Edmonton has become the first Canadian destination to achieve Destination GBAC STAR accreditation.
Explore Edmonton, in collaboration with Edmonton International Airport, Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels (EDMH), Oilers Entertainment Group, TRAXX Coachlines, Edmonton Convention Centre, and Edmonton EXPO Centre, has successfully secured GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation.
That makes the Albertan city one of only four destinations in North America to have obtained the certification, which recognizes that the cleaning, sanitization, outbreak prevention, and recovery programs at participating Edmonton hotels, venues, and transportation agencies have achieved the gold standard in protection against and response to biorisk situations, including COVID-19. Edmonton had previously committed to the certification back in March.
Participating hotels, venues, and transportation partners in Edmonton include:
- Edmonton International Airport
- TRAXX Coachlines
- EDMH hotels (27 participating properties across Edmonton)
- Rogers Place
- Edmonton Convention Centre
- Edmonton EXPO Centre
In support of the accreditation, Explore Edmonton, the visitor economy and venue management organization for Edmonton, has launched a promotional campaign and platform. Visit Safely in Edmonton: From Touchdown to Takeoff encourages business travel, meetings, conventions, and major events to return to Edmonton following COVID-19 related cancellations and postponements. It also showcases the health and safety and outbreak prevention measures that will be in place at participating properties across the city. Explore Edmonton and EDMH are also offering substantial incentives for event planners who are considering Edmonton as their host destination.
“For over a year, Edmonton’s tourism and hospitality industry has experienced widespread travel restrictions, event postponements and cancellations,” said Maggie Davison, Interim CEO, Explore Edmonton. “As we reopen, our industry must show solidarity and collaboration in our commitment to providing a safe experience for business travellers and events returning to Edmonton. Our Destination GBAC STAR Accreditation proves that we are prepared to responsibly open for business—reigniting our industry and positioning Edmonton among the safest business event and travel destinations in North America.”
“The pursuit of GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation by various venues in Edmonton is a testament to the city’s commitment to a heightened level and ongoing priority of cleanliness that citizens, visitors, and staff now expect,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “Through the GBAC STAR accreditation, they are showing their dedication to the next step in infection prevention post-pandemic: cleaning for health.”
Last month, GBAC STAR accreditation passed its first anniversary. Around 2,000 facilities have achieved the certification since spring 2020.
MediaEdge is a proud reseller of the GBAC STAR and GBAC fundamentals online course. For additional GBAC STAR program details and information, please email chuckn@mediaedge.ca or contact him at (416) 803-4653.
