Extreme standards attract guests: “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”
COVID-19 has made even the most easy-going person germophobic, home has become a safe haven free from viral risk and encouraging travellers to stay with you will require effort than ever before. Having and promoting the highest standard of hygiene in your Accom offering will be vital to attracting future guests.
This week, Marriott International launched a Global Cleanliness Council “to promote even higher standards of cleanliness in the age of COVID-19”.
The Council is chaired by Ray Bennett, Chief Global Officer, Global Operations, Marriott International, and will benefit from knowledge and input from both in-house and outside experts and use enhanced technology to counter virus spread.
“Marriott has a long tradition of emphasizing cleanliness in our care of guest rooms and in the public spaces of our hotels,” said Bennett.
“Through the council and scientific advice of experts, we are taking a thoughtful approach to set an even higher bar of cleanliness and develop new guest interaction protocols. The Marriott Global Cleanliness Council is focused on more than just disinfection across the hotel, we are providing a holistic approach designed to take care of our guests and associates.”
Hilton is defining a new standard of hotel cleanliness, working with RB/Lysol and Mayo Clinic to elevate hygiene practices from check-in to check-out. (Photo: Business Wire)
Hilton is currently promoting a “first for the hospitality business” their “CleanStay with Lysol Protection” programme which is expected to launch in June 2020.
They intend to deliver “an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection” collaborating with RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, and in consultation with Mayo Clinic to all their Hilton properties throughout the world. The process will include elevated cleaning practice and team training to help and is built upon research indicating consumers have heightened hygiene concerns and trust in cleanliness standards will be critical to restarting travel.
“Our first priority has always been the safety of our guests and Team Members,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, Hilton President and CEO. “Hilton CleanStay builds on the best practices and protocols we’ve developed over the last several months, allowing our guests to rest easy with us and focus on enjoying the unforgettable experiences we have to offer – while protecting our Team Members who are on the front lines of hospitality.”
Airbnb hosts are also cleaning house, with the launch of Airbnb’s new Cleaning Protocol with “enhanced procedures and guidance”.
Greg Greeley, President of Homes at Airbnb stated: “Homes have become a place of shelter, and the future of travel will also rely on a new comfort zone, with the privacy and benefits of a home away from home, without crowds or high turnovers.
“We are working with leading experts in health and hygiene so that our community’s trademark hospitality can incorporate official guidance and fulfill new personal preferences, with hosts and guests uniting to offer, manage and enjoy cleaner accommodations.”
Government guidelines for “Environmental cleaning and disinfection principles for COVID-19 Routine environmental cleaning” can be found here.
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