Marriott International has announced plans to offer self or third-party administered Covid-19 tests to meetings customers at selected US properties.
The tests are part of a package of “optional health protocols” within the group’s ‘Connect with Confidence’ programme, designed to “empower meeting professionals to identify and tailor solutions that best meet the needs of their attendees”.
From January meetings planners organising events at Marriott’s Gaylord Hotels properties in Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Colorado, will be able to opt for a range of health measures, including:
- Self-administered Covid-19 tests taken by the guest prior to travel
- Covid-19 testing administered by a third-party testing provider on site at the hotel
- Daily and/or pre-arrival health screening questions via a dedicated mobile application
- Daily temperature checks to enter the event area
Following the launch the programme is expected to be rolled out to “certain other Marriott branded hotels” in the US.
Earlier this year Marriott launched a new Global Cleanliness Council, designed to “promote even higher standards of cleanliness in the age of Covid-19”.
Commenting on the news Tammy Routh, senior vice president, Global Sales Organization for Marriott International, said:
“These new health protocols provide options for meeting professionals as they plan and host meetings, conferences, and events.
“Building upon the work of our Global Cleanliness Council, we engaged industry-leading experts and through a thorough review process, identified third party providers capable of offering the health protocols that meeting professionals want and need for future events.”
