BETHESDA, MD. – Marriott International will begin to offer COVID-19 testing for attendees of group meetings at select hotels cross across the U.S. in January.
The optional health protocols build upon initiatives already in place as part of the recent launch of Connect with Confidence, a program that aims to allow meeting professionals to identify and tailor solutions that best meet the needs of their attendees.
COVID-19 testing will first be available for meetings and events at Gaylord Hotels and Resorts in Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Colorado. In the weeks that follow, tests are expected to be available at select other Marriott-branded hotels throughout the country.
Options for meeting professionals to consider include:
- Self-administered COVID-19 tests taken by the guest prior to travel
- COVID-19 testing administered by a third-party testing provider on site at the hotel
- Daily and/or pre-arrival health screening questions via a dedicated mobile application
- Daily temperature checks to enter the event area
Marriott introduced its Global Cleanliness Council and ‘Commitment to Clean’ program earlier this year. The new health options will supplement existing protocols and features already in place at Marriott hotels in the U.S., including guest and associate face covering requirements, social distancing policies, reduced seating capacity for meetings, frequent cleaning of high-touch areas, hand sanitizing stations throughout the hotel, mobile technology, and hybrid meeting options.
“These new health protocols provide options for meeting professionals as they plan and host meetings, conferences, and events,” said Tammy Routh, senior vice president, global sales organization for Marriott International. “Building upon the work of our Global Cleanliness Council, we engaged industry-leading experts and through a thorough review process, identified third party providers capable of offering the health protocols that meeting professionals want and need for future events.”
In August, Marriott announced digital content and best practices to help meeting professionals execute future events. In November, the first in a global series of hybrid virtual and in-person events was held in Virginia. The event showcased Marriott’s processes and meetings spaces, and how the company is attempting to help meeting professionals in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
