While hotel chains have moved forward on enhanced cleaning protocols (Marriott, Hilton), we have been looking forward to seeing what homestay major Airbnb does in this space.

Airbnb has today announced the launch of its Enhanced Cleaning Protocol for its local hosts in the country. The initiative is one of the first overarching standardized protocols for cleaning and sanitization for homestays in the country. It is aimed at guiding hosts offering small-scale accommodations. The Indian Medical Association has also reviewed these practices.

The whole handbook is here, in case you’d like to access it, but in essence, it is the global handbook developed in alliance with Ecolab and Diversey. There are a lot of details, but the key summary is in 5 bullet points:

• Prepare your equipment and get the space ready for cleaning.
• Clean each surface by removing dust and debris
• Sanitise all high-touch areas, appliances, and electronics
• Check that space has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
• Reset the room for the next guest and restock your supplies

The guidebook further makes up about 15-20 pages of detailed checklists which it enlists for each part of a home, such as the shared areas, the bedroom, kitchens and so on. It is pretty comprehensive, but eventually, the execution is in the hands of the host.

Hosts who attest to follow the program will receive a special badge on their listing, making it easy for guests to identify and book listings that follow the homestay industry’s most robust set of cleaning standards.

Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol has also been endorsed by prominent medical practitioners globally. On this new initiative of Airbnb, Dr R V Asokan, Honorary Secretary General, Indian Medical Association said,

We have reviewed Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning protocol for the homestay sector. Airbnb protocols are comprehensive and are in compliance with the standard procedures related to sanitation and hand hygiene. This initiative will ensure safety and hygiene of guests.

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager – Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said on this new cleanliness initiative,

With the health and safety of our guests and hosts in India top of mind, these Enhanced Cleaning Protocols are the need of the hour in the sector. These measures are aimed at restoring traveller confidence and towards driving the systematic recovery of communities through the economic impact of tourism and travel. We are working to bring our hosts global best practices backed by expert counsel and medical guidance from professionals who are at the forefront of the industry.

Ultimately, there are tonnes of folk who prefer a home over a hotel, some for the economics, some for the non-standardization and so on. So, these measures bring some confidence into going back into one.

What do you think of Airbnb’s’s new cleanliness protocol? Would you head into an Airbnb for your next stay anytime soon?

(Sign up here if you are not an Airbnb member and get INR 1000 off on your first stay)

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