Don't let the bed bugs bite

Did you know that ninety per cent of travellers avoid hotels labelled as ‘dirty’ and a single negative online review can cost a hotel over 30 customers? In addition, 80 per cent of travellers are concerned about finding bed bugs in a hotel and 12 per cent of travellers have altered or cancelled trips due to concerns about bed bugs.  

Ecolab recently held a free webinar on the importance of housekeeping and delivering outstanding guest satisfaction. Ian Lamb, regional technical manager, Ecolab and Dr. Joelle F. Olson, lead entomologist, pest elimination, Ecolab talked about maintaining housekeeping standards and its impact on brand perception. They introduced steps that help to maintain a cleaner, safer and healthier housekeeping operation keeping employees, customers and guests safe and healthy. They also gave an overview of top tips to help increase guest satisfaction through improving cleanliness. 

Key takeaways from the webinar were:        

• Housekeeping standards have a huge impact on guest satisfaction with cleanliness a top priority for customers

• When it comes to maintaining your reputation, we have never been in a more dynamic environment for news. It’s common for people to make and change their travel plans after browsing social media and online review sites looking for peer to peer recommendations

• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces are both important in maintaining cleaning standards

• Having procedures, tools and trained associates can help you to enhance your brand image and protect your assets 

• There is an increase in public awareness of bed bugs with 80 per cent of travellers concerned about bed bugs

• Bed bug activity rises during the summer months of May through to September

• There is no way to prevent bed bugs from being introduced into a room, therefore the best remedy is being proactive and looking out for the signs of bed bug activity

• Ecolab’s five tips to maintain a cleaner, safer and healthier guest room, and delivering outstanding guest satisfaction through improving cleanliness are:

• • Ask for and track guest feedback to identify and target problem areas
  • Utilise your hygiene/pest management partners expertise by asking them for help
  • Remove germs by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
  • Be proactive with pest management
  • Focus on training, ensure all staff are skilled in delivering improved cleanliness

Additional information and resources are available on Ecolab’s website: http://en-uk.ecolab.com