TUI to reduce hotel buffets with mask-wearing staff and strict restaurant capacity instead

BUFFETS are to be “reduced to a minimum” while staff will have to wear masks as they serve meals at a reduced capacity, TUI has warned.

The tour operator has revealed a 10-point guidance plan for when Brits return to the resorts for the holiday season.

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TUI warns that the hotel buffet services at resort will be massively reduced with limited opening times and capacitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Outdoor activities are likely to be limited, while restaurants will have both limited capacity and operational times.

The document explains: “Self-service offers such as buffets will be reduced to a minimum.

“Wherever possible, food and beverages will be served to guests by staff wearing protective masks.”

It also adds: “Only events, sports and entertainment involving a small number of participants and without close contact will be made available,”

Examples of allowed activities include golf or tennis matches, but football tournaments are not.

Spas will be repurposed for childcare services.

Hotels in TUI will be making the changes ahead of their opening later this yearCredit: Pic from TUI website, unknown use at own risk

TUI’s 10-point plan

1) Online check-ins encouraged

2) 1.5m distancing in public spaces

3) Staff to work in strict team rotas

4) Restaurant tables 1.5m apart

5) Extended restaurant and hotel facility opening hours

6) Only sports and events without close contact allowed

7) Increased disinfectant dispenser

8) Extensive new cleaning practices between guests

9) Self-service offers such as buffets will be reduced while staff must wear masks while serving

10) Additional training for staff

Online check and disinfectant facilities will be offered guests around the hotel, while cleaning staff will be conducting more stringent cleaning processes within rooms.

The UK’s biggest travel firm first paused all hotel stays and package holidays in March, stating they would be no longer available until “further notice”.

While TUI have currently cancelled their trips until these specific dates, there is a strong chance that they will have to scrap further holidays as the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread.

A statement on the website explains: “Due to the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have advised against all but essential travel.

“Unfortunately, this means that we’re no longer able to offer TUI holidays travelling on or before 11 June 2020 and Marella Cruises sailings travelling on or before 30 June 2020.”

A spokesperson for the company previously added: “We are constantly monitoring the situation and will start taking people on holiday again as soon as we are able to do so.”

Egypt and Spain have already warned of implementing similar restriction at holiday resorts.

Mini bars and room service may be a thing of the past as well as hotels ramp up their efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The chair of the Hotel Association of Turkey Müberra Eresin explained that while resort guests favoured buffet options, this may no longer be an option.

He told local media: “It is very difficult to predict which applications will change with the coronavirus epidemic, and which changes will be permanent at this stage, but I think that the buffet cannot be preferred.”