IHG Hotels & Resorts in partnership with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey has launched the global IHG Clean Promise. Using new, science-led protocols and service measures to strengthen measures, the project will give the guests greater confidence and provide the hotel teams with the protection needed.
IHG Way of Clean programme was launched in 2015 and developed with Ecolab and Diversey. Now the programme is enhanced with additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices. With many already in place with in the SOPs, additional protocols are being taken 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 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.”
Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG
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.
IHG has been working closely with the team of medical experts at Cleveland Clinic to develop guidance and resources to hotel teams on returning to work and keeping guests safe in the new environment. IHG believes that personal wellbeing of guests and colleagues is key to ensure travel confidence post COVID-19.
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Clean Promise will be rolling out globally from 01st June 2020. This programme shall provide the assurance that their room will meet the high standards of IHG cleanliness or if not the hotel will make it right. The new global cleanliness board comprising of a group of IHG experts, will work closely with their new external specialists including James Merlino, Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at Cleveland Clinic. The board will define solutions, best practice and implement processes. With it, through out all properties, a Clean Champion shall be appointed to continue building the culture of clean instilled in IHG hotels worldwide.
