Marriott International is introducing a multi-pronged platform aimed to elevate cleanliness standards and hospitality behaviors and norms during—and beyond—the current pandemic crisis. Chaired by Ray Bennett, who serves as Marriott’s chief global officer of global operations, the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council will pool input from in-house and outsourced experts on housekeeping, engineering, food safety, occupational health, and associate wellbeing.
“We are living in a new age, with COVID-19 front and center for our guests and our associates,” says Marriott president and CEO Arne Sorenson. “We are grateful for the trust our guests have shown us through the years. We want our guests to understand what we are doing today and planning for in the near future in the areas of cleanliness, hygiene, and social distancing so that when they walk through the doors of one of our hotels, they know our commitment to their health and safety is our priority. It’s equally important to us that our associates know the changes we are making to help safeguard their health as they serve our guests.”
New technologies will be introduced over the next several months, including electrostatic sprayers equipped with hospital-grade disinfectants to sanitize surfaces throughout each hotel. Ultraviolet light technology will also be used to sanitize keys and other devices shared by guests. Additionally, new signage will be added to public spaces to remind guests to practice social distancing, while furniture across lobbies and meeting rooms will be reconfigured to meet these protocols. New measures for in-room dining and buffets will be considered for food and guest safety, too.
“Safety for our guests and associates has always been a top priority for Marriott and today that discussion of safety is in the context of COVID-19,” Bennett said in a press release. “We want our guests to know that we are doing everything we can to welcome them back to a safe and clean hotel environment when they start traveling again.”
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