NEW EXPECTATIONS FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY By Tony Abate, CTO, AtmosAir
One that offers third-party validation through studies, certifications and standardized laboratory testing is AtmosAir Solutions, which has the means to produce thorough IAQ data as well as the installation of this technology which now, more than ever, serves as a vital health and wellness solution for many. Tony Abate
What will be key moving forward is how companies, owners and operators are able to entice travelers back to hotels, while also ensuring that their safety and health are protected and maximized throughout their stays. At the moment, 56 percent of Americans are planning a trip or Spring vacation, yet many still cite Covid-related concerns when organizing travel plans. Consider that 52 percent of Americans named crowds as the main reason they would not be traveling, and 50 percent are prepared to change their plans if a Covid-variant or spike occurs. However, this percentage represents a decrease from the 67 percent who said the same last spring, emphasizing how travelers’ preferences are changing in 2022. Americans are looking to travel, but have prioritized health and wellness, specifically air quality, and operators of a slew of business-types will have to adjust accordingly.
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Hotels are an obvious example of this coming adaptation to the new normal, especially as occupancy levels continue to creep back towards pre-pandemic numbers.
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Tourists and travelers are beginning to plan flights and travel, and a sense of normalcy is returning. Yet, amidst the COVID-variants that have arisen in recent months, as well as lingering doubts about the safety of air-travel and hotels, the need for proper, fully tested and validated indoor air quality (IAQ) technology is crucial for the hospitality industry. Operators and owners should strategize and prepare, as well as identify companies that will be able to service their needs and the expectations of their customers and guests.
Hotels are an obvious example of this coming adaptation to the new normal, especially as occupancy levels continue to creep back towards pre-pandemic numbers. The end of February 2022 saw the occupancy rate reach 62 percent, and saw increases in average daily rate and revenue per available room. As the occupancy rate continues to climb as travelers regain confidence in public health standards and mask and vaccine regulations are loosened, technology that ensures customers of their safety will be crucial for operators and owners. AtmosAir’s bi-polar ionization technology represents a prime example of how these issues can be addressed. The tech is installed in the HVAC systems of a building, and emits ions into occupied spaces so as to combat and proactively reduce viruses, bacteria, mold and contaminants in the air. Moreover, while this technology can greatly support customer and guest experiences, it can also support owners in reducing costs and adding efficiency and value into their operational processes. This can be seen in installations in hotels in recent years by leading companies. For example, AtmosAir installed their system and integrated into the fan coil units in 35 guest rooms at Hilton’s Homewood Suites Manhattan Times Square, which has aided in cleaner air and less allergens. AtmosAir technology is also a standard in Hilton’s Five Feet to Fitness rooms where each room has workout stations and enhanced wellness features. These kinds of systems are also able to offer a host of possibilities for owners, especially when it comes to innovative solutions for profit margins, energy savings and efficiency, more optimized use of hotel space and reduction of mold and odor.
Luxury Hospitality Magazine
Finally, it will be important for owners and operators to understand what kind of technology they’ll need for their buildings or portfolio, and by enlisting expertise they can address unique issues and obstacles throughout the installation and maintenance process. Commercial buildings will necessitate varied approaches between asset types, as properties such as healthcare centers will need much different and more extensive systems than a smaller space such as a hotel room. Yet hotel rooms, gyms, and other properties will need to provide the same kind of assurances to their customers and companies like AtmosAir are filling this need. By understanding the size of number of ionization and IAQ systems that need to be installed, dependent on airflow, the size of the space, and severity of pollution and odors, among a host of factors, owners and operators can feel confident that they are supplying a safe and healthy space for Americans and tourists as travel continues to see an uptick in activity.
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