Aussie hotel caught segregating guests based on race
A popular Australian hotel owned by one of the world’s biggest hospitality groups has been sprung directing staff to racially profile guests.
An ABC investigation has uncovered that staff at the Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis were told to direct Aboriginal people from out of town into inferior rooms while charging them the same price as other guests.
According to an email obtained by the ABC, the hotel instructed staff to racially profile guests from June last year.
“Just to keep everyone in the loop, we are now only putting hospital linen into rooms 85 to 90,” the email read.
“These rooms are to be referred to as community rooms and we will try to limit them to just that, those coming from the communities.
“Reception ladies, please use a touch of initiative and allocate accordingly on arrival.”
Furthermore, an anonymous staff member of the hotel told the ABC they witnessed the racial profiling on hundreds of occasions, saying it was “pretty much standard”.
The ABC tested the whistleblower’s claims with a group of Aboriginal guests and a group of non-Indigenous guests.
It found that the room the Aboriginal guests were checked into at Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis had issues such as dirty floors, stained sheets, broken glass and garbage.
However, the hotel’s manager and its owner, Accor, have denied racially profiling guests.
“Accor is unaware of any complaints from staff or guests of this nature,” an Accor spokesperson said.
“The hotel welcomes and embraces guests from all backgrounds and cultures that reflects their diverse workforce, which includes 31 per cent Indigenous employees.”
Travel Weekly has contacted Accor for further comment.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
accor hotel Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis racial profilingLatest News
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