Marriott will introduce new health and hygiene measures for meetings and events at its Asia Pacific properties amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“These measures have been designed to provide additional assurance while maintaining a high-quality meeting experience for meeting organizer and attendees that they have been traditionally used to at Marriott’s portfolio of hotels and resorts,” the company said in a statement.

Marriott says its hotels are offering “virtual solutions” for event planners who prefer not to travel. Event planners will not have to be onsite to get a full picture of the hotel and its meeting facilities, the company said.

Masks and hand sanitiser will be available upon request for meeting planners and attendees.

The company says its offering “flexible rearrangement of meeting furniture”, such as keeping chairs at a safe distance to ensure that social distancing requirements are met.

“Our teams are ready to consult with each meeting planner to review and align on expected social distancing practices. Our associates are required to have personal protective equipment including masks, and all associates will undergo mandatory temperature check especially when on duty,” reads a statement from Marriott.

The hotels will undergo “deeper and more frequent cleanings”. This means every meeting space will be disinfected and restrooms, elevator buttons, escalator and stair handrails and door knobs will be sanitised more frequently, according to Marriott.

Marriott says breaks for meals will take place in spaces reserved for the specific event in order to avoid co-mingling with attendees from other events. Grab and go, canned and bottled beverages, plated services, pre-packaged coffee break and condiment options will be available for attendees.

The company is offering meeting planners a chance to earn three times the rewards plus 5,000 signing bonus points if they book an eligible meeting or event between now until September 15, 2020, for meetings held by December 31st, 2020 at hotels and resorts participating in the Marriott Bonvoy programme across the Asia Pacific region.

marriott.com