WASHINGTON, D.C.—As businesses and schools consider COVID-19 disinfection regimens that expose building occupants to unnecessary health risks, Green Seal has released Guidelines for Safer COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfection that spell out effective and responsible cleaning practices for occupant health and safety during the pandemic. These five best practices—intended for facility, property and housekeeping managers—are based on the latest scientific understanding of the COVID-19 virus and build on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency. They also reflect Green Seal’s expertise in setting science-based standards for cleaning products, principles, and practices that deliver uncompromising...

According to a recent study by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel platform, more than 9 out of 10 (92 percent) said cleanliness is the most important factor in selecting accommodations. Capitalizing on that trend, Tripadvisor has launched a new suite of “Travel Safe” tools to help consumers find, filter for, and validate health and safety information to feel more confident with their future travel choices across town and around the world. If your property is listed on TripAdvisor, you need to pay attention to and participate in Travel Safe. Travel Safe features are available in all 49 markets where Tripadvisor...

NEEDHAM, MASS.—Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel platform, launched a new suite of “Travel Safe” tools to help consumers find, filter for, and validate health and safety information to feel more confident with their future travel choices across town and around the world. Travel Safe features are available in all 49 markets where Tripadvisor operates, and more than 13,850 properties have already activated the feature set. A recent study* from Tripadvisor found that for consumers thinking about future travel: More than 9 out of 10 (92%) said cleanliness is the most important factor in selecting accommodations. More than 8 in 10...

WILMINGTON, DEL.—DuPont introduced the newest pattern additions to the DuPont Tedlar Wallcovering Avant-Garde collection. Inspired by nature’s essential building blocks, Roccia and Travertino are the latest seasonal patterns in the Avant-Garde collection, giving designers even more stone and metal options for a strong, durable look indoors. The stacked-slate look of Roccia has Italian-inspired names ranging from light patterns like “Grigio” to darker shades with blue undertones found in “Azure.” A familiar texture in the Travertino design features colors such as the elegant “Ivory” and the sturdy “Black” shade. “We’re committed to adding more patterns and colors every season to give architects...

FAIRFAX, VA.—With beaches and tourist attractions beginning to reopen as stay-at-home orders are lifted across the country, commercial lodging facilities must prepare for the influx of eager travelers ready to get the summer travel season underway. While resuming regular operations is an exciting prospect for any business owner, those in charge of lodging facilities must still be on high alert for one of the most elusive pests—bed bugs. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is urging facility managers to take the steps necessary to prevent an infestation. “A vast majority of hotels have been sitting vacant these last few months,...

T2 Site Amenities Clean Point Graphic Sanitizer Stand for Dispensers The Clean Point freestanding “no touch” dispensers and stands will keep your guests and employees hygienically safe. This series is available with optional signage and post decals. Other graphic styles available. The post is constructed from recycled milk bottles. For indoor or outdoor use. Many other models/styles available. Made in the USA. Contact Steve at (847) 579-9003, e-mail steve@t2-sa.com, or go to www.t2-sa.com for more information. T2 Site Amenities » Email for Details »  

While most hotels, hotel brands, convention centers and others in our industry have developed their own cleaning and maintenance protocols with the help of outside experts, few have gone so far as to seek actual third party accreditation for their cleaning, disinfection and infection prevention. Momentum is building in that area, however, with recent announcements from ISSA and its GBAC STAR accreditation and Ecolab Inc. and its Ecolab Science Certified Program. Some of those that have sought GBAC STAR accreditation include Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Nigel in Dana Point, Calif.; Marriott Marquis Chicago Hotel; The Shilla...

Guestroom attendants (GRAs) had a difficult enough job prior to COVID-19 with the constant exposure to hazardous chemicals, ergonomics-related aches and pains, and guest harassment so common that panic buttons were required. Add on having to wear PPE, dodge guests who might have COVID-19, and deal with even more chemicals and you have got quite an 8-hour day. In my book guestroom attendants should be treated like royalty as frequently as possible. This past week I learned that UMF Corp. is sponsoring the first annual Guest Room Attendant Excellence Award. “The award celebrates the often-unheralded workers who serve as the...

LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp. The specially designed stamp will allow travelers to recognize governments and businesses around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols—so consumers can experience “Safe Travels”. The landmark move by WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, has also received the backing of the influential United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Eligible businesses such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health...

ST. LOUIS—Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are looking for additional ways to protect themselves from getting sick. Business owners are scrambling to add additional layers of protection to instill guest confidence and get people back into their stores and restaurants. Enter the Clean Hands Company, the St. Louis based technology-meets-hygiene manufacturers of the Clean Hands System. This unique handwashing compliance system, developed by Ray Johnson and Fred Striley, ensures employees wash their hands on a regular basis. Launched in 2009, the system was originally created with restaurants in mind, but the founders knew that hand washing was a necessity that encompassed so much more than...