Melia Hotels International and Palladium Hotel Group are ramping up employee vaccination efforts in the Dominican Republic, providing staff with access to on-property Covid-19 shots.
Melia Hotels said it aims to get all 2,200 employees working at its Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, Paradisus Palma Real, Melia Caribe Beach Resort and Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort properties in Punta Cana fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Although Melia is targeting full vaccination for all Punta Cana resort staff, a spokesperson for the company confirmed that vaccinations are not being made mandatory.
The vaccines, supplied by Sinnovac, are being provided to Melia staff at a public outdoor space at the Paradisus Palma Real.
Melia reported that as of April 25, 370 Paradisus Palma Real employees had already received their first dose, with all Punta Cana workers expected to have completed their first dose by May 5. Second doses for employees are projected to be completed by May 25.
In a statement, Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Melia Hotels International, said the measure is expected to "help speed up the recovery of international travel into Punta Cana" at a time when the destination is "already seeing in an increased number of searches and bookings."
Likewise, Palladium Hotel Group is promising to provide shots for all staff members who wish to get vaccinated through April 30.
On-property employee vaccinations have begun at all six of Palladium's Dominican Republic resorts, including the Grand Palladium Palace Resort, Spa & Casino; Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa; Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa; TRS Turquesa Hotel; TRS Cap Cana Hotel; and the Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Casino.
Although vaccinations aren't mandatory for Palladium staff in the country, the company said that it is "highly recommending it."
"By implementing this vaccination program, Palladium Hotel Group hopes to position its properties as one of the safest vacation resorts in the destination, just in time for summer travel," said Pilar Arizmendi Stewart, Palladium's vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas, in a statement.