Explore Edmonton, the visitor economy and venue management organization for Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has announced a collaborative initiative to pursue city-wide GBAC^® STAR Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a Division of ISSA.

The collaborative effort includes Edmonton International Airport; Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels (EDMH), which oversees 38 properties across the city; Rogers Place; the Oilers Entertainment Group; and the already accredited Edmonton Convention Centre and Edmonton EXPO Centre.

“Edmonton’s tourism, hospitality, and events industries will play an important role in our region’s post-COVID-19 recovery, getting people back to work, welcoming travelers back to the city, and delivering important economic and social benefits to our region,” said Maggie Davison, acting CEO of Explore Edmonton. “Edmonton’s GBAC^® STAR Accreditation will ensure our international airport, major venues, and hotels are all working toward the same standards for cleanliness and outbreak prevention. By working in partnership, Edmonton can safely reopen for business and provide one of the safest travel experiences in North America, from arrival to departure.”

To obtain GBAC^® STAR Accreditation, facilities must demonstrate compliance with 20 specific elements including maintaining strict cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, infectious disease prevention planning, staff training, and more. Once complete, Edmonton will be the first and only Canadian destination to obtain the GBAC^® STAR Accreditation and one of only two destinations throughout North America.

“The pursuit of GBAC^® STAR Facility Accreditation by various venues in Edmonton is a testament to the city’s commitment to making cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention an ongoing priority for its citizens and visitors,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “Through the GBAC^® STAR accreditation, they show their commitment to their communities by implementing a higher level of cleaning.”

Learn more and apply for GBAC^® STAR Facility Accreditation at gbac.org/star.