WASHINGTON, D.C.
As the market for healthy travel options for business and leisure segments continues to expand, a new nonprofit called the Institute for Healthy Destination Accreditation (IHDA) has emerged in Washington D.C. to help resorts and hotels measure and improve health-related initiatives, amenities, facilities and personnel.
The IHDA-operated website www.travelhealthy.org has also been launched to offer hotel health and wellness statistics and information for consumers.
IHDA was co-founded by Mary Ellen Rose, Ph.D., who serves as chief science offer, and veteran hospitality executive, Peter Hyland, who serves as president. The duo spent more than three years developing the program and the science behind it.
Its initial founding hotel members, who have been IHDA approved as meeting Healthy Hospitality Best Practices, include The Breakers Palmb Beach (Fla.), The Hotel del Coronado (Calif.), The Broadmoor (Colo.), Mauna Kea Resort - Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (Hawaii), The Coeur d'Alene Resort (Idaho) and Airlie (Va.).
“We are excited to have this stellar group of fine resorts as our founding members,” Hyland said. “Health-conscious travelers are an extremely important customer segment and we’re confident that hundreds, if not thousands, of independents, and chain-affiliated hotels and resorts, will become IHDA members and participate in our certification process.”
Hotel Registration and Wellness Requirements
Hospitality destinations can apply online for an IHDA Approved Healthy Destination Membership at https://travelhealthy.site-ym.com/general/register_membership.asp.
Applicants must complete an Approved Healthy Destination Membership online questionnaire outlining the Best Practices in Healthy Hospitality. This assessment tool demonstrates they meet the basic standards regarding programs, services, amenities and facilities contributing to the Healthy Guest Experience.
The IHDA accreditation team then evaluates the destination's Best Practices and determines whether or not it qualifies for Approved Healthy Destination (AHD) status.
If the hotel or resort property is approved, the annual membership fee is $850 and is said to include a range of member benefits.
