I have attended the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show before. It is a great event. That is why it saddened me to read yesterday that the event will now be a virtual event after the host state, Florida, saw a significant spike in new COVID-19 infections. I live in Florida in Hillsborough County where the number of cases has gone up as well. This week we were told we must wear masks inside most businesses. We are starting to go backwards instead of forwards. I am not a scientist but I have read enough over the past few months to...

ATLANTA, GA.—AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, announced that its 2020 Convention & Trade Show will not proceed in person due to new health and safety guidelines for combatting COVID-19 issued by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, June 20. The state is experiencing a significant spike in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, and the DOH now recommends limiting recreational gatherings to fewer than fifty people. The AAHOA Convention & Trade Show is one of the largest gatherings of hotel owners, hospitality industry leaders, and vendors in the country. A recent survey of AAHOA members and...

Guest Supply Everything You Need to Re-open Today’s world has changed, which has introduced new standards and expectations for safety and comfort. Travelers are looking for reassurance that the hotels they choose to stay at are taking their safety seriously. As a partner with decades of experience in this industry, we have the solutions you need to safely re-open your doors and create a healthy, clean environment for your guests, as well as your staff. Call (800) 772-7676 or contact your Territory Manager. Guest Supply » Email for Details »

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...

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...

MCLEAN, VA.—The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has created unprecedented challenges for the travel and tourism industry. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. took early and decisive action to boost liquidity and reduce corporate expenditures. Hilton this week announced additional measures to reduce its cost structure, including the intended reduction of approximately 2,100 corporate roles globally, and the extension of previously announced furloughs, reduced hours, and corporate pay reductions for up to an additional 90 days. Christopher J. Nassetta, President & Chief Executive Officer of Hilton, said, “Never in Hilton’s 101-year history has our industry faced a global crisis that brings travel to a virtual standstill. Hospitality will...

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...

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Extended Stay America announced the debut of a new initiative, STAY Confident, to focus on the health, safety, and comfort of its guests. STAY Confident will build upon Extended Stay America’s experience as the only major hotel brand to remain 100 percent open since the beginning of the pandemic and the already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene at its 634 locations. “STAY Confident is our way of increasing our commitment to provide a stay that is healthy, safe and comfortable,” said Bruce Haase, President and CEO of Extended Stay America. “With so many guests looking to Extended Stay...

SKOKIE, ILL.—Nominations are open for the first annual Guest Room Attendant Excellence Award, which acknowledges the contributions of guest room attendants (GRAs) at hotel companies across the United States. Sponsored by UMF Corp., the award celebrates the often unheralded workers who serve as the first line of defense in ensuring a safe guest environment. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Aug. 31, 2020. “As the world faces an ongoing battle with COVID-19, the hospitality housekeeping department is emerging front and center, ensuring guest safety, satisfaction and loyalty,” said UMF CEO George Clarke. “Industry associations and thought leaders have reacted quickly...