Kolkata/IBNS: Post pandemic, the stakes for the housekeeping department in any hotel has gone up many notches because travellers are now more cautious about hygienic aspects than ever before.

To ensure that aspiring industry players are on top of the latest requirements, the Oxford University Press India launched the fourth edition of its bestseller “Hotel Housekeeping - Operations and Management” during the 5th National Housekeepers Convention, which was recently held in Bengaluru.

The event coincided with the 8th-anniversary celebration of the Professional Housekeepers' Association (PHA).

Present at the launch were co-authors G. Raghubalan and Smritee Raghubalan, along with Jayashree Nagaraj, Founder President & Chairperson, PHA; Vikram Kotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts; Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia, Cluster GM – North Goa, Taj Hotels; Gaurav Miglani, GM, Taj Bangalore; Varun Handa, Karcher India; Ashwini Walawalkar, Country Head, TCFM; Meenu Tognatta, Ex Divisional Housekeeper, ITC Hotels.

The co-authors shared their insights on the book's journey and its success as a bestseller.

“Hotel Housekeeping - Operations and Management” covers a wide range of topics, including the role of housekeeping in hospitality operations, cleaning and maintenance of different surfaces, room layout and guest supplies, area cleaning, routine systems and records, pest and odour control, uniforms, laundry, flower arrangement, interior decoration, indoor plants, lighting, and contract services.

The authors said that the new edition of the book has been extensively revised and updated to cover various contemporary themes in housekeeping such as the latest standard operating procedures (SOPs), formats, exhibits, and case studies.

The book also focuses on Infection Prevention and Control Protocols for COVID-19.

The book explores emerging trends in the field, such as nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and software.

The book is suitably designed to cater to students pursuing undergraduate and diploma courses in hotel management, certificate courses in housekeeping, and postgraduate courses in accommodation operations.

G. Raghugopalan, co-author of the book, and with over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, said that the book not only covers the fundamentals of housekeeping but also offers valuable knowledge for students and professionals to excel in their roles.