Avani Hotels launches AvaniShield programme for safe travel

Avani Hotels and Resorts has rolled out its new programme AvaniShield across its portfolio.

The programme will see all 32 of the brand’s properties gradually adopt a range of heightened hygiene and sanitising standards to ensure the health and safety of guests and team members.

The primary initiatives will be driven by the adoption of new technology such as digital check-in/check-out, as well as concierge service, copper protection coating, UVC light and HEPA-grade air purifiers, all in compliance with guidelines issued by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation.

“Our lives have been impacted, but our spirit to travel will never fade,” comments Javier Pardo, Vice President of Operations for Avani Hotels & Resorts.

“The implementation of new health and safety standards adds an additional layer of protection and brings peace of mind to Avani guests and team members, as well as emphasising our commitment to ensuring healthy and safety, without compromising on quality service.”  

Touchless Service

Contactless greetings

To practice social and physical distancing, Avani team members will be relying on country-specific hand gestures to greet guests.

Digital pre-arrival check-in and check-out

After filling out registration cards on their mobile devices on the way to the hotel, guests will find their room key waiting for them at reception. Prior to check-out, guests will be able to settle their bill with a secure online payment system.

Digital concierge app

A live chat solution enabling direct contact with guest services will be launching soon. The app will also allow guests to browse menus, order in-room dining and book off-property experiences.

Safety and hygiene technology

Cu+ Copper protection materials

High-touch surfaces such as door handles and elevator buttons will be covered with anti-microbial copper protection film.

UVC sterilisation

Front Office will be utilising UVC sterilisation boxes to disinfect key cards, stationery and other high-touch objects. Guests can also request a complimentary mobile device disinfecting service.

Additionally, the housekeeping team has begun testing a cleaning method with UVC light as an extra layer of protection after cleaning.

HEPA-grade bio filter

Select properties will be adding HEPA-grade air purifiers as an extra step in the standard guestroom and gym cleaning process. These can remove airborne viruses, bacteria and allergens of 0.01 micron in size.

Disinfectant of incoming objects

All hotels will be setting up disinfectant processes to sanitise incoming luggage, boxes and supplies.

The extra mile for guest and team member safety

Avani has been working closely with Ecolab and will continue doing so to ensure that all materials and measures adhere to Ecolab, WHO and EPA standards.

As an extra precaution in the post Covid-19 world, each Avani hotel will employ the following efforts:

A dedicated AvaniShield agent

The agent will be responsible for implementing new cleaning protocols, as well as ensuring the latest health and safety guidelines are communicated to the team in a timely manner.

Additionally, the role will include monitoring the overall health of the Avani team members and conducting training sessions on new health and safety regulations.

Breathing Room

After cleaning, each guestroom will be sealed for 24-hours – a resting period during which the housekeeping team cannot enter. This waiting period will become mandatory prior to allocating rooms to guests.

Restaurants

Buffets will be replaced with à-la-minute food preparation, focusing on freshness, safe food handling and Avani’s zero waste initiative.

Restaurants will be spacing out tables to practice physical distancing and walk-in guests will be asked for their contact details to facilitate contact tracing.

Menus will be available digitally or via QR code on a smartphone.

AvaniFit Gyms

These will also follow the physical distancing rule, ensuring that only a small number of guests are exercising at a given time. A breathing period will be given after each use of equipment, whilst new sanitising measures such as anti-viral coating will be implemented where possible.

Avani is also looking into in-room workout gear and training videos.

www.avanihotels.com