Marriott launches optional health protocols for groups

In a bid to attract more meetings and events, Marriott International has identified health protocol options, including COVID-19 testing, that organizers may select for group meetings at certain Marriott-branded hotels in the United States beginning in January 2021. These protocols build upon initiatives already in place as part of the recent launch of Connect with Confidence, a program helping meeting professionals to identify and tailor solutions that best meet the needs of event attendees.

Meeting professionals may select optional health protocols for meetings and events at Gaylord Hotels and Resorts in Florida, Tennessee, Texas and Colorado by January. In the weeks that follow, the health protocols are expected to be available for selection at certain other Marriott branded hotels throughout the United States.

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Optional health protocols 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 prearrival health screening questions via a dedicated mobile application
  • Daily temperature checks to enter the event area.

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, SVP, global sales organization for Marriott. “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.