Airbnb enhanced clean rating, 1.2 million of its listings around

Airbnb enhanced clean rating, 1.2 million of its listings around.

Like virtually every vacation rental and hotel business, Airbnb announced new enhanced cleaning protocols as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe. The company announced Thursday that more than 1.2 million of its listings around the world have achieved an "enhanced clean" designation – and which countries and destinations received the highest marks.

Airbnb's "enhanced clean" program, revealed in April, was developed in conjunction with health experts and includes a five-step cleaning procedure as well as social distancing guidelines. Hosts (and guests) can find more details on Airbnb's website. Of note: The "enhanced clean" guidance is only recommended. Still, hosts need to follow local government or health authority guidance.

"In the last weeks, hosts have embraced and adopted our new rigorous guidelines, with thousands more attesting to the enhanced cleaning protocol everyday," Catherine Powell, head of hosting at Airbnb, said in a statement to USA TODAY. "This effort shows how our hosts are dedicated to the highest standards and committed to keeping their guests and communities safe."

The top 10 countries with the most "enhanced clean" listings are:

1. United States
2. France
3. United Kingdom
4. Spain
5. Italy
6. Mexico
7. Brazil
8. Australia
9. Canada 
10. Greece

Here's where you can find the highest concentration of "enhanced clean" listings, most of which are in the USA:

1. Telluride, Colorado
2. Destin, Florida
3. Walla Walla, Washington
4. Panama City Beach, Florida
5. Oregon Coast
6. Peak District, Hope Valley, U.K.
7. Grant County, Washington
8. Big Sky, Montana
9. Mammoth Lakes, California
10. Winter Park, Colorado

11. Internal Airbnb data shows that 95% of all reviews indicate guests are satisfied with cleaning, giving 4 or 5 stars. The "enhanced clean" listings have a 4.8-star average cleanliness rating. These listings also have three times more bookings on average compared to other listings.

    Meanwhile, on the hotel side of the hospitality industry, the American Hotel & Lodging Association surveyed travelers to find out which health and safety protocols have the greatest impact on guests' comfort levels.