As small- to mid-sized enterprises begin returning to travel amid new norms and expectations, standards of cleanliness and safety on property are top of mind. The end-to-end process of booking, staying and meeting at hotels evolved and, with it, so have hotel protocols to give guests confidence and peace of mind.

Since 2015, with the introduction of the IHG® Way of Clean program, IHG Hotels & Resorts has been laser-focused on cleanliness across a portfolio of nearly 5,900 hotels. This year, the program expanded to include COVID-19 protocols and best practices that reflect guidance from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and local public health authorities in markets worldwide.

All Photos: IHG Hotels

These healthy and safety measures also apply to guests meeting or planning events at IHG hotels. With new safety protocols, security measures and logistic considerations taking center stage, the planning and execution of organizing travel shifted. IHG has also enhanced its Meet with Confidence program to provide appropriate and creative meeting and event solutions without compromising the experience or the flexibility meeting planners require. Prioritizing guest safety and wellbeing, Meet with Confidence means you can rest assured meetings and events at IHG hotels will adhere to leading cleanliness and safety practices.

Enhancements include:

• Cleanliness inspection and protocols with frequent sanitation before and during meeting
• New ways of registration with reduced contact and physical interaction during the registration process
• Management of attendee flow with clearly designated entry and exit points
• Modified room capacities allowing for social distancing and customized solutions
• Technology options to support virtual or hybrid meetings

Whether it’s for a team huddle or training meeting, a conference or celebration, IHG’s Meet with Confidence commitment means clean, clutter-free event spaces and an experience that supports the well-being of all attendees.

Along with these enhanced protocols for staying and meeting at IHG hotels, SMEs can also benefit from a simplified travel management solution through the IHG Business Edge program. Designed specifically for small- to mid-sized enterprises, IHG Business Edge enables travel managers to access exclusive benefits for employees to increase in-policy bookings and drive savings for the company. The IHG Business Edge portal provides a one-stop-shop for visibility into spend for travel managers, premium content, volume-based discounts and loyalty benefits such as upgrades to elevated status through IHG® Rewards Club.

To learn more, visit businessedge.ihg.com or read about IHG’s commitment to cleanliness at ihg.com/clean.

Way of Clean Seal. Photo: IHG Hotels