are on duty protecting the magic. It’s a symbol that we’re still here and will not falter. I hope this inspires you as well. We will be back. Thanks to all our incredible cast members who continue to maintain the magic until that day. Until then, please take care of yourselves and your families. We will see you soon.”
Although no official announcement has been made regarding Disney parks reopening dates, many signs indicate that it may be on or around June 1.
Niagara Falls Hotels Show Their Heart
Hotels in Niagara Falls are lighting up guestrooms in the shape of hearts as part of Niagara Falls Tourism’s Niagara Heart of Hope.
“Our hotels and casinos in Niagara Falls are lighting up glowing hearts as a sign of hope and solidarity,” said Niagara Falls Tourism on Facebook. “As a community, we are united in the fight to stop the spread of the virus.”
MGM Resorts Light Up With Symbols Of Love And Support
While Las Vegas may be currently closed for business, The Strip is lighting up literally with signs of love and support to show that its heart is with the world during this difficult time.
MGM Resorts International properties including MGM Grand, Aria Resort & Casino, Park MGM, Vdara, Delano and New York-New York are displaying messages of hope across the facades of their buildings nightly through strategically lit guestrooms.
