Hotel Okura Amsterdam has achieved GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation

Back to overview

Press release: Hotel Okura Amsterdam has achieved GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation

Amsterdam, 21 October 2020 – Hotel Okura Amsterdam has achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for facilities that are prepared for biorisk situations. Under the guidance of GBAC, a division of the worldwide cleaning industry association ISSA, Hotel Okura Amsterdam has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in its facility. The accreditation signifies that the luxury hotel applies best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics. Hotel Okura Amsterdam is the first venue in the Netherlands to achieve the prestigious international accreditation.

As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR helps organisations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. “GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, Hotel Okura Amsterdam has received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”  

To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, Hotel Okura Amsterdam was required to demonstrate compliance with the programme’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures.

About GBAC, a division of ISSA 

Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organisation’s services include biorisk management programme assessment and training, Forensic Restoration response and remediation, the GBAC STAR facility accreditation programme, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information on GBAC and the GBAC STAR accreditation, visit www.gbac.org

About ISSA 

With more than 9,300 members – including distributors, manufacturers, wholesalers, contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service members – ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com 

About Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Hotel Okura Amsterdam is part of Okura Nikko Hotel Management, an international chain with more than 70 luxury hotels, mainly in Asia. The hotel is also a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Hotel Okura Amsterdam has 300 rooms and in addition to top-quality hotel accommodation, offers its guests a spa and fitness centre, ultramodern conference rooms and the culinary delights of no less than four restaurants – three of which have been recognised by Guide Michelin. Hotel Okura Amsterdam is just a stone’s throw away from both Amsterdam’s business district and the capital city’s main tourist attractions.