COSTA MESA, CALIF.—A year ago, hotel summer marketing and advertising efforts were in full swing with images of epic pools, zen-like spas and cozy bed linens. Today, hotel ads are filled with images of electrostatic sprayers, updates on new cleaning protocols and offers for free last-minute cancellations. These are smart moves, according to the J.D. Power 2020 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study, just released, which finds that meeting guest expectations for cleanliness and proactively communicating with guests prior to arrival continue to be critical drivers of guest satisfaction. “While the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly amplified the importance of...

TRENTON, N.J.—Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has proven indispensable in the wake of COVID-19 but this surge has led to littered PPE flooding streets and marine habitats. To address this unintended public health crisis of potentially hazardous litter, TerraCycle Regulated Waste has launched an easy-to-use recycling solution for single-use gloves and masks through their line of EasyPak Containers. Designed as a recycling system for businesses in need of a turn-key solution for hazardous waste disposal, the PPE EasyPack Containers allow property managers to easily recycle used gloves and masks on-site, thereby allowing staff to responsibly dispose of their protective gear instead...

ATLANTA—AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, in partnership with P&G Professional, is pleased to announce the launch of a free new training in hotel sanitization and cleanliness. The online training is designed to help hotel owners and employees follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations to mitigate virus transmission. “As our industry progresses on the road to recovery, it is imperative that hotels offer guests clean, safe accommodations so they feel confident as they resume travel,” said AAHOA President & CEO Cecil Staton. “We are grateful to partner with P&G Professional to...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced Hyatt’s path forward to welcome back guests and customers to Hyatt hotels, helping them once again experience the joy of travel. With a focus on safety first and wellbeing always, Hyatt is reimagining the hotel journey with new amenities and offerings and taking comprehensive steps to implement enhanced protocols that help colleagues feel comfortable and confident at work. As an extension of Hyatt’s recently announced Global Care and Cleanliness Commitment, Hyatt is collaborating with medical experts from Cleveland Clinic among other trusted medical and industry advisors to fine-tune reopening and operating procedures such as colleague reorientations,...

LENEXA, KAN.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 13 products on List N, EPA’s list of products expected to kill SARS-CoV-2, have completed laboratory testing for use specifically against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. “As part of President Trump’s all-of-government approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19, EPA is continuing its efforts to approve products that have specifically been tested against SARS-CoV-2,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Each of these products already appears on the agency’s list of approved disinfectants—this additional step provides critical scientific data and information on the tools that the American public are relying...

MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.—The global pandemic of Covid-19 is fast tracking infection control technologies and products in public restrooms. “While cleanliness has always been a goal in designing restrooms, coronavirus has underscored the need for hygienic, sterile and safe environments,” said Jon Dommisse, Director of Strategy and Corporate Development, Bradley Corp., a global manufacturer of restroom equipment. Companies, educational institutions and municipalities are all now evaluating new procedures and products for their restroom facilities. “Businesses are looking at short-term and long-term fixes for operating safely,” said Michelle Kempen WRID, WELL AP, ASID, with Kahler Slater, a Milwaukee-based architectural firm. “The goal is to...

LINCOLNSHIRE, ILL.—As businesses around the country reopen amid the ongoing pandemic, LG Business Solutions USA has expanded its suite of Health Protocol Solutions, introducing new digital signage packages that give businesses eye-catching platforms to provide information, guidance, wayfinding and interactive experiences. Digital signage display leader LG partnered with other technology leaders to offer an array of new options including wellness kiosks, occupancy management systems, portable battery-operated solutions, and even contact-less interactive digital signage displays. “Digital signage solutions are enabling businesses to be flexible and accommodating while the nation responds to changing public health guidance and varying in-store regulations,” said Dan...

PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc., a global leader in water, food safety and infection prevention solutions and services, launched the Ecolab Science Certified Program. Using a comprehensive, science-based approach, Ecolab Science Certified combines advanced chemistry with new public health training and audit verification to deliver a high standard of cleanliness for public health and food safety required due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ecolab Science Certified Program strengthens consumer confidence by: Creating clean through hospital-grade disinfecting products, food-contact cleaning and sanitizing products, solutions that address the most common sources of infection transmission, and elevated hygiene standards and protocols informed by the Centers for...

The wrong lists keep getting longer—the list of hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol but have tested positive for methanol contamination, and the list of accidental poisonings attributed to hand sanitizer. The Federal Drug Administration’s list of improperly labeled hand sanitizer was up to 94 entries as of this writing. Every entry I saw on the list was made in Mexico. I am not aware of any improperly labeled sanitizer being sold to hotels but please be careful about what you buy and where you buy it. Some of the improperly labeled sanitizer was sold at Walmart...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Hard Rock International announced the implementation of a new health and safety plan for Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, as locations begin to reopen worldwide in compliance with global, national, and local health officials. Hard Rock Hotels globally have implemented SAFE + SOUND, a new program developed by a team of hospitality and gaming experts in collaboration with worldwide health and sanitization specialists, including Ecolab and NSF International, formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation, to help keep guests and team members safe and healthy. Under the new SAFE + SOUND standards established by Hard Rock, each hotel...