(TAN): In preparation for reopening Israel to both domestic and international tourism, Israel’s Ministries of Tourism and Health have outlined the “Purple Standard”, a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for operating hotels in the country. For hotels to remain in compliance with the new procedures, they must reach and maintain several benchmarks outlined by Ministry of Health officials, that will deem the property safe to welcome travellers.
“It’s extremely important that hotels across our country maintain a high level of health and sanitation standards to ensure travelers’ safety when visiting Israel,” said Asaf Zamir, Israel’s Minister of Tourism. “When we are able to open our borders to international travelers again, we want tourists to feel confident that Israel is taking every precaution to ensure they have a safe, pleasurable vacation in our beautiful and vibrant country.”
Though a date has not been set on when international travel will open again, the Ministry of Tourism is working diligently to implement safety measures across all aspects of travel within Israel, beginning with the “Purple Standard” protocol.
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These procedures include:
- Universal rules of conduct for reducing infection, which includes wearing a face mask in all public spaces, maintaining a minimum distance of six feet, and frequent hand washing
- Guidelines for reopening of hotels which include benchmarks for pre-opening preparation, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, guidelines for cleaning the hotel water systems (such as pools), and a dedicated staff member to oversee all health and safety procedures
- Outlined guidelines for operations once the hotel is open, which include temperature checks for all staff, guests and visitors, installation of transparent plexiglass partitions at reception desks, clear signage detailing health and safety measures as well as restrictions to the number of guests in an elevator at a time
- Regular maintenance and sanitation of all facilities will be required to the highest health standard
- Kitchens and dining rooms at hotels will only be reopened once they have met the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. All staff will be required to wear face masks and gloves while all seating will be arranged in accordance with social distancing measures. Dining hours will be expanded to allow for proper distancing
- Each room will undergo a thorough and deep sanitation process before a new guest is able to check in. Should it be determined that a guest may have been exposed, that room will close for seven days and will undergo a special sanitation process from an external specialist vendor to ensure the room is safe to re-enter
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- Guests utilizing spa facilities will be required to fill out a health questionnaire and take a temperature check before any treatment is performed. Therapists and staff will all be required to wear masks and wash hands between each treatment. In addition, treatment rooms will be fully disinfected between each guest
- Outdoor meetings and events are allowed for up to 50 people while they stay in accordance with social distancing measures. Indoor events allow only up to eight people and require face masks
- Off-site supplier entry to the hotel will be reduced as much as possible. If suppliers must enter the property, they will undergo temperature checks and will be required to wear a mask
Hotel brands within Israel have started to announce their reopening strategies, some of which are outlined below:
Isrotel: Isrotel has revealed its new health and safety protocols, which in accordance with the Israel Ministry of Health’s guidelines. The new process includes enhanced sanitation, training of staff in new procedures, reduced gathering and increasing air quality.
Dan Hotels: Dan Hotels have released their health and safety measures, which include temperature checks, increased sanitation for all common areas and guest rooms, updated food & beverage programs and implementation of social distancing measures. The group also created an app that allows for less contact during the guests check in process and during their stay at the properties as well. In addition, guests will receive a care package upon arrival with a complimentary face mask, sanitizing gel and face wipes.
Brown Hotels: Brown Hotels have announced their Brown Clean program, which includes heightened cleaning protocols, temperature checks, masks required in all common areas, contactless check in to minimize exposure and restricting the number of rooms booked at any given time.
Fattal Hotel Management: Fattal Hotel Management has issued their health and safety measures, which include special training for all staff, temperature checks for anyone entering their hotels, requiring masks in all public areas, highest standard of sanitation in all common areas and guest rooms, implementation of social distancing in all common areas and more.
Prima Hotels: Prima Hotels have released their health and safety protocols, which include increased sanitation throughout all areas of the hotel, contactless check-in, temperature checks, sanitizing stations placed throughout each hotel, social distancing in common areas and a mask requirement.
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Abraham Hostels: Abraham Hostels is taking every precaution in all of their properties within the group. They have announced that they will comply with the regulations outlined in the Purple Standard. All staff have been trained with the new protocols outlined by the Israel Ministry of Health to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for their travellers.
Efendi Hotel: Efendi Hotel in the historic city of Akko will offer bookings of its enchanted rooms and suites, all of which are furnished and equipped to the highest standards and have a unique character and style. The 12-room luxury boutique property has officially reopened to domestic guests on May 22, 2020 following the official guidelines issued by the Israel Ministry of Health. The property will be available to host small weddings and events of 50 persons or less, as well as being rented out for private use. For now, guests can avail of the option of in-room breakfast and wine and cheese upon request.
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