Marriott International is unveiling a multi-pronged platform to raise its cleanliness standards and hospitality norms to meet new health and safety challenges presented by the current pandemic.
The Marriott Global Cleanliness Council will mean enhanced technologies over the coming months, including electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel. 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. The sprayers rapidly clean and disinfect entire areas.
In addition, the company is testing ultraviolet light technology for sanitizing keys for guests and devices shared by associates.
Marriott’s Chief Global Officer, Global Operations, Ray Bennett will serve as the program’s chairman.
Other updates to cleanliness, according to the company, include:
Surface areas: In public spaces, the company has added to its already rigorous cleaning protocols, requiring that surfaces are thoroughly treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and that this cleaning is done with increased frequency. In guest rooms, the company has likewise added to its rigorous protocols, requiring that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. Marriott will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests’ personal use.
Guest contact: The company will be using signage in lobbies to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols and removing or re-arranging furniture to allow more space for distancing. Marriott is also evaluating adding partitions at front desks and is working with supply chain partners to make masks and gloves available to associates. The company is also installing more hand sanitizing stations in public areas. In addition, in over 3,200 of Marriott’s hotels, guests can choose to use their phones to check in, access their rooms, make special requests and order room service that will be specially packaged and delivered without contact.
Food safety: Marriott’s food safety program includes enhanced sanitation guidelines and training videos for all operational associates that includes hygiene and disinfecting practices. All food handlers and supervisors are trained on safe food preparation and service practices. Marriott’s food and beverage operations are required to conduct self-inspection using the company’s food safety standards as guidelines, and compliance is validated by independent audits. In addition, the company is modifying its operational practices for in-room dining and designing new approaches to buffets.