What: Hotels That Meet AAA’s New Cleaning Protocols Will Be “Inspected Clean”
AAA recently announced that it is enhancing its housekeeping evaluation to include objective, scientific validation of the cleanliness of common surfaces throughout hotels. Properties that meet AAA’s standards for cleanliness, condition and this new surface cleanliness testing will now be recognized as Inspected Clean and then assigned a Diamond designation. While the inspection does not provide direct identification of viruses such as COVID-19, it will allow for confirmation of properly cleaned surfaces. The new protocol is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is also used in healthcare, food service, education and other environments that require effective sanitation monitoring programs.
Why It Matters: AAA Is Evolving to Meet the Demands of a Post-COVID-19 Landscape
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels have adapted their cleaning procedures and housekeeping standards, and the AAA Diamond Program is evolving to meet the changing expectations of today’s travelers. According to AAA research, 76% of consumers surveyed would be disappointed if a third-party inspection did not evaluate whether high-touch areas in a hotel are sanitized. This new standard will give travel advisors another tool to help ease clients’ concerns.
Travelers trust AAA for recommendations that keep their safety and security top of mind. The Inspected Clean enhancement to our Diamond Program will help give them extra peace of mind and rebuild their confidence in traveling.
Fast Facts
- The new Inspected Clean criteria relies on detecting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — an energy-carrying molecule found in all living cells. ATP is found in most food sources, human skin cells, bacteria, yeast, mold and biological material found in respiratory droplets.
- The AAA inspector will conduct this testing on-site by swabbing a surface, adding the sample to a vial containing a special testing chemical, and then inserting the vial into a portable test machine. Inspectors will measure eight surfaces in a selection of guestrooms and bathroom locations, which may include door handles, light switches, thermostat controls, desk or writing surfaces, television remotes, refrigerator handles, faucet and toilet handles, hair dryers and vanity surfaces.
- AAA has set Inspected Clean passing scores calibrated to a standard it believes is appropriate for the hospitality industry. AAA’s criteria are aligned to meet reasonable expectations for cleanliness during a hotel stay, not the clinical level required by hospitals, for example.
What They Are Saying: Traveler Expectations Have Changed Due to the Pandemic
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on travelers’ expectations for cleanliness,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “That’s more important than ever as more people get the COVID-19 vaccine and start traveling once again. All AAA Diamond designated hotels must meet our established standards of cleanliness and physical condition. With the new addition of surface cleanliness testing, these properties will now also be recognized as Inspected Clean. Travelers trust AAA for recommendations that keep their safety and security top of mind. The Inspected Clean enhancement to our Diamond Program will help give them extra peace of mind and rebuild their confidence in traveling.”
The Details
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