02 Jul Global Secure Accreditation launches ‘COVID-19 Certificate of International Good Practice’ in partnership with Collinson
Global Secure Accreditation (GSA) has partnered with medical and travel expert, Collinson, to create the COVID-19 Certificate of International Good Practice. The new certification provides hotels and venues internationally with evidence they are meeting best practice when it comes to hotel hygiene security.
The certificate – the only one to be backed by the UK regulated Awarding Organisation, SFJ Awards – is launched as hotels and venues look to gradually open up again across the globe, after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changing focus
In a recent Global Business Travel Association survey, 96% of respondents reported that guidelines and standards are critically important for the hotel industry. As the definition of safety and security changes to place greater emphasis on hygiene and health, this certification is a way for hospitality companies to show guests their establishment is meeting the highest of standards – those specifically developed in light of COVID-19 – and that are based on an accountable, managed and measured system.
Applicants for certification will be measured by how they are functioning to control the virus from entering the hotel; to limit any ability for a virus to spread within the property, and to ensure they have a response plan in the event of any suspicious health event, while delivering the best possible customer experience for guests.
“Hotels and other hospitality venues worldwide were some of the worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent and on-going accreditation of standards will be essential to making guests feel comfortable visiting these establishments again, and that’s critical to the recovery of the industry,” says Brian Moore, Operations Director, GSA. “Travelers know they are in good hands when they are staying at a hotel assessed by GSA. Our COVID-19 Certificate of International Good Practice isn’t just a one-time certification. We’re thrilled to be working alongside Collinson on the certification, giving hotels ongoing resources for making their guests feel secure as they open up again after the nationwide lockdown.”
24/7 support
For extra peace of mind, hotel operators also have the option of adding ColIinson’s Pandemic Support Hotline. The service provides 24/7 direct, confidential access to medically trained experts who can specifically answer questions related to COVID-19, giving hotels accurate information on what to do to take appropriate care, based on both the latest regional and international information. While response plans in general should be formed by each individual hotel, the Collinson team can give advice on the most suitable next steps. For instance, whether testing should occur, if local authorities should be informed or where to go if the local hospital is on lockdown.
Demonstrating a Duty of Care
The first hotel to receive the COVID-19 Certificate of International Good Practice, Martin Elsner, Regional Director Italy, Rocco Forte Hotels, says, “The safety and comfort of our guests and staff is always a priority in everything that we do at Rocco Forte Hotels.” He adds, “We chose the GSA Certificate, accredited by a UK Government-approved, independent global standards awarding body, because it demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high levels of protection and hygiene.”
If you want to find out more about the COVID-19 Certificate of International Good Practice, click here or get in touch.
