Communication Tips During Hotel Takeovers

To attain a favorable image of the property, proper planning of communications of the transfer of the hotel should be carefully considered by the selling and buying parties. Therefore a clear understanding must be established between them which stipulate announcing responsibilities.

• Public Relations representatives of each company must develop a communication plan. The manager or agency which has been handling the public relations needs to be consulted about any issues that need to be addressed.
  
• All possible audiences who might be impacted by the transfer of ownership must be identified, such as the public, media, staff, government officials, the industry and if applicable condo owners.
  
• A statement must be drawn in order to address inquiries about the transfer of ownership. The actual time of announcement must be planned but a statement must be on hand for the media in case there has been a leak or the staff starts to spread rumors. It's imperative to be prepared to avoid false rumors which could be damaging to the hotel's image.
  
• Anticipate possible questions from the media or other parties by preparing a question and answer sheet. All staff must be instructed to direct all questions, including those from the guests or condo owners, if any, to the Public Relations manager.
  
• An announcement plan must be prepared in order to address the different parties at the proper time through news releases, letters, events and personal phone calls. Employees must be informed prior to the release to the media.
  

Please contact us for more information.