Marriott Now Requiring Face Masks as Hotel Industry Pushes for Compliance

On the heels of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announcement last week that guests would be required to wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces, Marriott International on Monday announced that it will require all guests to wear a face coverings in its hotels effective July 27.

While Marriott associates have been required to where face coverings, “given the recent spikes across the U.S. and with guidance from health officials, we are extending the requirement to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces to our guests,” said Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott, in a video announcement. “I know so many of us are eager to get back on the road again; let’s take these simple, preventive measures and make it safer and easier for all of us to travel.”

Wearing a face covering is one of five requirements on the AHLA’s Stay Safe Checklist, an initiative aimed at creating a standardized safety experience nationwide. The checklist also includes choosing contactless options when available, daily room cleaning if necessary, and refraining from traveling if you have, or recently had, any symptoms of COVID-19 or contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.

“Utilizing these best practices, including requiring face coverings and practicing social distancing in public spaces, will create an even safer environment for all our guests and employees,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA.

“We applaud governors who have standardized the use of face coverings in all indoor public spaces and we urge all lawmakers to help make this a national standard by implementing this requirement in their states. These preventative measures make it safer and easier for Americans to travel while also supporting hotel and tourism employees,” Rogers said.

Hyatt also requires face coverings for hotel guests across the U.S. and Canada. “To help enable safe travel amidst the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, we need to come together as an industry and promote clear guidelines, which for the foreseeable future include the wearing of face coverings in indoor public spaces and practicing social distancing,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt.

AHLA also introduced Safe Stay, an industry-wide, enhanced standard of health and safety protocols designed to prepare hotels to safely welcome back guests and employees as the economy reopens. Created by an advisory council comprised of leaders and in accordance with CDC best practices, Safe Stay is endorsed by all major U.S. hotel brands, associations in all 50 states and Canada.