LONDON—New York Times best-selling author and behavioral psychologist, Martin Lindstrom, in association with Intertek Protek, has recently launched a COVID-safe travel tips e-book titled, “Travel Truth and Lies Unmasked.” The free e-book which is downloadable here, provides those travelling in this COVID-19 era with handy tips on how to navigate the hidden pitfalls of international travel with confidence. This fascinating and highly entertaining read shuns scaremongering in favor of a practical guide on how to navigate the patchwork quilt of contradictory international regulations, as well as the physical spaces through which we pass on our travels. As the global appetite for...

Is it just me or shouldn’t have Accor already done this for guests and visitors? Global hospitality leader Accor announced that effective immediately, all guests and visitors at Accor properties across North & Central America are required to wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Accor employees have already been required to wear masks, in addition to other preventive measures implemented as part of the Group’s global ALLSAFE cleanliness label and the region’s ‘ALL Safe & Well’ wellbeing platform. “We remain deeply committed to taking the necessary steps to protect the health and...

LONDON—Nearly three million jobs in the U.K.—and 197 million worldwide in the travel and tourism sector globally—look set to be lost due to the collapse of travel, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC economic modelling conducted less than two months ago predicted this “worst case scenario” would occur if barriers to global travel, such as quarantine measures and blanket travel restrictions were to remain in place. While some travel bans have been removed, many others remain, with new restrictions likely to come into force to tackle the continuing threat posed by COVID-19 and possible second spikes. However, the...

The coronavirus pandemic has created a new normal, and the only seemingly certain thing is uncertainty. When will the economy reopen? How can we be sure it is safe to reopen? What steps can we take to ensure everyone is safe upon reopening? For hotels, which are especially hit hard by the pandemic response, answers to these questions are imperative. Hotel occupancy has dropped about 70% overall during the pandemic, with tourist centers like Hawaii and New York City showing marked declines. As businesses begin to reopen, hotels will likely see increases in occupancy rates, however, the worst is not...

MALIBU, CALIF.—Malibu Beach Inn, the luxury boutique hotel nestled on the sands of the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Malibu, is recognized by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), receiving a Certificate of Accreditation, the GBAC STAR. The GBAC STAR, the gold standard of prepared facilities, acknowledges Malibu Beach Inn’s efforts to establish and maintain an infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks and establishes and maintains proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices as well as highly informed cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation. “We aim to provide guests high-touch service in...

SEATTLE—As hotels and other businesses struggle to survive amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Safeology (www.safeology.com) has released a video demonstrating new technology that will allow them to safely reopen, stay open and return to a time of normalcy. The Safeology Tower leverages the science of UV light to inactivate a wide array of pathogens, including the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The UVC-disinfection product uses smart technology to eliminate up to 99.9 percent of pathogens. Using scientifically-proven technology, the Safeology UVC Light Tower quickly and safely eliminates up to 99.9 percent of surface pathogens—like the coronavirus—that are exposed to the Tower’s UVC light. Safeology UVC disinfecting...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Violet Defense, the only known manufacturer of pulsed Xenon UV disinfection devices that can be installed and operated autonomously, has announced that its technology has been independently validated to kill up to 99.99 percent of Human coronavirus, strain 229E, an accepted testing surrogate for the SARS-COV-2 virus, at a distance of 2 meters. “Our goal as a company has always been to help protect the everyday places where people live, work, and play by providing clinical level disinfection from harmful germs at a cost-effective price point. This is more important than ever during this pandemic, as we try to...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—With the onset of COVID-19, doors have become the untouchables yet somehow you have got to make your way through as unscathed as possible. Fortunately, myriad suppliers are offering innovative devices to make the door experience as virus and touch free as possible. Examples of the devices include a simple key made of antimicrobial brass that you use to push a door open, a no-touch door pull handle that allows one to use one’s wrist or bottom of one’s arm to open a door, a door handle cuff utilized by resting ones forearm into the cuff and pressing...

FORT WASHINGTON, PENN.—Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, launched its Papernet Heavenly Soft Door Tissue and Defend Tech hand towel dispensers. With heightened concerns around hygiene in public facilities—particularly in restrooms—the Door Tissue promotes cleanliness by turning restroom doors into touchless exits and eliminating contact with other high-traffic touchpoints such as elevator buttons. The Defend Tech dispensers feature unique silver-ion technology that repels germs and helps further reduce the risk of contaminated hands and surfaces. “Some customers form perceptions of a business based on the level of hygiene in the facility, especially its restrooms,” said Fabio Vitali, Vice President, Marketing, Sofidel America. “Solutions like our Door Tissue and the Defend Tech dispensers allow businesses to help customers feel safe and stay clean.” Paired with a waste receptacle, the Door Tissue can reduce touchpoints in a variety of environments. Restaurants, retailers, office...

WHEELING, ILL.—Protect-A-Bed has recently undergone independent lab testing to ensure their products meet the evolving needs of the hospitality industry. Protect-A-Bed is pleased to announce that their mattress and pillow protectors have passed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highest standard for Viral Barrier Penetration (ASTM F1671). “Our newest viral barrier protection products should provide greater peace of mind that is crucial in today’s climate,” says Bob Burbank, CEO at Protect-A-Bed. “ The independent laboratory testing certifies that these products meet or exceed the CDC’s Level 4 standard, thereby ensuring that Protect-A-Bed’s viral barrier products provide the...