The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has issued the City Lodge Hotel Group (CLHG) its “Safe Travels” stamp of approval, in recognition of the international standards of health and hygiene upheld at its hotels. As the group opens up more properties in South Africa to business travellers, and hopefully also leisure travellers soon when the government allows, it is keen to reassure guests that every precaution has been taken to ensure their safety.
“As more people leave their homes to resume their work and travel commitments, we want them to know that staying at a City Lodge Hotel Group property – whether at a Courtyard Hotel, City Lodge Hotel, Town Lodge or Road Lodge – they can look forward to a safe accommodation experience. We implemented our own stringent safety and hygiene protocols in line with the World Health Organization several months ago, and are pleased to have these further benchmarked against international standards as approved by WTTC. As we embrace the ‘new normal’ of life in the time of Covid-19, guests are reassured that they have made a safe and smart choice booking with us,” says Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, chief operating officer.
WTTC’s specially designed “Safe Travels” stamp allows travellers to recognise governments and companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols. Eligible companies – such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, attractions, short-term rentals, car rentals, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports – are allowed to display the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, as outlined by the WTTC, have been implemented.
A recent Covid-19 risk assessment audit of City Lodge Hotel Bryanston, carried out by independent company Food Consulting Services (FCS), reported a 98% score on hygiene and 100% on the microbiological index. CLHG updated its Standard Operating Procedures before and during the outbreak of Covid-19, and these – now globally recognised safety standards – will continue indefinitely.