The tourism and hospitality sector has always been reliant on travel, human connection and experience. In the aftermath of COVID-19, it will have to navigate its way around stringent health and safety protocols and social distancing.

 

Has the human element and experiential attraction been removed from travel and tourism forever? What will inspire us to travel again?

 

Hygiene and cleanliness have always been contributing factors for tourism. This will increase once travel restrictions are lifted.

 

Adopting new standards of cleanliness will not only require commitment, it must be accompanied by visible measures to encourage reassurance.

 

Here’s a brief look at some of the emerging global hygiene trends that will be part of the revival of this essential economic sector.

 

Hospitality meets hospital

Global hotel chains are partnering with medical companies, healthcare experts and cleaning product manufacturers to lend credibility to their efforts.

 

Marriott International has launched a Global Cleanliness Council to “develop a new generation of global hospitality cleanliness standards, norms and behaviors”. They have also introduced cleaning technologies such as electrostatic sprayers using hospital-grade disinfectants as well as hand sanitising stations and anti-bacterial wipes in all guest rooms.

 

Hyper-hygienic spaces

The human element in cleaning routines will give way to self-cleaning spaces that not only improve hygiene levels, they save time and resources as well. Hotel Ottilia in Copenhagen, opened in 2019, was ahead of the curve when they introduced self-disinfecting rooms. This technology will be commonplace in accommodation hygiene in the near future.

 

Robots using ultraviolet (UV) light disinfectant technology, which reduces the dependency on chemical-based solutions, will also feature in hospitality cleaning rituals.

 

On-the-go sanitation

Our demand for portable sanitation will increase as we adapt to new travel practices. Compact air purifiers and portable UV cleaning devices are just some of the technologies that will bring us peace of mind as we go out to explore the world again.

 

Tourism product-owners and businesses who meet consumer hygiene requirements will be rejuvenated much quicker.

 

Many of these trends will also feature in other areas of our lives; at home, at school, and the office, if and when we choose to return.

 

Stay safe!