As hotels around the world begin to reopen, hospitality providers have enhanced cleanliness and safety protocols to protect the health and safety of guests and staff. Leading global hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG have each released their plans for managing the safety of their properties to the public.
In Singapore, the SG Clean audit system is put in place by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to certify hotels that meet the seven clean and safe requirements. This includes appointing a manager to oversee procedures, temperature and health screenings of employees, arrangements for limiting contact, cleanliness and hygiene practices, and compliance with advisories and protocols.
Here is a summary of what some prominent players and early adopters are planning to implement.
Deep Cleaning
Hotels will be using sanitization technology and hospital-grade disinfectants to sterilize and clean all areas frequently, to reduce the risk of surface-based transmissions.
The World Travel & Tourism Council, WTTC’s ‘safe travels’ global protocol calls for implemented processes, focused on enhanced sanitation, disinfection, and deep cleaning practices as well as an increase in cleaning frequency.
Hotel chains have said they will use electrostatic sprays to deep-sanitize rooms and common areas, as well as ultraviolet light technology to sterilize high-frequency touchpoints such as room key cards, light switches, and door handles.
Besides deep cleaning, hotels are now making their guest experiences even more “contactless”, allowing guests to make in-room orders, message hotel staff on any requests or queries and also to control room lights and TV using their own mobile device.
GTRIIP has already successfully provided such “contactless modules” to hotels like Grand Park City Hall and Amara Singapore.
Social Distancing
Hotels are also responding to the need for social distancing with rapid technology adoption to minimize physical contact. In addition to contact tracing bracelets and thermal scanners, there is also an increase in the adoption of contactless technology such as automated and document-less check-ins and check-outs.
Contactless solutions such as GTRIIP can minimize human-to-human contact by making remote check-ins possible. Guests can check-in and unlock their hotel rooms with their smartphones removing the need for physical concierges and key cards.
Rebuilding Trust And Confidence
Hospitality organizations are focused on delivering clear, consistent, and enhanced communication with consumers on new health & hygiene safety protocols, to minimize confusion and reinstate peace of mind for visitors.
Clear signages and instructions will be displayed throughout hotels to inform guests of cleaning protocols, social distancing, and recommendations. Trained front office and guest-facing staff will also be available to answer any additional questions about the safety measures that have been implemented at the property.
Hotels will provide hand sanitizers and share personal safety guidelines based on the advice given by health authorities to disseminate to guests, such as the wearing of face masks, guidance to good personal hygiene and social distancing.
Conclusion
Several countries and associations have also launched initiatives for independent hygiene audits to rebuild domestic and international confidence.
Singapore’s SG Clean initiative will help hotels demonstrate their commitment to ensuring guest and staff safety in light of COVID-19. Within the hospitality industry, organizations are standardizing best practices and even offering certifications to operate safely and regain public trust.
In a world changed by COVID-19, it’s clear that comprehensive measures for deep cleaning, social distancing, and clear communication will become a mainstay in hotels.
Contactless technologies such as GTRIIP can be quickly adopted to deliver on these safety protocols and protect people while hotels reopen. GTRIIP is easy to implement and use. With no additional hardware infrastructure needed, hotels can launch contactless check-ins swiftly.
To learn more about how GTRIIP can enable safer contactless experiences for hotels, drop us a message here: https://www.gtriip.com/consult-with-us/.
