May 22, 2020, New Delhi: ITDC has remained active in a spate of upbeat activities since March 2020 to support the fight against COVID -19. Even before the lockdown, when the nation was still grappling with the initial stages of impact, ITDC hotels housed stranded tourists until they could be sent home. Starting April 1, 2020, the kitchens of Hotel The Ashok, New Delhi provided 2000 fresh and hygienically packed meals daily to frontline health workers at AIIMS, Safdarjung and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospitals, as well other needy persons for five weeks, serving more than 62,000 meals. Samrat Hotel, New Delhi was made ready to house upto 100 Government doctors who would be available on immediate call. Today, Hotel Kalinga Ashok, Bhubaneshwar and Hotel Samrat continue to be enlisted as quarantine facilities. Two facilities at Puducherry are being independently used for doctors and quarantine. Guided by AIIMS doctors, all health and safety protocols were put in place for the hotels weeks ago. ITDC has been closely involved with officials of the Ministry of Tourism in the formulation of industry and sector specific guidelines / SOPs under the guidance of Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism. Preparing to restart business amid a new perspective and a new vision, ITDC is committed to placing health and safety on top priority, while retaining traditional hospitality. The Corporation is forming a Health and Safety Advisory Board with leading doctors as mentors. The entire post-COVID initiative is a 360 degree amalgamation of SOPs, HACCP and FSSAI codes, technology, training, medical expertise and strict protocols. Mr. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, C&MD, ITDC, who is stringently monitoring and guiding the activities says, “The aim is to instill a feeling of reassurance and well-being in the minds of our patrons. Our initiative will be based on international benchmarking and be imbued with our deepest concern for our guests.” A rigorous training intervention on health and safety protocols has been formally inaugurated by C&MD, ITDC at the flagship property, The Ashok, on 22.05.2020. The first phase covering each specific function will be completed within a fortnight. An empowered and re-oriented work-force, and completely safe hotels are ready to welcome visitors. ITDC is moving ahead!