RIYADH — As the Saudi government eases lockdown restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the hotel industry initiates pioneering measures to guarantee safety and well being of guests. A leading local hotel Dur Hospitality has launched its “Safe Stay” program as it readies itself to welcome guests back to its hotels following the Saudi government’s decision. Dur’s hotels are set to reopen while adopting new meticulous measures that aim to protect guests and employees while retaining the pioneering standards that reflect Dur’s unique hospitality style infused with an authentic Saudi spirit. In this context, Hassan Ahdab, Dur’s President of Hotel Operations, said: “During the last phase, we have invested toward building fruitful partnerships with specialized international consultancies including Ecolab, Lobster Ink, and Diversy, to embrace the highest hygiene and prevention standards across our hotels’ facilities. As a result, the “Safe Stay” program was developed and mandated in all our hotels, and we have trained our staff to adopt the program across all facilities and operations. I am certain that we will exceed expectations and fulfill the aspirations of valued guests, who form our first and foremost incentive to give our very best.” Ahdab also commended the efforts led by the Saudi government to ease the repercussions of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, which is regarded as one of the most difficult periods to have affected the sector in history. He elaborated that those challenges were seen by Dur as a new opportunity to adopt a pioneering vision and augment its standards to match new requirements. He added: “We are excited to welcome our guests back in the near future, and hope that GACA’s decision to resume domestic flights will speed up our reopening. We also pledge to offer our guests the best and most comfortable hospitality experience within facilities equipped with top hygiene and safety standards.” Moreover, and in line with the “Return Carefully” slogan, Dur’s hotels embraced the “Safe Stay” program that encompasses world-class health prevention measures and rigorous protocols across operations to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and fulfill recommendations and guidelines issued by WHO and local public health authorities to ensure minimal direct contact with front desks and public-use facilities. Those procedures will also cover all facilities including front offices where check-in check-out procedures take place. All common areas will be equipped with hand sanitizer stations, while all public-use areas and amenities, including elevators, lounges, and recreational facilities will undergo intensive disinfection schedules. A daily deep-cleaning regimen will be executed throughout all guest rooms, and updated guidelines will be applied in restaurants for extra hygiene. Additionally, all sanitizing and sterilizing operations at Dur will be inspected by a third-party accredited by the Saudi Ministry of Health authorized to issue a ‘cleanliness certification’ to each of Dur’s properties prior to recommencing operations. A monitoring system will also be implemented to guarantee the application of the necessary safety and preventive measures throughout all hotels’ premises. — SG