Hotels across the Accor network will be audited and independently vetted and verified to ensure an ongoing standard of compliance with a new cleanliness stamp designed to assure guests their room has met strict hygiene standards.
Developed in partnership with testing inspections and certification leader, Bureau Veritas, the new ‘Allsafe’ cleanliness and prevention label will see some of the world’s most stringent cleaning standards and operational procedures, which will be audited by both internal and external parties.
Compliant hotels will be able to add the Allsafe stamp of approval on marketing material including websites and on-property to ensure guests are aware of and can independently verify the standards in force during their stay.
Key elements of the new protocols will include high-frequency cleaning of touch points including elevators, public restrooms and lounge areas, with staff in restaurants to wear masks and gloves. New procedures will be in place in buffet service eateries with maximums of eight per table also set to come into force.
Within rooms, hospital-grade cleaning materials will be utilised as a minimum standard, with regular deep cleaning of carpets, while all bedding will be washed and treated at high temperatures to ensure complete disinfection and eradication of germs and other particles.
A new comprehensive safety and hygiene training program will be rolled out worldwide to all employees to ensure education and safety skills are in place for the protection of both staff and guests. Any hotels required to close due to not meeting the new standard will be required to undergo online and classroom training prior to reopening. Staff will be further protected with partitions at front desks and equipment to check guest temperature on arrival. Further, disinfectant mats will also be installed at hotel entrances.
Further, all hotel restaurants will be reconfigured to ensure seating areas comply with government restrictions on social distancing. Diners and all guests will be provided with hand sanitiser, wipes and masks to use as they deem fit, with signage informing of local requirements also to be rolled out.
Accor CEO, Sebastien Bazin, said reassuring guests they will receive a safe welcome in all hotels worldwide is part of the company’s DNA and comes naturally, but that it was now necessary to go even further.
“Accor’s history and its geographical reach, including our operations in regions affected by previous outbreaks of infection disease, means we have a strong track record and expertise that enables us to seamlessly adapt to new guest expectations.”
In a second string to the cleanliness and hygiene bow, Accor will introduce a medical assistance program to all hotels worldwide in partnership with The AXA Group where guests will be able to access medical teleconsultations and access to AXA’s global network of medical professionals.
Under the partnership, hotels will be able to work with guests to assist with finding the right medical professional to suit the circumstances, with a wider network of personnel able to cater to language barriers and deal with specialty situations.
“This distinctive partnership with AXA which we have been working on for several months makes even more sense in today’s context,” Bazin continued.
“In an increasingly complex environment, our 300.000 team members on the ground will be able to assist our guests and ensure their safety during their stays, turning our hotels into shelters.”