Accor, the leading augmented hospitality group, has announced that every single hotel in its 270-strong UK and Ireland brand portfolio has signed up to AllSafe, its global cleanliness and prevention programme.
AllSafe has been introduced in response to the pandemic and is independently audited to ensure compliance with its rigorous standards. AllSafe was developed by Accor in partnership with Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspection and certification.
AllSafe requires incredibly rigorous hygiene measures and employee protocols to be implemented, going beyond many national government’s minimum viable requirements, to ensure guest and staff safety.
To comply with the standards, hotels must deliver actions including hospital grade room disinfection, deep cleaning of all upholstery and carpets, with bedding washed and treated at high temperatures.
Hotels bearing the AllSafe label also feature appropriate partitioning, sanitary measures for guest use and the strict observance of social distancing procedures. Signatories to the scheme must also show evidence that employees have been through a comprehensive safety and hygiene and training programme.
In the UK, all aspects of the programme are being assessed by Clifton Environmental Services, a leading specialist health, safety and hygiene auditor. The hotel will be AllSafe approved on completion of a virtual audit by Clifton, followed soon after by an on-site audit.
AllSafe also addresses potential concerns for travellers should they feel unwell when they reach their destination hotel. Guests can access free telemedicine consultations, via the expert medical solutions of AXA Partners.
They can also access AXA’s extensive medical networks with tens of thousands of vetted medical professionals, which will enable hotels to make relevant referrals for guests based on their specific language or medical needs should an issue arise.
Richard Short, Health, Safety and Environment Director, Accor Northern Europe, said, “The health, safety and well-being of our staff, guests and partners is our absolute priority as the world progressively relaxes its lockdown measures.
'Accor has set appropriate safety standards and cleaning protocols with the AllSafe label, to ensure hotels can be re-opened and reassure guests that they can be safely welcomed back.
'With the launch of AllSafe Accor has developed some of the most stringent cleaning standards and operational protocols in the world of hospitality.”
Thomas Dubaere, COO Accor Northern Europe, added, “The health and safety of our guests and staff were paramount before COVID-19 and are even more so now. Building trust amongst our travelling guests, reassuring them that every possible step has been taken to safeguard their health and wellbeing, is vital.
'Guests can now be assured that hotels carrying an Accor brand in the UK and Ireland will be rated by an independent auditor as compliant with some of the most exacting standards in the hospitality industry. As our hotels prepare to reopen I am proud to confirm our hotels are AllSafe.”
