Marriott announces optional COVID-19 protocols for groups

As part of the company’s ongoing steps to provide exceptional experiences and solutions for meeting professionals and attendees, Marriott International has identified health protocol options—including COVID-19 testing—that may be selected for group meetings at certain Marriott branded hotels beginning in January 2021.

Gaylord Hotels will be the first Marriott brand to offer the optional health protocols, which will build on initiatives already in place as part of the recently-launched Connect with Confidence program. The protocols can be selected for meetings and events at Gaylord Hotels and Resorts in Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Colorado as soon as January 2021 and are expected to be available at other Marriott branded hotels throughout the U.S. in the weeks following the initial launch.

The new health options will supplement existing protocols and features that were put in place earlier this year at Marriott hotels in the U.S. as part of the company’s Global Cleanliness Council and Commitment to Clean. Those include face-covering requirements, social distancing policies, reduced seating capacity, frequent cleaning of high-touch areas, hand sanitizing stations, mobile technology, and hybrid meeting options.

In August 2020, Marriott announced digital content and best practices to help meeting professionals execute future events. In November 2020, the first in a global series of hybrid virtual and in-person events was held in Virginia, demonstrating how groups can “Connect with Confidence.” The event showcased Marriott’s reimagined processes and meeting spaces while reinforcing its commitment to helping meeting professionals navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

“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.” 

Optional health protocols for meeting professionals will include:

• Self-administered COVID-19 tests taken by guests before travel
• COVID-19 testing administered onsite by a third-party testing provider
• Daily and/or pre-arrival health screening via a dedicated mobile app
• Daily temperature checks to enter the event area

Click here for more information about Marriott’s enhanced procedures for meetings and events.