Hotel group hopeful exhibitions to return soon
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) – A hotel group is pinning its hopes on the return of exhibitions, which is among the events severely hit by strict COVID-19 quarantine rules.
“We see that exhibitions particularly will really have to come back because there are certain exhibitions where you cannot do it virtually,” SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) executive vice president Peggy Angeles told CNN Philippines’ The Exchange.
An example of this would be for construction materials, which she said involves the need to feel the material and see the equipment on-site.
“We strongly believe that this will come back pretty soon. Organizers are already asking and this is probably towards the end of this year and on to 2022,” Angeles added.
Venues for exhibitions – along with conferences and meetings – are allowed to operate at 50% capacity in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), and 75% for those under modified GCQ.
However, they can only accommodate up to 40% capacity in areas under GCQ with “some restrictions” – with only a 10% capacity allowed if used for social events.
Such venues are prohibited from operating completely in areas under GCQ with “heightened restrictions” and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
At present, it’s more of demand for hybrid meetings that’s slowly returning, Angeles said.
SMHCC had been repurposing its facilities to cater to host kitchens and advertising agencies shooting commercials, she added.
Article: https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2021/7/9/Hotel-group-hopeful-exhibitions-to-return-soon.html