Changing agendas

It’s probably safe to say that just a few short weeks ago, the launch of a new cleaning standards certification program would not have been the top story on our newsletter.

But as an indication of how the major hotel groups are preparing for the return of business post Covid-19, Accor’s partnership with Bureau Veritas, a global testing and inspection group, is a significant one. The organisations have partnered to create a new certification focused on ensuring businesses are safe to reopen. It will focus on ensuring that sanitation and security protocols have been met before properties can welcome the public again.

The label will be designed to cover most hospitality businesses, including accommodation and catering functions, and will apply to all of Accor’s properties as well as other chains and independent hotels. The project was developed in collaboration with epidemiologists, trade associations and Accor owners.

Bureau Veritas Africa and France CEO Jacques Pommeraud said: “With this label, today we have the ability to meet the new expectations of our society in terms of health and safety. This label will contribute to the hospitality and restaurant industry reopening with confidence.”

When the hotel sector dies reopen for business it’s going to be a staggered process and it is likely to be more competitive than ever, with traveller numbers recovering from gradually from a low base – and Accor clearly thinks programmes such as this will give its properties, and those of participating hotels, a competitive edge during the recovery.