Accor redefines hospitality in MEA

Accor is pioneering a new guest safety initiative that redefines the hospitality experience in the Middle East and Africa during these unprecedented times. The ALL Safe Officer’ programme will ensure cleaning and hygiene protocols are implemented to the highest standards, and questions and concerns of guests are handled effectively.

The ground-breaking ‘ALL Safe Officer’ programme, which is scheduled to be rolled out in the coming weeks, will see every hotel appoint a health and safety officer who will not only ensure cleaning and hygiene protocols are implemented to the highest standards, but will be available to handle guests’ questions and concerns. These specially trained officers are the face of Accor’s new ALL Safe Accor Programme – a set of rigorous measures designed to protect and reassure guests that are being implemented at its 300 properties region-wide.

Recognising that consumer priorities have drastically shifted following the global COVID-19 pandemic, programme highlights include tailor-made operating protocols, cleaning products technology and team members training developed in partnership with hygiene solutions specialist Bureau Veritas.

The initiative is bolstered by Accor’s strategic partnership with global insurance giant AXA, which as of July 2020, will be providing guests at its 5,000 properties worldwide with free medical support that includes consultations with medical professionals by phone or in the location where they are staying.

“The safety and well-being of our guests is always our priority at Accor and we regularly review and enhance our procedures and services to adapt to new circumstances or as improved technology becomes available,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Accor Middle East and Africa.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to change the way we live, work and stay and as the largest hotel group in the Middle East and Africa, we are taking the lead in reinventing the hospitality experience, introducing dedicated ‘ALL Safe Officers’ and a rigorous programme of transparent measures that give guests peace of mind and put their health first, which is what they now value most,” added Willis.

All guests visiting or staying at Accor properties in the Middle East and Africa will only be granted access if they are wearing a proper face mask and gloves (provided by the hotel). The group is also working closely with local authorities in each market where it operates to ensure the strictest compliance with policies and guidelines issued to protect guest health and safety during the ongoing pandemic.