AusLeisure

International hospitality company, Next Story Group, has launched a new hygiene and safety program - Safe with Us - as part of an organisation-wide response to the new demands of operating in the COVID-19 landscape. It is a comprehensive program that encompasses enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols and food safety practices, and it shapes the way the Group's hotels and Kafnu properties deliver experiences and engage their guests.

In December last year, Next Story Group marked the addition of Ink Hotels to its brand portfolio with the opening of Ink Hotel Melbourne Southbank and is on track to open its second hotel in Singapore in 2021.

Next Hotels and Resorts Chief Executive Darren Edmonstone noted “Our differentiated brand portfolio enables us to have the right brands in the right locations and to capture key segments in our key markets, including Australia and South East Asia, where we are continuing to drive strong strategic growth.”

Incorporating the recommendations of international and local public health authorities, the Safe with Us program adheres to industry best practices and is aligned with the stringent standards of recognised accreditation programs. The program articulates and operationalises enhanced and expanded protocols that span every facet of operations at all Next Story Group properties.

Edmonstone adds "we appreciate the concerns of travellers in the new reality of the post-coronavirus pandemic. As a responsible business, we are taking our commitment one step further in ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests, employees and partners.

“Safe with Us redefines hygiene and cleanliness standards across our properties and is tailored to the new normal. Safe with Us enables our teams to stay safe and welcome guests with confidence as markets reopen. At the same time, guests can be assured of having peace of mind when they stay at our hotels."

Under the four areas of the Safe with Us program - Cleanliness & Hygiene, Food Safety, Guest Interactions, Staff Safety & Training - guests of Next Story Group properties can expect:

• Strengthened and expanded cleanliness and hygiene protocols such as increased cleaning frequency and rigour of disinfection of guest rooms, facilities and public spaces
• Reconfigured seating, spacing and service flow which support social distancing
• Contactless and low-touch options that leverage digital technology to reduce physical contact and eliminate paper-based items
• Enhanced Food and Beverage practices and social distancing-friendly services such 24-hour in-room dining options served in single-use environmentally-friendly packaging, 24-hour Grab & Go style outlets and table service instead of a self-service buffet
• Hand sanitisers and clear signage in public spaces advising guests on social distancing protocols
• Strict adherence to regulations relating to temperature checks, travel declarations and contact-tracing as mandated by the relevant authorities in markets
• Well trained staff in enhanced safety protocols to ensure safe stays for guests

As the global Coronavirus situation continues to evolve, Next Story Group will continue to review and refine the Safe with Us program to stay one step ahead.

Visit www.nextstory.com for more details on Safe with Us.

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