Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — Given the significant changes in travel and accommodation conditions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Riviera Maya Hotel Association, in alliance with Cristal International Standards, is working on the application of new international hygiene and safety standards for the relaunch of Mexican Caribbean tourism.
More than 200 hotel managers participated in a recent online seminar where new standards and requirements of tour companies in all operational areas, emergency protocols and crisis management generated by the current pandemic, were discussed.
Conrad Bergwerf, president of Asociación de Hoteles de la Riviera Maya explained that “on the day hotels reopen their doors, clients will be much more sensitive to issues related to hygiene, cleanliness, disinfection and, in general, to security. For this reason, it will be essential to have security and hygiene programs and protocols to properly serve customers and build trust among our visitors.”
As part of the training seminar, a POSI-Check Certification (Prevención de la Propagación de Infecciones — POSI) was presented which will help the hotel sector in the prevention of spread of infections. He says the guidelines are recommended by global tourism and health groups such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
“POSI-Check will help ensure that staff are complying with the necessary measures to prevent the spread of infection, while assuring their guests well-being is a top priority,” said Cristal Standards CEO Stephen Tate. “POSI-Check was designed to help our hospitality partners prepare to ensure the safety of their staff and guests as the world resumes travel after COVID-19.”
Bergwerf explained that the POSI-Check audit will guide hoteliers and restaurants to demonstrate that they are effectively managing infection prevention, which will undoubtedly benefit the recovery of the tourism industry in the coming months as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manuel Paredes, executive director of the Asociación de Hoteles de la Riviera Maya said “experts anticipate that once mobility restrictions begin to lift, travel will begin to kick in, although the pace may be slower than desired. Regional and domestic tourism is expected to be the first to start, so once nations’ travel restrictions are relaxed and destinations are considered safe, international travel and tourism will begin their recovery.”
