Between COVID-19, global warming, wildfires, and overall poor air quality, concerns about air quality have grown in recent years. Many highly populated areas have instituted new rules and regulations, and on a social scale, people are pushing the hospitality industry to take a more active role in keeping our air clean to keep travelers safe. Doing so is a win-win. Improving air quality is great for guests and staff and for the environment - but it’s good for business as well.
9 Out of 10 People Breathe Polluted Air
According to the World Health Organization, most people are affected by pollution at some level. Their global estimates reveal an alarming death toll of 7 million people every year caused by ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution. That’s because fine particles in polluted air can penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing diseases including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
The most common sources of air pollution are power generation, burning fossil fuels, agricultural activities, waste in landfills, exhaust from factories and industries, and mining operations. Those aren’t the only culprits, though - indoor activities such as burning candles, using hair spray or aerosol deodorants, and even cooking can also contribute to pollutants in the air.
How is Pollution Affecting the Hotel Industry?
As people become more aware of the risks of pollution - and the ways in which their habits contribute to it - they are more likely to demand action on behalf of businesses they choose to patronize. Not only that, they just want to breathe fresh air. As pollution becomes more common, so too does air quality decrease, which people can not only see but feel. This is particularly true of denser areas which tend to be more likely to draw hotel guests. Simply put: people are more comfortable with clean air.
This is why you will notice more and more hotel chains creating specific wellness areas or floors promising different types of air purification systems. You can expect this trend to continue as people become more aware of pollution and more cautious in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are gaining a more thorough knowledge of the ways that air quality impacts their health and wellness along with climate issues. Savvy hospitality professionals know that guests will be looking at air quality when they make hotel choices. In fact, in many areas, it will be mandated that hotels as well as other industries up the ante on air quality - and if not mandated, at least highly encouraged.
The good news is that clean air leads to better health and a higher level of well-being. That means travelers will feel more energized and happy during their stay. Clean air also leads to better sleep, odor control, and a variety of other benefits that will make your hotel more appealing to guests - leading to loyal customers.
What are the Best Ways for Hotels to Manage Air Quality?
Even if not mandated at a regulation level, hotels should consider it essential to improve air quality if they don’t want to see a drop in bookings. Hotels that already invest in air quality measures should communicate the ways in which they do so, and hotels that are new to air quality improvement should begin with a few high-quality air purifiers.
Remember that even the smallest particles can contribute to lower air quality, which can lead to odors, allergens, and other irritants in the air, and viral spread. Even the best HVAC system cannot help with these tiny particles. Neither can opening windows, installing air fresheners, or even including plenty of plants in your floor plan.
The truth is that air purifiers are the only system proven to improve air quality. Commercial air purifiers come in a variety of sizes and are designed to reduce the contaminants in the air - not just mask them or move them around. This means that air purifiers are critical in the age of COVID-19 prevention (which we know is an airborne illness), and they can also help with common problems in the hotel industry such as tobacco odors or cooking fumes.
Not all air purifiers are created equal, though. Medify Air offers the H13 True HEPA filter which removes 99.9% of particles in the air. From pollen to asbestos to tobacco smoke and virus carriers, Medify’s 3-in-1 filters remove even the smallest particles to improve the air quality in your building. They also come with a variety of features and functions that mean business leaders can suit air purification units to their unique space and needs.
It’s never been more important for hotels to carefully consider - and improve - their indoor air quality. To begin putting together a plan for your hotel, reach out to our experts.
