Building Guest Confidence: Hygiene Tips

Hygiene Takes Center Stage

Mid-April brought a somber milestone: over one million COVID-19 deaths in Europe, according to the WHO. While summer's approach sparks hope for travel, this news casts a shadow. However, Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO's regional director, notes "early signs" of slowing transmission in some areas, including the UK, and a decline in cases among older populations due to vaccinations. Yet, countries like Spain face ongoing challenges with new infection waves, though some regions show promising trends.

Despite setbacks like the pause in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine rollout, Spain, a tourism powerhouse with 83.7 million visitors in 2019, is accelerating its vaccination efforts. The pandemic has impacted all lodging businesses, from hotels to holiday lets, forcing them to prioritize guest safety and hygiene.

Airbnb's Hygiene Partnership: Building Trust

Airbnb, with over 7 million listings globally, including in Spain, has addressed hygiene concerns by partnering with Southern Hygiene. This collaboration aims to provide enhanced disinfection and protection for guests. "Cleanliness is paramount," states Mónica Casañas of Airbnb, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in restoring guest confidence.

Southern Hygiene, using Ministry of Health-approved disinfectants, offers professional disinfection services to Airbnb hosts. Successful treatments result in a "Certificate of Disinfection," assuring guests of compliance with safety standards. [Insert a quote from someone at Southern Hygiene Spain here, if available, or a general statement about their commitment to tourism recovery].

This initiative is part of Airbnb's campaign to boost local tourism, aligning with WHO and CDC guidelines for enhanced cleaning. Hosts failing to comply risk suspension.

Essential Hygiene Practices for Holiday Let Owners:

To reassure guests and ensure a safe stay, holiday let owners should implement robust hygiene protocols. Key strategies include:

1. Hand Hygiene: Provide well-stocked washrooms with soap and hand-drying facilities. Emphasize proper handwashing techniques, following WHO guidelines.

2. Professional Disinfection: Utilize disinfection services for deep cleaning and suspected COVID-19 cases. Southern Hygiene's services offer surface protection and ULV fogging for comprehensive disinfection.

3. Ventilation and Air Quality: Implement air filtration systems and ensure regular ventilation. Research shows fresh air significantly reduces infection risk.

4. Surface Sanitization: Regularly sanitize high-touch areas like door handles, furniture, and kitchen surfaces. Use effective sprays and wipes for lasting protection.

By prioritizing these hygiene practices, holiday let owners can build trust, reassure guests, and contribute to a safe and enjoyable travel experience.