As the world adjusts to new travel norms and expectations, IHG Hotels & Resorts is enhancing the experience for its hotel guests around the world by redefining cleanliness and supporting guests’ personal well-being throughout their stay.
Using new, science-led protocols and service measures; partnering with industry-leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey; and launching a global IHG Clean Promise, the strengthened efforts will give guests greater confidence and hotel teams the protection needed.
“The future of travel may look different, but a safe, secure stay is fundamental to deliver True Hospitality—and that will never change. By combining IHG’s world-class knowledge and processes, with cutting-edge expertise from Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab, and Diversey, we can reassure guests and colleagues that we’re focused on protecting their health and wellbeing. This includes looking at where technology can make a difference, deploying enhanced, highly visible and more frequent cleaning measures, and different approaches to food and beverage, all underpinned by our new IHG Clean Promise,” said Keith Barr, IHG Chief Executive Officer.
IHG has a long-standing commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures. Launched in 2015, the IHG Way of Clean program was developed with Ecolab and Diversey, both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies and services. This program is now being expanded with additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices – many of which are already in place – to reflect the advice of the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and local public health authorities in markets around the world.
The 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, sanitizer stations, sanitized key cards, and paperless checkout;
– Guest Room: Visible verification of sanitized items (e.g., glassware, remote control), reduction of in-room furnishings/high-touch items, new laundry protocols, and use of new technology;
– Public Spaces and Facilities: Additional deep cleaning of high-touch surfaces, social distancing, “last cleaned” charts, and best practices for pools, fitness centers and lounges; and
– Food & Beverage: New standards and service approach to buffets, banquets, room service, and catering.
Enabling the personal well-being of guests and colleagues, 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; and
– Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes available in guest rooms and at high-touch points throughout hotels.
With updated measures in place, IHG is also launching a Clean Promise. Rolling out globally starting on June 1, 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.