The novel coronavirus pandemic has ushered in a new era of housekeeping for hotels in the APAC region. Some large hospitality chains have turned to accreditation programs to make guests feel safe[1], while others have developed cleanliness councils to ensure cleaning and disinfection best practices are being implemented.[2] Hospitality groups and independent owners are prioritizing cleaning and disinfection to protect guests and employees ? and to instill customer confidence.
As the purpose of cleaning transforms, C-suite executives, hotel managers and housekeeping teams must understand how to advance their environmental hygiene programs. With a new approach built on a foundation of health and safety, organizations can prevent the spread of infections to protect employees, guests and building visitors.
The Shift from Cleaning for Appearance
Prior to the pandemic, hotels primarily focused on ?cleaning for appearance? to secure five-star reviews and positive word of mouth. From shiny lobby floors to clean linens, properties focused on looking their best to make a good first impression. First impressions set the tone for a guest's visit, so the visual presentation of a hotel's interior and exterior must be carefully crafted and maintained.
However, when faced with a global pandemic ?cleaning for appearance? is no longer good enough. People have become much more concerned with germs and expect that a hotel is ?cleaning for health? to control exposure to these threats.
?Cleaning for health? inactivates viruses and kills bacteria and fungi to limit the spread of potentially harmful pathogens. Cleaning with an emphasis on infection prevention prioritizes giving guests a safe stay and also protecting workers. Given the scope and impact of the pandemic, increased expectations around cleanliness will become the norm as the tourism and hospitality industry recovers.
Taking Cleaning to the Next Level
Best practices that hotels should consider when implementing a ?cleaning for health? program include:
A Safe and Healthy ?Home-away-from-home?
As hotels continue to reopen, there will still be uneasiness about traveling and staying away from home where there is less control over cleanliness. To overcome this, hotels will need to clearly communicate the steps they are taking to protect guests. As cases of coronavirus drop and a vaccine emerges, the industry will rebound as people become more comfortable with traveling. Hotels that have demonstrated a commitment to health and safety will have a greater chance of winning and maintaining loyal customers in the long-term.
[1] https://www.hyatt.com/info/global-care-and-cleanliness-commitment
[2] https://news.marriott.com/news/2020/04/21/marriott-international-launches-global-cleanliness-council-to-promote-even-higher-standards-of-cleanliness-in-the-age-of-covid-19
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