SilverDoor has formally endorsed an updated set of guidelines for the serviced apartment industry to help property partners respond effectively in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, we were working closely with two leading health and safety accreditation bodies – Quality in Tourism and Common Sense Compliance – to better inform health and safety policies in the serviced accommodation sector. In light of the COVID-19 threat, both have formulated modified safety policies specifically designed to minimise the risk COVID-19 presents to guests within serviced accommodation.
As global lockdown measures gradually ease, and travellers begin to book again, the serviced accommodation sector can offer safety, hygiene and privacy; priorities that business travellers are more mindful of than ever before. While the accommodation sector is already taking steps to address these concerns, ensuring that demonstrable hygiene and safety measures are in place will continue to be vital in ensuring serviced apartments remain the most viable accommodation option for business travellers.
Driving consistently rigorous standards of safety across our entire global portfolio has always been a priority for SilverDoor and, in light of the pandemic, this push for clear and demonstrable safety and hygiene practices is all the more pressing. We believe QiT and CSC offer the most comprehensive indicators that properties are in full compliance with the latest safety measures, improving safety, consumer confidence and booking prospects.
The updated guidelines could not be timelier, with SilverDoor reporting a steady increase in serviced apartment bookings and hopeful of an upward trajectory of business travel throughout the summer months.
By endorsing and sharing this safety and risk assessment review process to all its partners, and through its ongoing partnership with Quality in Tourism and Common Sense Compliance, SilverDoor will help bring clarity for any operator who may be seeking industry-specific guidance and best practice as they begin to reopen.
SilverDoor Group CEO, Stuart Winstone, said of the initiative:
"Traveller safety has always been at the core of our business, but now more than ever, it's vital that we proactively continue to build client and guest confidence. By championing an enhanced level of hygiene and cleanliness protocols, we believe it will further position the serviced apartment sector as best possible choice of accommodation in the COVID-19 recovery period.
“Serviced apartments are undoubtedly the safest accommodation option for business travellers at this time, and by continuing to clearly demonstrate that we offer living environments that adhere to the most rigorous standards of safety and hygiene, we can reassure clients that when they need to travel, they can do so as safely as possible.”
Common Sense Compliance: A Safe Place to Work and Visit
Working alongside industry experts, Common Sense Compliance’s team of Environmental Health Practitioners have put together ‘A Safe Place to Work and Visit’ Initiative. The initiative provides straightforward, cost effective support and industry recognised accreditation for serviced apartment operators.
Working in partnership with SilverDoor, CSC is offering a free COVID-19 helpline support service and guidance, along with reduced rates on other COVID-19 support services.
Quality in Tourism: Introducing Safe, Clean & Legal™
Safe, Clean & Legal™ uses EHO approved protocols, as well as all other mandatory regulatory requirements, to independently assess and grade businesses as safe and compliant. It has been ratified by the Secretary of State and validated through a Primary Authority Partnership with Cornwall Council, and has been updated to include specific COVID-19 cleaning protocols.
Although the scheme includes COVID-19 cleaning protocols which inspire guest confidence, it has in fact been running since 2018, ensuring that this is a robust, tested and credible system for accreditation.
Both Quality in Tourism and Common Sense Compliance are regularly reviewing and updating their guidelines and also offering SilverDoor’s partners a substantial discount on their accreditation services; mention SilverDoor when you enquire.
Read our other articles to find out more about how we are optimising safety for clients: whether it be for Global Mobility programmes or quarantining guests.
