ADOPT ‘REALISTIC RATHER THAN RITUALISTIC' APPROACH TOWARDS HYGIENE

This approach will help hoteliers in faster recovering post-pandemic and in regaining customer confidence, according to Himanshu Jain, President, Diversey India

- Himanshu Jain

Hoteliers have been using two words extensively in recent times – business recovery and hygiene. According to Himanshu Jain, President of Diversey India while most are fastidious about sanitation, some are not as particular.

Of course, this is understandable, given that the industry has undergone a bad business patch, which puts greater stress on cost. However, on closer look, the total cost of sanitation in the larger scheme of things is negligible, especially when one considers the benefits it accrues.

Jain pointed out to Hotelier India that the overall spend on hygiene would hardly exceed 0.1% to 0.5% of their overall revenue. This begs the question, why should sanitation be considered a ritual, rather than a process that yields significant results?

Why do some hotels have a lackadaisical approach towards sanitation?

Some hotels approach sanitation and hygiene from an optics perspective. They want to let their guests know that they are following proper hygiene practices, but are unaware of whether it is effective.

While COVID-19 might go away, the threat of an infection's spread will always exist. This is especially in the hospitality sector, where food and laundry is handled intimately.

That is unusual, given that COVID-19 has put the spotlight on hygiene.