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Preparing for a comeback: Marriott offers employees financial incentive to get vaccinated

March 04, 2021
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3 min read
Marriott Headquarters looking to move, but Maryland Gov. looking for ways to keep it here
Preparing for a comeback: Marriott offers employees financial incentive to get vaccinated
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Marriott International announced on Thursday that it would offer a financial incentive to staff at Marriott-managed properties in the U.S. and Canada to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

As part of the initiative, which Marriott is calling the "Vaccination Care Program," the company will also provide education around the benefits of the vaccine as well as flexible scheduling to accommodate vaccine appointments. The financial incentive is four hours of pay once the employee has completed the vaccination process.

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“The health and safety of our people is our top priority. Our goal for the Vaccination Care Program is to remove potential obstacles to getting vaccinated so our associates can put their health first and have peace of mind,” said global chief human resources officer, Marriott International, David Rodriguez. “As vaccines become more widely available, this will create a safer environment for all associates, and we believe that consumer confidence to travel again will increase significantly and help the rebound of the travel and tourism sector.”

While this is the first instance of a vaccination incentive, airlines are also stepping in to help facilitate vaccinations for employees. Etihad Airways became the first airline in the world with 100% of crew on board vaccinated back in February. As TPG's Zach Honig reported, other airlines are working on inoculating all crew as well: Singapore Airlines will provide employees with Pfizer’s vaccine, while Emirates is working to roll out the Pfizer and Sinopharm vaccines among its staff. In an internal town hall, United CEO Scott Kirby added his two cents on the matter, saying, “I think the right thing to do is for United Airlines, and for other companies, to require the vaccines and to make them mandatory.”

Related: Breaking down Etihad’s impressive crew vaccine claim

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The travel industry has taken a massive hit since the onset of COVID-19 at the beginning of 2020. NBC reported at the beginning of this year that, as a whole, airlines lost more than $35 billion in 2020. That's according to analyst estimates provided by FactSet. While vaccinating employees is a great way of helping keep staff safe and healthy, as Marriott notes, it could also provide a boost of confidence to consumers on the fence about booking their next vacation — and a boost to the travel industry as well.

Related: Where you can go with a vaccine passport; A country-by-country guide

Featured image by The Washington Post via Getty Im
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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