Hotel sector to strengthen room cleaning amid global bed bug infestation

The Macau Hoteliers & Innkeepers Association have made assurances that no hotels in Macau are affected with bed bugs amid soaring infestations in different regions, including Asia.

Deputy president Tai Cheng said that the hotel industry will participate in the bed bug prevention and control seminar organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office, held tomorrow.

In addition to routine cleaning measures, third-party pest control companies have been hired to conduct comprehensive inspections, spray cleaning and disinfection liquids, and maintain hotel rooms, said Tai.

Bed bugs have become a significant concern worldwide, affecting different regions from the US, UK, France to South Korea and Hong Kong and having been found in homes and on public transport.

The South Korean government has allocated 500 million won (USD383,000) and established a response team to address the issue. At least 17 outbreaks have been reported in the capital of Seoul and in the cities of Busan and Incheon.

In Hong Kong, authorities are distributing bedbug warning leaflets to passengers at the airport.

A photo of a bedbug went viral online on the seat of an Airport Express train. The MTR Corporation said on Friday that it has inspected and cleaned the affected.

Meanwhile, the Health Bureau has warned travelers to be vigilant for bed bugs, reminding residents to avoid placing luggage on the ground and keep luggage closed when not in use. The public is also urged to be mindful and check beds, pillows and mattresses in hotel rooms for potential infestations. LV