• After having certified the new procedures developed by the hotel chain in May, Bureau Veritas has now certified their correct implementation in hotels and a level of compliance of 100%
• "Stay Safe with Meliá" is also earning the trust of customers, as seen in the reviews on online review sites

Bureau Veritas, a market leader in inspection, certification and testing, has completed the certification of the Meliá Hotels International "Stay Safe with Meliá" programme of preventative measures to combat COVID-19 and has also confirmed a level of compliance of 100% in company hotels.

At the launch of the programme in May, Meliá announced it was working with Bureau Veritas to guarantee compliance with the most rigorous health and safety standards. Bureau Veritas certified the suitability of the programme, and after having completed an audit in a large sample of hotels, has now certified the correct adaptation of operating procedures to the current circumstances and the excellent and controlled application of them in hotel facilities to minimise the risks created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The "Stay Safe with Meliá" programme has involved hotels modifying their facilities and redesigning many of their processes to reduce direct contact, observe social distancing and ensure maximum hygiene. In addition to specific hygiene and disinfection protocols and measures, the programme also contains important efforts to enhance employee training and the customer experience.

Reputational impact

One of the key factors when designing the "Stay Safe with Meliá" programme was to respond to the new needs of travellers in the current context, both in terms of their health and their accommodation experience. The implementation of the programme in company hotels has therefore had a positive impact on the reputation of the company as a result of the positive effect on customer satisfaction. This can be seen in the favourable reviews on online review sites*, which highlight the trust and confidence they have in the safety and hygiene measures as well as the experience they have enjoyed in the hotel. In general, users highlight the service and attention received from employees, cleanliness, compliance with new safety measures and the hotels' ability to continue to deliver a positive customer experience in rooms, dining areas and complementary facilities.

For Gabriel Escarrer, Vice President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, "customer satisfaction is the icing on the cake in the certification process of the "Stay Safe with Meliá" programme. "We feel safe in the hotel" or "safer than in our own country" are some of the most frequent comments made by guests over recent weeks, which is very positive recognition for the efforts we have made to adapt our services and reconnect with customers in the most favourable possible conditions".

* See the reviews here.​

About Melia Hotels International

Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International is one of the largest hotel companies worldwide, as well as the absolute leader within the Spanish market, with more than 380 hotels (current portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries and four continents, operated under the brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSIDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and TRYP by Wyndham. The strategic focus on international growth has allowed Meliá Hotels International to be the first Spanish hotel company with presence in key markets such as China, the Arabian Gulf or the US, as well as maintaining its leadership in traditional markets such as Europe, Latin America or the Caribbean. Its high degree of globalization, a diversified business model, the consistent growth plan supported by strategic alliances with major investors and its commitment to responsible tourism are the major strengths of Meliá Hotels International, being the Spanish Hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking) and one of the most attractive to work worldwide. Meliá Hotels International is included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market index. Follow Meliá Hotels International on Twitter @MeliaHotelsInt and Facebook meliahotelsinternational.

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