Radisson Hotel Group Announces New COVID-19 Testing Program

As part of its ongoing commitment to the safe return of travel and to allow for a swift return to business, Radisson Hotel Group launches its new comprehensive testing program as the first hotel group to roll out a rapid testing service for meeting and event attendees at properties across its EMEA portfolio. The testing program builds on the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol launched in 2020. In addition, upon full implementation of the program every hotel will be able to provide guests with the option to visit an easily accessible and affordable PCR testing location, either at the hotel site or in its vicinity.

The comprehensive testing program for all guests is groundbreaking in its coordinated approach across EMEA to reinstall confidence and peace of mind to travelers as the world returns to business by providing a safe environment and seamless testing facilitation.

Radisson Hotel Group’s new testing program is an extension of the Group’s 20-Step and 10-step Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol launched in 2020 in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company, recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity, as well as the Group’s Hybrid Rooms and Hybrid Meeting Solutions to assist clients in delivering a seamless event of any kind, from hybrid multi-site meetings to broadcasting events.

The rapid testing service for Meetings & Events will be available at participating hotels in select countries* across EMEA in partnership with Hughes Healthcare using a lateral flow antigen test kit, proven to be one of the most accurate and best performing in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

Guests staying at Radisson properties can also have access to convenient and affordable PCR testing, the gold standard of SARS-CoV-2 detection, as part of Radisson Hotel Group’s partnership with SYNLAB and Eurofins. SYNLAB is the leading pan-European provider of clinical laboratory and medical diagnostic services as well as laboratory diagnostics provider of UEFA. Eurofins is the global leader in bio-analysis and partner of Formula 1. In addition, selected hotels will offer PCR testing on location for groups or individuals, or self-sampling PCR tests via the Group’s partners.

“The ability to offer rapid tests for our guests and meeting and event professionals is the next step towards a safe return to travel and business for the meetings and event industry. By offering our guests and attendees peace of mind and confidence knowing they are in a safe and healthy environment, Radisson Hotel Group is continuing to innovate and expand our meeting and events offering, adapting swiftly and efficiently to new requirements. The new testing program in combination with the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol underlines our on-going commitment to the safety of our guests, partners, and team members”, said Chema Basterrechea, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Radisson Hotel Group EMEA.

COVID-19 Testing Options include:

• COVID-19 rapid antigen testing offered by a specialized third-party testing provider and administered by a trained health care provider on site at the hotel prior to the event / meeting
• Access to PCR testing locations in the vicinity of the hotel
• Access to PCR testing with self-sampling, in countries where this is legally permitted
• Group or VIP PCR testing on site at the hotel administered by a trained health care provider

As we roll out the new comprehensive COVID-19 testing programs, one or more of these options will become available at participating hotels.

Radisson Hotel Group’s top priority is the continued health, safety and security of its guests, team members, and business partners. In May 2020, the hotel group announced its Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol in collaboration with SGS including increasing cleaning and disinfecting especially in high touch point areas, sanitizing stations throughout, team member PPE, physical distance measures in meetings, improved air circulation, strict food safety procedures, digital technology and hybrid meeting options.

Radisson Hotel Group played a key role in the development of the World Travel and Tourism (WTTC)’s “Safe Travels” health and safety protocols, a global framework and stamp for a safe return to business and to create consistency across the Travel and Tourism industry. The Safe Travels stamp is currently endorsed by over 200 destinations around the world.

*At the time of launch the following countries are included: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Turkey, Russia