People’s expectations of normal have changed and getting “back” will require planning, enhanced communications, and above all else, adaptability. Just like the myriad of options the hotel and lodging industry offers its guests; re-opening won’t be a one-size fits all. That said, the industry can play an integral part in re-opening the economy – in whatever form that takes – by practicing cleanliness and safety. We’re here to help.In an effort to establish a unified standard for safety and cleanliness, IHLA has worked with national, state and local officials to create our Clean + Safe guidance. Our recommendations build upon guidance recently announced by various hotel brands as well as AHLA’s SafeStay guidelines. It also incorporates direct feedback from health and government officials from throughout Illinois. IHLA has various Strategic Partners and Allied Members who can help your hotel meet the standards of these guidelines.
IHLA members who can verify that they meet these standards will be able to display a badge (window decal and electronic image for web use) to confirm to both their team members and guests that they are taking the necessary steps to remain clean and safe.
PLAN FOR RE-OPENING Make sure your employee expectations of a clean and safe work environment are met, if not exceeded. You’ll need to prepare for different scenarios for a return to work that include those caring for others, children at home, and perhaps even an apprehension to return to the workplace. For guests, this is going to be a brave new world. Expect business to start off slow and for guests to not exactly know what being clean and safe means to them. ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS Talk to your employees. Outline the steps you’re taking to protect them. Whether your property has been closed and you’ll need your employees to get back in the groove or if you’ve remained open with a limited team, more communication is going to be needed. People aren’t going to travel unless they feel safe. So, the hotel and lodging industry is going to need to make our guests and visitors feel safe. This is step #1 as far as our guests are concerned. ADAPTABILITY Change is hard. Changing behavior is even harder. If there is one thing that is certain in these unique times, it’s uncertainty. Be prepared to change and adapt. What works on the first day of a re-opening may be fine, or it may not work at all. The standards that are put in place may be too much, too little, or just right…and that may change over time as well. This guide will provide some ideas and concepts for guest and employee considerations, workplace cleaning and safety suggestions, discussion of the possible guest experience, and finally, cleaning guidance. This document is a localized compilation of guidelines and standards established by the CDC, the state of Illinois, local health departments, hotel brands and AHLA's SafeStay initiative. As everyone continues to learn more about operating a lodging facility during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, it’s important to stay updated on the latest information from the Center for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Public Health and your own local health department, and, of course, IHLA’s web site. In this ever-changing environment, it’s important to remain current on the latest information. For More Information on IHLA's Clean + Safe Guidance, Please Email info@illinoishotels.org