Meetings and Conference Venues across the world are rolling out ever more lengthy documents highlighting how they have the best / most comprehensive re-opening plans, perhaps some of this is more an attempt to differentiate rather than saying anything different. Having looked through many of these regimes it seems to us there are many consistent themes. We have put Cavendish Venues at the top of the list as they were one of the first in the UK to declare publicly what they were doing. Below we have tried to list some of the details put out by major venues in the hope that this highlights some common themes.

Cavendish Venues

The leading London group of conference and meeting venues were to our knowledge the first to publicly publish details of the measures they were planning to introduce to allow for safe operations when allowed to re-open see here for details.
• All handrails, door handles and lift panels disinfected every hour.
• All restrooms are assigned with attendants during events to carry out on-going cleaning and disinfecting work.
• Tables and chairs in exhibition venues are disinfected twice a day.
• All staff members are required to wear face masks and gloves.
• All visitors required to wear face masks, we will provide complementary face masks where required.
• Hand sanitizing gel is readily available at Customer Service Counters and throughout the venue.
• Temperature check for all staff members when reporting for duty every day, in place and recorded.
• Temperature check for all visitors entering the venues.
• Special rubbish bins for disposal of used face masks are provided at Centre exit points and offices.
• All staff members will be regularly tested for Coronavirus, the test kits have been sourced.
• Signage specifying site and event specific social distancing measures.
• We will work with our clients to prevent congestion i.e. staggered arrival and departure times, catering breaks etc.
• Free webcasting available to organisers for each event,
ETC Venues

Somewhat slow to the party but finally got there last week. Plans very similar to that of Cavendish Venues.

CCT Venues

CCT Venues have compiled a comprehensive “Safety First” handbook to include the following;

• Delegate security and hygiene measures, cleaning practices and social distancing measures.
• Revised operational management practices with particular emphasis on safe entry, registration, movement throughout venues, bathroom management, room set ups and food and beverage provision
• Special packages and longer opening hours to allow additional flexibility.
• Providing the the technology to put on hybrid events
• Working closely with Navitas, leaders in the hospitality sector for Health and Safety auditing and Covid-19 safety certification.

A & O Hotels

With venues in 23 cities and 8 European countries s has started installing Plexiglas protective shields that separate guests from hostel staff and the introduction of hand sanitiser stations in all key areas, the hostel group will also be introducing new social distancing and hygiene measures. These will include: a designated hygiene officer in each venue who will be on hand to answer guests’ queries, face masks for all hostel staff, contactless water taps, open doors in public areas so no contact is necessary, and implementing a distance of 1.5 metres between all chairs in dining areas.
Within the first few months of re-opening, a&o will only fill rooms with guests in the same booking or if on separate bookings, allow a maximum of four people per room (50% reduced capacity). The group will also introduce allocated breakfast times to limit the number of guests sharing the dining space at one time.
a&ohostels.com

Dusit

Dusit Hotels & Resorts
Dusit is rolling out a new health and safety programme called ‘Dusit Care – Stay with Confidence’. It involves the following measures:
Flexible stays: All Dusit Hotels & Resorts will offer flexible check-in times, while breakfast will be available at any time of the day, said Dusit.
Safety and Well-being: There will be “frequent sanitisation” of all rooms and public areas, to include temperature scans on arrival, provision of appropriate space in restaurants, and “more measures” designed to protect the health and safety of guests, customers and employees. Dusit’s in-room dining options have been enhanced to include “personalised healthy food”, while refreshment fridges will offer “healthy drinks” and snacks which guests can enjoy for free. New outdoor workout areas will also be added.
Local experience: Dusit said it is partnering with local culinary specialists and craftspeople in its various locations so guests can “enjoy the best of local foods and souvenirs” without having to leave its hotels.
Dusit Care Kits: A Dusit Care Kit will be placed in every guest room. Each pack will include hand sanitiser gel, a face mask, and antibacterial wipes.

Hilton

Hilton’s hotel teams “are receiving ongoing briefings and enhanced operating protocols”.
It has increased the frequency of cleaning its public areas (including lobbies, elevators, door handles, public bathrooms, etc.) and have continued the use of hospital-grade disinfectant.
It continues to “adjust food and beverage service in accordance with current food safety recommendations” and has increased the deployment of antibacterial hand sanitizers.
Update: Hilton plans new cleaning “from check-in to check-out”

Hyatt
The group says:
Comprehensive COVID-19 guidance is in place at Hyatt hotels globally, detailing how to protect against transmission of the virus (including implementing hand sanitizer stations and frequent cleaning of high-touch areas), and procedures in case there is a suspected or confirmed case among our guests or colleagues
Cross-functional, global response teams, including infectious diseases and occupational health experts, provide guidance to our hotels and help address specific needs and situations when needed.

Intercontinental Hotels Group

IHG has announced it is enhancing its existing IHG Way of Clean programme which was first launched in 2015. Developed with Ecolab and Diversey, experts in hygiene and cleaning technologies and services, the programme has now been expanded with additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices to reflect the advice of the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and local public health authorities in markets around the world.
IHG Way of Clean already includes deep cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants and going forward guests can expect to see evolved procedures in every area of the hotel, which may include:
– Reception: Reduced contact at check-in, touchless transactions, front-desk screens, sanitiser stations, sanitised key cards, paperless checkout
– Guest Room: Visible verification of sanitised items (e.g., glassware, remote control), reduction of in-room furnishings/high-touch items, new laundry protocols, use of new technology
– Public Spaces and Facilities: Additional deep cleaning of high-touch surfaces, social distancing, “last cleaned” charts, best practices for pools, fitness centres and lounges
– Food & Beverage: New standards and service approach to buffets, banquets, room service and catering
Supporting the wellbeing of guests and colleagues
Enabling the personal wellbeing of guests and colleagues is key. IHG is working closely with a team of medical experts at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic to develop guidance and resources for hotel teams on returning to work and keeping guests safe in this new environment, which may include:
– Cleanliness information in hotels and on IHG’s booking channels
– Social distancing operating procedures and signage
– Guidance on the use of protective equipment as necessary by hotel colleagues
– Updated colleague training and certification
– Availability of individual guest amenity cleaning kits
– Hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes available in guest rooms and at high-touch points throughout hotels
IHG Clean Promise and Global Cleanliness Board
With updated measures in place, IHG is launching a Clean Promise. Rolling out globally from 1 June 2020, guests can be reassured that their room will meet IHG’s high standards of cleanliness. If not, the hotel will make it right.
Leading this work is IHG’s new Global Cleanliness Board, a group of IHG experts in operations, health, safety and guest experience, working with our new external specialists, including James Merlino, Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at Cleveland Clinic, to define solutions, best practice and implement processes.
While on-property, hotel teams will also appoint Clean Champions to continue building the culture of clean instilled in IHG hotels around the world. These champions will focus on guests and colleagues as they navigate the new environment and help on-property teams to consistently deliver these elevated cleanliness standards.
For more information, please visit www.ihg.com/clean

Kempinski
We are closely following the recommendations of global and local public health authorities (including the WHO and CDC). A global crisis committee is in place to guide and implement these recommendations in each of our properties.
Our already stringent hygiene protocols have been reviewed and adapted to the current situation and we have increased the frequency of all our cleaning processes, including the disinfecting of all surfaces in rooms and public areas such as lobbies, elevators, the front desk, etc.
Our teams have been given clear instructions on how to respond swiftly and appropriately to all presumed cases of coronavirus infection on property, and to provide full support to our guests and employees, addressing their concerns.

Marriott

Marriott has made big promises to its guests in recent days about hygiene.
For Marriott, technology is one answer to improving cleanliness in its hotels, including electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitise surfaces throughout the hotel. The sprayers allow house keeping staff to rapidly clean and disinfect areas and can be used in a hotel setting to clean and disinfect guest rooms, lobbies, gyms and other public areas.
Marriott says that “Electrostatic spraying technology uses the highest classification of disinfectants recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to treat known pathogens”. In addition, the company is testing ultraviolet light technology for sanitising keys for guests and devices shared by associates.
In addition, all areas that are considered ‘high-touch’ will be “thoroughly treated with hospital-grade disinfectants” and disinfecting wipes will also be provided in each room for guests’ personal use.
Signage in hotel lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols and furniture will be removed or rearranged to allow more space. Marriott is also evaluating adding partitions at front desks and is working with its supply chain partners to make masks and gloves available to associates.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) is doing the following
• Cleaning and sanitisation of guest rooms with frequent sanitisation of high-contact points, such as elevator buttons, door handles, reception counters, bathrooms and conference rooms.
• Hand sanitisers placed at guest contact areas, such as hotel lobbies and conference space.
• Infrared thermometers available at front desk to conduct temperature checks of our guests and employees upon request, in certain jurisdictions and subject to availability.
• Provision of medical masks and gloves for our guests and employees upon request, subject to availability.
• Regular training of our employees ensuring proper hand hygiene and awareness of COVID-19. This is vital to help combat the spread of viruses and protect the health of our employees and guests.
Front desks are also well-equipped with hand sanitisers and infrared thermometers to facilitate regular temperature checks. Medical masks and gloves are also provided to guests and hotel staff when required. We conduct daily meetings with our employees to review any relevant situation. We conduct daily meetings with our employees to review any relevant situation.

Minor Hotel Group

Avani Hotels & Resorts /Anantara
Prior to the outbreak, Avani Hotels said it has been working closely with Ecolab and will continue doing so to ensure that all materials and measures adhere to Ecolab, WHO and, for chemical treatment, EPA standards. In addition, Avani Hotels swiftly implemented health screening as well as stepping up in providing hand sanitisers in public areas.
All 32 Avani properties in 18 countries will adopt a range of heightened hygiene and sanitising standards to ensure the safety of guests and associates, with the introduction of:
Contactless Service – starting from the new way we greet our guests without losing the human touch, to digital check-in that allows guest to collect key upon arrival as well as settling check-out billing via digital payment process and launching our very own guest service app.
New Safety & Hygiene Technology – we look at successful countries in combating the epidemic as well as hospitals as the new cleaning standards and have started to look at implementing new technology. Starting from anti-viral coating that has longer protection period, to Cu+ Copper film protection, as well as a range of UVC light technology, and HEPA-grade air purifiers where each bring on its own 99.99% effectiveness in removing bacterial or virus property. In addition, at the front office and behind the scenes, the team will be employing a range of UVC cleaning device to sterilise items such as key cards, stationaries and other often touched items.
The Extra Miles for our Guests & Associates: we will be employing a dedicated AvaniSHIELD Agent whom will be responsible to implement the new safety & hygiene protocols, as well as update team members and keeping in contact with health authorities on the latest update. After cleaning, each guest room will be sealed for 24 hours – a resting period during which time the housekeeping team cannot enter and a waiting period until the next guest can check in. In addition, we will also be re-screening all of our third party partners, transport or tour service and suppliers to ensure they meet the new standard for Avani’s Trusted Partner Programme.

Motel 6 (and Studio 6)

G6 Hospitality, the parent company for the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands, has launched “Clean@6,”.
In the first phase of the “Clean@6” program, G6 performed a comprehensive update to its Infectious Disease Protocols and partnered with Corporate Medical Advisors, a subsidiary of International SOS, which will review and provide ongoing guidance on its COVID-19 operating protocols.
G6 Hospitality also has partnered closely with Diversey, a global leader in the cleaning and hygiene industry, to procure EPA registered disinfectants effective against many viruses including emerging pathogens. The company works with the nation’s leading cleaning and restoration company, Servpro, to address specific cleaning and disinfecting needs across the portfolio.
Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitization:
More frequent cleaning and heavy disinfection of high-touch public surfaces, including: lobby doors and handles, front desks, guest laundry, vending areas, credit card machines, corridor handrails, and elevators
Hand sanitizer stations in the lobby for guest use and in the team center for team member use
Use of EPA-approved, antiviral disinfectants to sanitize the most commonly touched areas of guest rooms, including: light switches, televisions and remotes, cooling/heating equipment, door handles, desks, chairs, commodes, showers, and faucets
As needed, engage the services of a third-party supplier to provide deep cleaning and sanitization services
Physical and Social Distancing:
Social distancing encouraged in all common areas and at the back of the house
Plexi-glass hygiene guards installed at front desk terminals
Where available, use of exterior front desk windows (in lieu of inside lobbies)
Implemented single-use key cards for the remainder of the year
Curtailed lobby coffee service and removed vending area microwaves to minimize use of shared equipment
Monitoring/limiting lobby occupancy and interim closure of pools
For guest safety and comfort, hotel staff will not enter any occupied room. Housekeeping services for stayover guests will include pre-scheduled trash removal, amenity replenishment, and fresh towels and linens
Safe Behavioral Practices:
Increased guest communications on COVID-19 best practices and property requirements
Team members who do not feel well or who have high temperatures are asked to go home/remain at home
All employees fully trained on “Clean@6” standards, sanitization protocols, and equipment; procedures reinforced in daily team meetings
Employees trained to perform frequent hand washing by using soap and sanitizing stations
Required use of masks and disposable gloves by team members at all times while on-property
The “Clean@6” program is in effect at all company-managed locations and serves as a guideline for franchisees, many of whom have already adopted these best practices. G6 Hospitality is proud of the extraordinary degree of care that its franchise partners are demonstrating while serving their guests and local communities during these unprecedented times.
G6 Hospitality also serves on the inaugural Advisory Council for Safe Stay, the recently-launched initiative of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Safe Stay is designed to change hotel industry norms, behaviors, and standards to ensure that both hotel guests and employees are confident in the cleanliness and safety, once industry travel resumes more regularly.
motel6.com studio6.com

Onyx Hospitality Group

Onyx Hospitality Group has announced new health and hygiene protocols as part of its “Onyx Clean” initiative.
The hotel group said it will roll out the following measures “in the coming weeks” in its 52 properties:
Compulsory temperature readings, hand sanitisation, “observation” of potential symptoms for all guests. Every arriving residential guest will be requested to complete a health and travel questionnaire. Physical distancing will be implemented when guests line up in queues. Keys and pens used to complete the check-in procedure will be sanitised.
A room seal will be placed on every room door to indicate to arriving guests that their personal space has not been “tampered with since being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected”. All guest rooms and suites will have masks and gloves. High-touch surfaces such as door handles, TV remotes, room controls and faucets will be wiped down with sanitiser.
There will be “hourly sanitisation” of high-traffic and common-touch areas including door handles and lift buttons. Furniture in the lobby will be arranged in a way to accommodate social distancing, and a limit will be placed on the number of people that can enter an elevator at a time. Hand sanitisers will be “easily available” at multiple points and “UV-C wands” will be used to sterilise seats and tables.
All food and beverage outlets will be rearranged to ensure a safe distance of at least one metre between tables and clusters of bar chairs. Hygiene and safety protocols will be enhanced in all kitchen and food preparation zones “with stringent sanitation standards”
In Spas, guests will undergo temperature readings and hand sanitising before their consultation and treatment. Masks will be worn by “every team member and spa therapist at all times”.
In fitness centres, hand and equipment sanitisers “will be easily accessible” During high occupancy periods, guests will be invited to reserve a gym session to minimise crowding.
Mandatory temperature readings and hand sanitisation “as team members report for duty” with “enhanced grooming and hygiene inspection” before the they start their shift.

Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Hotel Group has introduced Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol, a new program of in-depth cleanliness and disinfection procedures, in partnership with SGS, the inspection, verification, testing and certification company.
These guidelines include hand sanitizing stations at all entrances, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and protective screens, enhanced and recorded cleaning and disinfection frequency, social distancing in all areas of its hotels, including in the Meeting & Event facilities, training in local, Centers for Disease Control, or World Health Organization recommendations and health guidelines, reiteration of food safety standards and comprehensive staff training. Radisson Hotel Group’s enhanced cleaning and disinfection guidelines have been developed in collaboration with global hygiene solutions provider, Diversey.
Radisson Hotel Group will be introducing an official label of cleanliness and disinfection issued by SGS to ensure the highest Cleanliness, Hygiene and Safety standards, as confirmed by SGS through a centralized validation process. Under this program, individual hotels can receive an approval label upon completion of a comprehensive local audit including on-site testing using the latest technology.
The Group will soon be announcing an extension to its brand commitment which includes 20 Steps and an additional 10-Step protocol for Meetings & Events. The company expects to complete all the necessary operational details of this program over the next few weeks. Principles under consideration include:
Increased cleaning and disinfection frequency of all hotel areas, paying special attention to high-touch items
Stations installed with alcohol-based hand sanitizer and gloves at the front entrance and hotel public areas
All room keys disinfected and presented safely upon check-in
Express check-out process available for guests to minimize contact
Cash-free methods of payments available and encouraged
Door hangers displayed with cleaning and disinfection procedures in each room
Comprehensive hygiene and preventions training programs for team members
Team members provided with Personal Protective Equipment such as masks and gloves
radissonhotels.com

Rotana

Our team members, including all hotel staff, have been fully briefed about the specific protocols to follow in relation to this virus. We are fully prepared with both preventative and responsive measures, in line with the World Health Organisation guidelines.
Rotana already has rigorous cleaning procedures in place, but given the latest medical findings that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted by touch, we have significantly stepped-up surface cleaning measures. We are sanitising surfaces more frequently using specialised products tested effective against the virus and have installed hand sanitisers in all of our public areas for you and our colleagues to access for frequent use. Rotana also continues to wash all linen at high temperatures for optimal disinfection.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

A spokesperson from Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts said hotels under the group have taken a series of precautionary measures, including increased disinfection to guestroom facilities and public areas; enhancing food procurement and handling procedures; conducting temperature checks for staff and guests; requiring guests to fill a health and travel declaration form upon their check-in, and reminding their staff to practice strict personal hygiene at all times.
According to the hotel group, if any of their hotel guests or colleagues develops symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, the group will help them to seek immediate medical assistance and will work closely with the authorities to put in place the most appropriate measures to contain the spread.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is expanding its “Count on Us” initiative across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA). This further enhances a broad range of health and safety protocols across properties in the region. This includes the consistent use of top-of-the-range disinfectants at all hotels, the introduction of robust new training and guidelines, and ongoing access to critical health essentials through trusted suppliers.
Wyndham is leveraging its long-standing relationship with hygiene expert Ecolab to ensure the consistent use of industry-leading disinfectants across all EMEA hotels, including rooms and public spaces.
Elevating best practices while promoting consistency in execution, Wyndham has also developed a series of protocols and guidelines that will help hotel partners in EMEA meet new health and safety challenges presented by COVID-19. These address enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace procedures and will be complemented by a line-up of mandatory virtual training courses for hotel teams, as well as additional resources, such as housekeeping checklists. Every Wyndham hotel in EMEA will also be encouraged to appoint a ‘hygiene hero’ to champion the new protocols at each property.
Lastly, Wyndham will provide hotels with access to critical and high-demand health essentials, leveraging its network of trusted suppliers so hotels may source personal protection equipment (PPE), including face masks, gloves, alcohol-based hand sanitisers, as well as hygiene installations and other products compliant with various countries’ regulations around COVID-19. Wyndham will also provide branded collateral clearly communicating key safety measures to guests. These will include branded public-area signage, front desk collateral, guest room materials and more.