Alachua County’s Visitors and Conventions Bureau, Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, in partnership with the
Alachua County Hospitality Council, have created tools for area lodging and tourism partners (via the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Safe Stay Pledge) to show a unified commitment to the health and safety of those who live, work, and visit Alachua County.
Despite the reduced number of visitors and the extreme caution encouraged during the COVID-19 outbreak, summer break, league sports events, back to college preparations, business, medical appointments, outdoor recreation, and visiting friends and family are just a few of the reasons why travelers spend time Alachua County. The Alachua County hospitality community is committed to standing out as a safe choice for visitors.
“At all times, and especially during the time of COVID-19, the Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau provides the information and tools that our visitors need to navigate our destination,” said Tourism Development Manager, Jessica Hurov. “The Safe Stay Pledge is another way to provide information to help inform the personal travel choices that individuals need to make during their stay. In addition, the
VisitGainesville.com website provides links to CDC guidelines and the Alachua County emergency orders to create a one-stop information center for travelers to Alachua County.”
The hospitality industry represents approximately 8.1% of the County’s workforce and includes hotel, restaurant, attraction, and travel personnel, who are all committed to the safe return of visitors to our destination.
“We are pleased to join Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, in support of the Safe Stay pledge,” said Alachua County Hospitality Council President Rebecca Lamb. “Our lodging properties remain ready to welcome visitors and to ensure that our guests are confident that best practices are being followed for their health and safety. Now, more than ever, we are all in this together.”
The Safe Stay pledge has been signed by owners and managers at 28 of Alachua County’s hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
Representatives of the following businesses and organizations collaborated on this ongoing initiative: AC Marriott Gainesville, Aloft by Marriott ,Best Western Gateway Grand Hotel & Conference Center, Comfort Inn University, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, DoubleTree by Hilton, Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gainesville I-75, Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville Downtown, Hampton Inn Gainesville, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alachua, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gainesville I-75, Holiday Inn University Center, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida, Hotel Indigo Gainesville, Magnolia Plantation Bed & Breakfast, Residence Inn by Marriott I-75, Sleep Inn & Suites University, SpringHill Suites Gainesville, Staybridge Suites Gainesville I-75, Sweetwater Branch Inn & Suites, The Laurel Oak Inn Bed & Breakfast, The Rustic Inn and Wyndham Garden Hotel.
Safe Stay lodging properties agree to:
- Follow CDC Standards of Cleaning and Sanitation
- Wear Face Coverings
- Wash Hands Frequently and Have Hand Sanitizer Available
- Follow Social Distancing and Capacity Guidelines
- Conduct Wellness Screenings of Employees
- Train Employees on COVID-19 Safety Procedures
- Work Toward Contactless Payment
