When you open your property again (I know some are still open), will it be certified clean to the level of standards that travelers in a COVID-19 world expect? I ask this because of several developments I came across this past week.
First, Accor announced that it had joined forces with Bureau Veritas, a provider of testing, inspection and certification, to develop a label designed to certify that the appropriate safety standards and cleaning protocols have been achieved to allow businesses to reopen. The label will apply to Accor hotels in Europe and first to Accor hotels in France. The label will cover both accommodation and catering.
The good news for all of you is that out of this effort an operational guide will be made available to all stakeholders in the hospitality industry, enabling you to rigorously apply the health and safety recommendation of authorities (WHO, Health Ministry. etc.) both in guest services spaces and in back office and catering spaces.
Singapore’s SG Clean Program
Singapore is taking cleanliness so seriously that it has launched a program to audit hotels nationwide and give them a clean bill of health if they meet seven criteria. Be sure to read those criteria—the first of which is the appointment of an “SG Clean” manager to implement measures and ensure compliance to the checklist of the SG Clean Program. Singapore Tourism Board aims to audit and certify 570 hotels, attractions and other tourism establishments in the next two months and 37,000 eventually. Assessment is done by independent organizations such as KPMG and, along with certification, is free.
If you don’t have the SG Clean seal and your competitor across the street does, where do you think the traveler will stay?
Marriott Steps Up Cleanliness Standards
While Marriott did not announce participation in any type of “certified clean” certification program this past week, it did make a strong commitment to higher standards of cleanliness and said it would use outside auditors for food safety inspections. The company created the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council. It is focused on developing the next level of global hospitality cleanliness standards, norms and behaviors that are designed to minimize risk and enhance safety for consumers and Marriott associates alike. The Council includes senior leaders from Marriott and advisory members representing the supplier, public health, educational and academic communities.
Marriott says it is rolling out enhanced technologies over the next few months, including electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel. The sprayers rapidly clean and disinfect entire areas and can be used in a hotel setting to clean and disinfect guestrooms, lobbies, gyms and other public areas. In addition, the company is testing ultraviolet light technology for sanitizing keys for guests and devices shared by associates.
Over the next few months, when guests are in hotels within the Marriott portfolio, they will notice a number of additions to the cleaning regimen. Specific areas of focus include:
- Surface Areas: COVID-19 has raised awareness about the importance of high-touch surface cleanliness. In public spaces, Marriott is requiring that surfaces are thoroughly treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and that this cleaning is done with increased frequency. In guestrooms, the company is requiring that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. Marriott will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests’ personal use.
- Guest Contact: The CDC and WHO warn about direct, person-to-person contact as the primary way COVID-19 is spread. To help alleviate the risk of transmission this way, the company will be using signage in its lobbies to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols and removing or re-arranging furniture to allow more space for distancing. Marriott is also evaluating adding partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates and is working with supply chain partners to make masks and gloves available to associates. The company is installing more hand sanitizing stations at the entrances to its hotels, near the front desk, elevator banks and fitness and meeting spaces. In addition, in over 3,200 of Marriott’s hotels, guests can choose to use their phones to check in, access their rooms, make special requests and order room service that will be specially packaged and delivered right to the door without contact.
- Food Safety: Marriott’s food safety program includes enhanced sanitation guidelines and training videos for all operational associates that includes hygiene and disinfecting practices. At Marriott, all food handlers and supervisors are trained on safe food preparation and service practices. Marriott’s food and beverage operations are required to conduct self-inspection using the company’s food safety standards as guidelines, and compliance is validated by independent audits. In addition, the company is modifying its operational practices for in-room dining and designing new approaches to buffets.
What Marriott is doing is of course essential and smart. Every other hotel company should be doing the same.
Got news to share about your company’s stepped-up efforts in cleaning and hygiene? E-mail me at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
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