NATIONAL REPORT—For hoteliers, customers are the No. 1 priority. After all, how they feel about their stay can have a huge impact, both on whether they return or recommend to others. Subsequently, focusing on guest satisfaction is paramount and there are many factors to consider, including facilities, cleanliness and comfort. Another is odour control and air pollution.
Maintaining high air quality is an ongoing concern and an issue that requires continual management. This is because poor quality air can contain a huge range of pollutants, allergens and chemicals, from germs and pollen to remnants from harsh cleaning products. All of which can lead to unpleasant odours or cause guests to feel ill or uncomfortable.
In fact, in destinations where air pollution is particularly problematic, hotels are advertising excellent air quality in their facilities. This includes hotels in China, where high-end air filtration systems are becoming a luxury selling point.
Causes of Low-Quality Indoor Air
There are numerous sources that can contribute to internal air pollution, many of which may be surprising. As you may expect, burning gas or wood, fumes from wet paint or external pollution can all contribute, resulting in poor internal air quality. However, sources also include items designed to enhance the space, such as burning candles, spraying perfumes and using cleaning products.
As such, hoteliers should be concerned with the ways they can make improvements.
Remove Sources of Pollution
Firstly, aiming to eradicate sources of pollution can be one of the best ways to improve air quality. It can also be one of the most cost-effective options, as removing the source often requires a one-off investment that subsequently leads to a long-term solution. Examples of this may include paying for asbestos removal, upgrading an old heating system and regularly maintaining working chimneys.
Improving the Hotel’s Ventilation
The second method may be to improve the current ventilation system. Whether this means ensuring that all windows can be opened or that there is a well-maintained fan system in place, this can allow external air to circulate through the hotel.
The effectiveness of this option largely depends on the location of the hotel. For example, this may work well in rural or mountainous areas, while increasing ventilation in a city hotel may damage air quality by increasing pollution and contaminants.
Invest in Units to Clean the Air
A popular option in commercial spaces, these units can range from single room sizes to systems that are suitable for entire hotels. These work by cleaning the air and purifying to improve quality. These can help ensure your guests are exposed to fewer pollutants, chemicals and germs, ensuring they have a healthier and more enjoyable stay.
