New app automates hotel hygiene assessment and marketing

With hygiene a top concern for consumers considering travel, Berlin-based travel technology company GIATA is now offering a self-assessment tool that hotels can use to evaluate their cleaning procedures against global standards. Those that meet the criteria can use a “staysafe” label in their descriptions on sales channels.

The app is a collaborative effort of GIATA, independent testing and certification provider TÜV SÜD and digital hygiene management company Flowtify.

GIATA’s hotel clients can receive a custom self-assessment checklist based on their property’s hygiene-related services and facilities – such as whether they have a restaurant, a pool, etc. 

Developed by TÜV SÜD, the assessment includes relevant hotel industry hygiene criteria and requirements from the World Health Organization, the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Those that meet the criteria can display the “staysafe” label for 30 days, at which time the assessment must be redone. GIATA publishes the label through its 21,500 sales channels in 74 countries, including Kayak, Tripadvisor, TUI, Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport and more. 

“When those making bookings see that hygiene is the top priority in this hotel, they will choose this accommodation rather than another hotel,” says Jana Friedel, business development for hotel products at GIATA.

“Hoteliers who regularly conduct and externally communicate these checks have a clear competitive edge.”