Accor and Bureau Veritas launch a label based on sanitary measures. (Credit: Unsplash by Clay Banks)

 

Accor is working with testing specialists Bureau Veritas to develop label signifying virus-free properties.

Many hotel brands and groups are looking towards life after coronavirus, and figuring out ways that they can bounce back after the blow the hospitality industry has been dealt. French hotel giant Accor is leading the way in terms of guest reassurance, with the development of a safety label with testing specialists Bureau Veritas. We find out more.

The reassurance of safety

Accor knows the value of peace of mind when it comes to guests’ stays in their properties, and perhaps at no time in history has this been more pertinent than right now, during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Operators and owners are having to adapt at lightning speed to the changes that are hitting the hospitality industry, and while restaurants are able to shift to retail, delivery and take away, hotels are fundamentally reliant on bringing guests through the door to turn a profit. In order to ensure that guests feel comfortable resuming hotel stays once the spread of the virus has been quelled, Accor is partnering with testing, certification and inspection specialists Bureau Veritas to develop a label that will certify a property clean and free from the virus, and that ensures all health, safety and hygiene standards have been met.

Seal of approval

The development of this label and its associated certification was carried out in conjunction with expert doctors and epidemiologists, and in collaboration with trade associations such as UMIH, GNC, and GNI. The label will cover catering and accommodation aspects of hotels, and once it is brought in front of the Alliance France Tourisme next week and the standards set are agreed by the relevant government departments, will apply to Accor’s portfolio of brands and hotels. However, it can also act as a blueprint for initiatives other hotel groups can take by partnering with Bureau Veritas to certify their hotels too.

Jacques Pommeraud, CEO Bureau Veritas Africa & France, added: “For almost 200 years, it has been Bureau Veritas’ mission to shape a world of trust. With this label, today we have the ability to meet the new expectations of our society in terms of health and safety. This label will contribute to the hospitality and restaurant industry reopening with confidence. We are proud to work with Accor, at first in France and subsequently in all European countries. This approach will benefit the entire industry as every company could request to be certified by Bureau Veritas.”

Industry guidance

As part of the initiative to formulate this label, a guidance booklet will be produced which will establish a set of practices and standards that must be met in order to be certified. Accor will also be encouraging all prospective guests to visit the Bureau Veritas website to check what properties have received the label so they can book with peace of mind.

Franck Gervais, CEO of Accor Europe, said, “Welcoming, protecting and taking care of others is the very DNA of Accor and at the heart of what we do. Today, more than ever, our employees, customers and partners need to be reassured of our ability to offer them the best welcome possible. As the European leader in hospitality, it is our duty to anticipate needs and respond to health and safety requirements by adhering to the highest standards. We are pleased to be pioneering this drive with Bureau Veritas and to extend it to all stakeholders.”