American Hotel & Lodging Association: Masks on!

While the COVID-19 Pandemic is far from over, some states are in better positions than others. As economies look for ways to come back to life, American’s are looking for ways to step out of their home. In response, the American Hotel and Lodging Association has a simple request: Wear your mask.

Major hotel chains are the latest in a growing list of places in the US travel industry that will soon require a face mask. No you will not need to wear the shield in your own room, or even in certain outdoor settings. However, when you step into shared indoor, public space, the American Hotel & Lodging Association has made a simple request: Wear your masks. The AHLA released a statement sharing that the largest hotel brands are looking to implement the policy as early as next week. AAA members should check with the hotel they have booked to find out when that location’s requirement goes into effect.

The AHLA also aims to create a standard experience across the nation — so that people from Washington to Florida can expect the same thing instead of figuring out a new way of doing things in different places.The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has released the “Safe Stay Guest Checklist” for guests on how to travel safely while also creating a standardized safety experience nationwide. This industry-wide, enhanced set of health and safety protocols is designed to provide a safe and clean environment for all hotel guests and employees.

The Safe Stay Guest Checklist includes:

• Require face coverings in all indoor public spaces and practice social distancing in all common areas.
• Choose contactless options, where available, including online reservations, check-ins and payments.
• Consider daily room cleaning only if necessary. Ask the hotel about your options.
• Request contactless room service delivery.
• Refrain from traveling if you have, or recently had, any symptoms of COVID-19 or contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.

“The top priority for the hotel industry is the health and safety of guests and employees,” said Chip Rogers, president/CEO, AHLA. “Utilizing these best practices, including requiring face coverings and practicing social distancing in public spaces, will create an even safer environment for all our guests and employees. As an industry, we want every guest to experience a clean and safe hotel no matter where they stay. We applaud governors who have standardized the use of face coverings in all indoor public spaces, and we urge all lawmakers to help make this a national standard by implementing this requirement in their states. These preventative measures make it safer and easier for Americans to travel while also supporting hotel and tourism employees.”