ITC Hotels Launch ‘WeAssure’: A first-of-its kind initiative on health, hygiene & safety

Reinforcing its globally acknowledged Responsible Luxury ethos that seeks to create a better and secure world, ITC Hotels today announced the launch of its path breaking 'WeAssure' initiative. In a first for the hospitality industry, the discerning guests of ITC Hotels will be reassured by an accreditation by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)- the leading standards organisation for sanitation, hygiene, safety and infection control practices. ITC Hotels is also partnering with DNV GL Business Assurance, one of the world's leading certification bodies, to ensure stringent clinical levels of hygiene and safety. These assurance certifications will stand testimony to the rigorous hygiene protocol being put in place to ensure the safety of guests and associates at ITC Hotels, across India.

"We are committed to delivering world-class luxury experiences that address the most important needs of wellbeing and safety through responsible practices that are immensely relevant in the unprecedented circumstances we face today. 'WeAssure' is a unique programme designed in collaboration with medical professionals and disinfection experts to further enhance the existing hygiene & cleaning protocols. The stringent program specifications reassure guests of visibly stringent cleanliness and disinfection processes which benchmark clinically hygienic standards, offering guests' unparalleled comfort with peace of mind" stated Nakul Anand, Executive Director-ITC Ltd. With many "Industry Firsts" to its credit, 'WeAssure' is set to redefine the cleanliness protocol.

The accreditation by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) will enhance existing procedures and controls in the area of sanitation, hygiene, safety and infection control thereby conforming to hospital level hygiene standards.
DNV GL Business Assurance, a body that helps businesses assure the performance of their organization is evaluating a model, built around the three pillars of - Health, Hygiene and Safety. This will help ITC Hotels achieve higher levels of maturity around all facets of operations.

'WeAssure' is a holistic programme that addresses all facets of hotel operations. From revised protocols for back of the house activity at the receiving store, back offices, laundry to the public areas with heightened sanitization measures for guest luggage, elevators to room service.

The well-being of guests, associates and partners has always been of paramount importance at ITC Hotels and more so in these testing times. Namaste at ITC Hotels is not only a heartfelt welcome, it is inspired from our ancient scripture 'Atithi Devo Bhava' which prescribes the dynamics of the host and guest relationship. Namaste acknowledges the honour in being a host and to look after guests in the most responsible manner without compromising the high standards the guest has come to expect. It is a call from within that keeps the Indian Values alive, pure and timeless.

ABOUT RESPONSIBLE LUXURY

Sustainable business practises which respect the environment and society have always been the DNA of ITC Hotels. Since pioneering the concept of "Responsible Luxury" in 2009, ITC Hotels has commissioned numerous planet positive initiatives, which range from use of renewable energy which today powers more than 57% of ITC Hotels electrical requirement to an over 50% reduction in water consumption over the last five years to name a few and amongst the first hospitality chains to discontinue use of 'Single Use Plastic 'across its operations.

With 'Responsible Luxury' as its guiding premise, ITC Hotels is committed to delivering luxury experiences with sustainable practices embedded in the process - an endeavour which has manifested in the coveted LEED*® Platinum rating for all its luxury hotels , making ITC Hotels amongst the 'Greenest' luxury hotel chains in the world. (*Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design - by U.S. Green Building Council and the Indian Green Building Council)

ITC Hotels has also been focused on initiatives addressing health and wellbeing and over the years introduced many initiatives like heightened focus on Indoor Air Quality , installation of Radiation harmonisers that mitigate the harmful effects of radiation at all ITC Hotels and the Sleeep Program which addresses multiple parameters aimed at enhancing quality of sleep from interventions on controlling decibel levels in room to lighting, fragrance & aromas to introduction of a sleeep menu designed to promote the biological aspect of sleep quality using select food ingredients from across the world.

About ITC Hotels

ITC Hotels is one of India's largest luxury hotel chains. It operates under four brands with more than 100 hotels in over 70 destinations in the country. Integrating India's fine tradition of hospitality with globally benchmarked services, the luxury hotels reflect the culture and ethos of each destination.

With "Responsible Luxury" as its guiding premise, ITC's Luxury Collection Hotels combine grandeur with intimacy to operate according to the highest principles of environmental stewardship. With 10 LEED® Platinum certified hotels, ITC Hotels is the Greenest Luxury Hotel Chain in the World. The brand features opulent accommodations, state-of-the-art business facilities, renowned signature cuisine and award-winning wellness experiences.

The 11 Luxury Collection properties are: ITC Maurya in New Delhi, ITC Mughal in Agra, ITC Windsor and ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru, ITC Grand Central and ITC Maratha in Mumbai, ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, ITC Rajputana in Jaipur, ITC Kakatiya in Hyderabad, ITC Sonar in Kolkata and ITC Grand Bharat in the New Delhi Capital Region.

Other brands in the ITC repertoire are: WelcomHotel, Fortune, and WelcomHeritage offering a wide range of options for leisure and business travelers from mid-range properties to heritage palaces, forts and resorts. For more information, visit www.itchotels.in.