US: Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International, has announced that wearing face masks will become a brand standard for guests staying in Marriott hotels “no matter the jurisdiction”.
In a video message, Sorenson announced that Marriott is joining the American Hotel & Lodging Association in revealing a new industry checklist that “identifies expectations and new requirements of hotel guests nationwide.”
This includes practicing social distancing in all indoor common areas, washing hands regularly or using hand sanitiser, and taking advantage of contactless options.
“But we can do more to protect each other and our associates,” Sorenson said. “Health experts have made it clear that wearing face coverings in public spaces is one of the easiest steps that we can all take to protect one another and reduce the spread of Covid-19. As part of our commitment to clean, we’ve made it a brand standard that associates wear masks and set an example.”
“Given the recent spikes across the US, and with guidance from health officials, we are now extending the requirement to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces of hotels to our guests, no matter the jurisdiction,” he added.
Marriott will send pre-arrival reminders to its guests, provide signage within its hotels and train all staff.
The new safety requirement is effective as of July 27, and Marriott will continue to review the policy following the advice of medical experts.
Marriott is the first of the top five hotel brands to announce that face coverings will become a requirement for its staff and guests. Other hoteliers consider it optional, with the exception of travelling in lifts. Time will tell whether Marriott has set precedent for the industry – IHG and Hyatt have since announced that face masks will be compulsory as of next week.
