International hospitality outfit, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, is answering health and hygiene concerns with a ‘Global Care and & Cleanliness Commitment’.
The commitment includes certifying their hotels with a third-party cleanliness body, training hygiene managers at each hotel, and putting together a working group of medical and industry advisors.
“The world as we knew it has been fundamentally changed by COVID-19 and when we are all ready to travel again, we want to make sure that every Hyatt colleague and guest feels confident that each aspect of our commitment is designed with their safety in mind, and that we’re putting their wellbeing first,” Mark Hoplamazian president and CEO of Hyatt said.
“To do this, we must critically examine the hotel experience from every vantage point—from our rooms and our lobbies to our spas and dining—bringing in the latest research, technology and innovation to make that happen. Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment is an important expression of our purpose to care for people so they can be their best—now and in the future.”
Cleanliness certificates for each hotel
This month, Hyatt plans on introducing an accreditation program through the Global Biorisk Advisory Council to make sure their hotels are safe and clean.
“Hyatt plans to introduce a GBAC STAR accreditation through a performance-based cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention program that will focus on establishing hotel environments that are sanitary, safe and healthy.”
“Hyatt intends to complement this with regular internal and third-party auditing.”
A new ‘Hygiene Manager’ role
By September 2020, Hyatt wants to have at least “one person on property” trained as Hygiene Manager, who will make sure their hotel is keeping up with the new protocols.
According to Hyatt, these include “Protective masks and other equipment for hotel colleagues … social distancing guidance in public areas across hotel properties … [and] increased frequency of cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants on all high-touch surfaces, guestrooms and shared spaces.”
Keeping in touch with experts
Hyatt also wants to continue to engage with a panel of health experts and industry professionals, which they have been doing since the outbreak began.
“At the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Hyatt assembled a global cross-functional response team and engaged infectious diseases and occupational health experts to support efforts with COVID-19 research findings and information, which enabled Hyatt to promptly update detailed guidance to hotels and address specific needs and situations.”
“Hyatt continues to engage additional medical experts and leading industry professionals as part of its commitment. The goal of the working group will be to provide counsel on key areas of Hyatt’s business, challenging Hyatt to act even more holistically in this new environment.”
