Business View Caribbean - June 2016 19
PRHTA hotels have rolled-out disease prevention
and control measures to keep guests safe and wor-
ry-free. In addition to education and awareness pro-
grams, other proactive measures include:
• Spraying, fogging and misting all public areas regu-
larly to control mosquito populations
• Chlorinating and monitoring swimming pools
• Maintaining strict and preventive grounds keeping
practices
• Providing hotel welcome kits for all guests at
check-in that contain the latest CDC guidelines and
information regarding zika safety including an info-
graphic detailing how to correctly apply bug spray
and a brochure highlighting all the specific steps the
hotel is taking to protect against zika
• Providing employee awareness training through
internal communications and bulletins
• Offering EPA-approved insect repellent for free
upon check-in, throughout public spaces and/or in
gift shops for purchase
• Creating an online microsite -- PuertoRicoNow.
SeePuertoRico.com -- that provides guests and po-
tential visitors with the most up-to-date information
regarding zika in Puerto Rico
“Responsible dissemination of health information
is one thing,” said Clarisa Jiménez, President and
CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Associa-
tion, “but zika messaging with its editorial embel-
lishment has moved into fear mongering, and we
believe that has blown things out of proportion.”
“We have taken all the measures that the CDC has
recommended from day one,” Jiménez added. “We
have worked diligently with the Puerto Rico Tour-
ism Company to implement this prevention pro-
gram, and we have thoroughly trained all hotel staff.
Through this training, all hotel staff are well-versed
on how to knowledgably advise guests concerned
about zika,” she continued. “Our guest’s safety is
our top priority.”
Michael Herrmann, general manager of the InterCon-
tinental San Juan, echoed Jiménez’s sentiments:
“As a responsible business, we have the duty to in-
form our guests and clients about our efforts to pro-
vide a safe environment for their enjoyment. For us,
it is extremely important to let them know that we
have implemented specific actions to mitigate and
control the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito
on our property in order to prevent the zika virus.”
“In addition,” continued Herrmann, “we are echo-
ing the official communications of Meet Puerto
Rico and Puerto Rico Tourism Company through our
social media channels, in order to let our audience
know that Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit.”
