Hotels, venues start receiving bookings for functions

Amid a decline in COVID-19 infections, Kuwait cautiously entered the fifth phase of a gradual return to normal life, with various sectors returning to full capacity.

The airport resumed operations at full capacity. Worshippers in mosques are now praying without distancing, while the requirement to wear masks in open areas has been lifted. However, wearing of masks and maintain social distancing is still in force in closed places such as shopping malls, restaurants and cafes.

The hospitality industry was one of the most affected sectors during the pandemic, which led to a ban on gatherings such as weddings, community events and conferences, including workshops and seminars. Thousands of people were laid off or lost their jobs completely as a result.

Now, however, the industry is gearing up for a comeback. “We are back, thank God,” the banquet manager said. Both five- and four-star hotels confirmed a sudden increase in reservations for events and seminars.

“Bookings are open and we hope they will increase in the coming months. Although we have a shortage of manpower, we are going to manage with the minimum staff we have. In the next few weeks, we will resume all activities in our conference halls and ballrooms. We have a reservation for 100 persons for a wedding next week,” he added.

Some clients are in a hurry to book their events, especially in the month of December, when many holiday events are held. “I called a hotel yesterday to book for December 17 for our company’s holiday party, but the date was already reserved, so I got the nearest available date,” a company organizer said.