Resort recognized in new Thai government initiative to create visitor confidence
KOH SAMUI, Thailand (July 3, 2020) — Banyan Tree Samui, a luxury 88-villa resort commanding spectacular vistas of an idyllic beach cove, has been awarded the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certificate by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in recognition of the hotel’s upgraded health and hygiene standards and commitment to guest safety.
SHA certification was introduced by TAT in May to encourage not only hotels and resorts but all tourism-related enterprises, including restaurants, spas, department stores and major attractions, to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 as Thailand looks to reopen to international travelers in the near future.
After meeting all required hygiene and quality controls following a rigorous inspection, approved businesses may display the SHA logo for two years to reassure visitors.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of this SHA initiative,” said Banyan Tree Samui General Manager Remko Kroesen. “Our hygiene manager and her team have worked relentlessly since the outbreak of the virus to ensure that the resort meets every guest’s highest expectations.”
Among Banyan Tree Samui’s latest innovations is a “Safe Sanctuary” policy which promises guests a “contactless journey” from check-in to check-out, as well as enhanced cleanliness protocols and appropriate distancing at all on-site facilities such as restaurants, the spa and fitness center.
In addition, each visitor is presented a Portier smartphone by their personal “Villa Host” upon arrival at the hotel. They can thereafter use the phone throughout their stay to make any requests, such as ordering in-villa F&B services, arranging tours, and coordinating housekeeping service. The phone is user-friendly and delivers all of its features in English, Russian, Chinese, German or French.
TAT said that the Amazing Thailand SHA certification is a unique certification scheme aimed at preparing the Thai tourism industry for the recovery period post-COVID-19 pandemic and enhancing confidence amongst international and domestic tourists.
Among the recent recipients of the SHA certificate is the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the kingdom’s most iconic attraction, which routinely takes in some 8 million visitors per year.
About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
The Banyan Tree Group is a leading international operator and developer of premium resorts, hotels, residences and spas, with a collection of award-winning brands. Banyan Tree offers a Sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. Angsana brings the adventure back into travel whatever your age or reason to visit. Intertwining local chic and a vibrant fun-filled atmosphere, Angsana offers amazing destination playgrounds across the world. Cassia is a bold new proposition in the extended stay sector, offering stylish, cutting edge hotel residences for holidays and business travel. It offers incredible choice for families, friends and couples. Dhawa is a casual and contemporary full-service hotel that fuses imaginative design, absolute comfort and seamless technology into a single stay experience. It curates a plethora of choices to achieve a truly customised stay.
To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 47 hotels and resorts, 63 spas, 73 retail galleries; as well as three golf courses in 24 countries.