When states began hesitantly reopening for business, local travelers started to book hotels for small, weekend getaways. The conversation between hoteliers shifted from what to do about their staff and their property to the ways they can better protect their incoming guests. With occupancy back on the rise, that conversation becomes more important for both sides. TripAdvisor recently released a tool that makes it easy for consumers to find and filter hotels that have available safety information about their operating procedures.

With the introduction of a search, filter, and validation tool, it puts a few essential items at the very top of your To-Do list. Waiting to implement these important updates to your profile will reduce the number of potential guests you reach, which means you won’t be able to experience the full benefit of this invaluable uptick in travelers.

What Can Guests Filter?

Knowing what guests are capable of filtering for will help you understand what policies you need to have front and center on your TripAdvisor business listing. A recent article from Hotel Business breaks down some of the essentials for both sides. Travelers will be able to select filters while searching to narrow down hotels that have the following:

• Sanitation procedures
• Mask-wearing guidelines
• Social-distancing policies

This list is not exhaustive, but they are three pivotal things guests will be looking out for. TripAdvisor’s study found that 84% of travelers said “cleanliness or sanitization certificates are important when booking a travel experience,” and 92% said cleanliness overall is the most important factor in their decision to book. Future travelers will be investigating every hotel with a discerning eye, and the last thing you want is to make it difficult for them to know the truth about your property.

Additionally, TripAdvisor is adjusting their review submission form to allow guests to validate safety measures based on what businesses claimed they were doing. This makes it easier to share the experience with others and easier for other travelers to find evidence of what to expect at your property.

What Hoteliers Need to Do Next

The Travel Safe initiative allows hotels to select safety measures they have in place through the checklist in TripAdvisor’s management center. You should update your policies as soon as possible to prevent confusion and leave guests wondering if your hotel has taken the right steps to keep them safe as they travel. Beyond selecting measures your property has taken to prevent the spread of the virus, TripAdvisor also offers a text box for hoteliers to fill in with specific details about policies and procedures that guests may want to know. For example, if your property typically offers breakfast to guests, you may want to add information about a grab-and-go option if that’s what your property transitioned to doing. Any unique amenities at your hotel – a pool, arcade, golf course, etc. – will be worth mentioning regarding new policies surrounding guest safety, whether you have special social distancing plans or intend to shut down the areas entirely.

Taking the time to update your listing on TripAdvisor will help keep guests aware of the situation at your hotel. You’ll also be able to ensure your hotel is visible to as many potential guests as possible as more and more search filters are used. Travel Media Group has a guide with further resources to help you manage your TripAdvisor listing. Kanika Soni, chief commercial officer for TripAdvisor Inc., puts it well when she says that “hospitality businesses must recognize the changing expectations from consumers around safety and cleanliness.” Many may be excited to get back on the road as travel restrictions continue to ease, but many more will be taking strict precautions before deciding where to book.

You can read TripAdvisor’s official press release about the tool here.