The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, has added the GBAC STAR Destination program to its accreditation offerings.
This new designation enables organisations like municipalities, tourism bureaus, and destination marketing organisations (DMOs) to demonstrate their destination’s dedication to building healthier, safer, and more confident communities through widespread adoption of GBAC STAR accreditations.
GBAC Executive Director, Patricia Olinger, said: “GBAC STAR Destination is yet another step toward making our world cleaner, healthier, and safer for everyone. Participating destinations are advocates for continuous improvement, compliance, and risk mitigation best practices that enable communities to thrive, especially during challenging periods such as pandemics.”
GBAC STAR Destination encourages greater participation in GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation, designed for facilities of all types and sizes, and GBAC STAR Service Accreditation, which is reserved for building service contractors responsible for cleaning and maintaining these facilities.
The Destination designation for municipalities, tourism bureaus, and DMOs enables them to play a key role in identifying businesses, public facilities, and other organisations that can pursue their respective accreditation. In turn, these facilities and cleaning service providers create and uphold a system of cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention that benefits their employees, customers, and community members.
Aly Fernandez, Associate Vice President of Destination Services and Tradeshow Activities at Discover the Palm Beaches, commented: “With third-party validation of business’ cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention programs, both locals and tourists know that their next visit will be both fun and safe, allowing them to focus on making lasting memories in The Palm Beaches.”
GBAC STAR Destination offers pricing options for destinations with populations less than and greater than 500,000. Compliance with the program’s requirements enables organisations to use the official GBAC STAR seal to promote commitment to public health and safety. Accreditation also offers numerous other benefits, like access to GBAC Scientific Advisory Board resources and the GBAC Online Fundamentals Course, Complimentary ISSA Associate Membership, and more.
John Barrett, ISSA Executive Director, added: “Safe communities start with a pledge to encourage proper cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention in local businesses and public facilities. With GBAC STAR Destination, we are helping to not only protect the people who live and work in these places, but also those who visit these destinations for business or pleasure.”
