According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, more than 1.3 billion people stay in hotels in the United States each year. When it comes to picking a place to stay, many guests have security as one of their top concerns, whether they are traveling for business or pleasure. So, what is the significance of safety and security in the hospitality industry?
Importance of Hotel Security
Hotel security is highly important, especially as hotels’ “open door” environment makes them quite vulnerable to attacks, riots, and shootings. Proper security in place is essential to protect hotel staff, guests, and physical assets and resources.
Hotel security is as important as hotel menu and accommodation in the contemporary world. It requires proactive measures to be taken by the hotel management and staff for their protection and the protection and safety of guests and valuable assets.
It also requires training of the hotel staff, especially during an emergency like a sudden fire and evacuation or in the event of a bombing.
Main tasks of hotel security officers
The hotel security officers need to perform the following tasks:
- Ensure guests’ safety and protection during their stay at the hotel
- Protect physical resources and assets in case of crime or a potential threat
- Ensure public order is maintained in all public places of the hotel
- Ensure prompt response in case of an emergency
- Provide parking assistance to the guests
- Provide customer service to guests if needed
Why is Hotel Security as Important as Your Menu and Accommodation
To protect the reputation of a hotel
A hotel’s reputation depends upon how safe, secure, and protected they make their guests feel. It is important to invest in proper security services to protect guests, staff, and valuable assets and prevent any damages due to a potential threat or criminal activity.
To deter crime
If security guards and officers are present outside a hotel, it helps deter crime. They can recognize any suspicious or out-of-the-ordinary activity, monitor surveillance equipment, and respond promptly in an emergency.
To protect hotels from damage
To prevent hotels from incurring any damage, hotel security is essential. The damage can result from a crime, theft, fire, or because of a disturbed guest. Here the role of security officers is undeniable in protecting hotels from physical damage.
To provide a sense of security to guests
The very core of hospitality relies upon the guest experience. A positive guest experience is pivotal because if you get it right, your guests will revisit you and talk positively about your hotel. If guests don’t feel comfortable and secure at your hotel, you have failed as a hotel owner/manager. Thus, it is important to make the guests feel secure and protected.
What threatens hotel guests
Hotel guests are threatened by physical, financial, and information threats.
Providing physical security and safety to hotel guests should be the number one priority of security officers. Physical threats threaten the life and property of hotel guests.
Other than physical threats, financial threats endanger losses to both the hotel and the hotel guests and must be prevented.
Meanwhile, information threats are a result of online computer breaches. If hotels do not have a high level of online protection, it can result in an information breach that can put personal customer data at risk.
How to Improve Hotel Security
Conduct a Security Risk Assessment
As a hotel company, you can conduct a risk assessment to identify any potential threats and vulnerabilities and try and overcome them to improve the security of your hotel.
Invest in Quality Surveillance Software
It is important to invest in quality surveillance software in order to improve the security of your hotel. The surveillance software, including surveillance cameras, must be placed in key areas, especially at entrances and exits.
Hold Regular Security Meetings
Conducting regular security meetings is key to keeping the staff up to date with new developments and knowing their feedback and concerns regarding hotel security.
Upgrade locks and passwords
Your hotels’ locks and passwords shouldn’t be easily breakable. It is important that you regularly upgrade your lock systems and passwords, especially after a change in staff or a security breach.
Engage with Guests
To further improve your hotel’s security, you must encourage your staff to talk to the guests, making them feel safe and letting them know that you are working tirelessly for them. If you engage with guests, it may also prevent an individual from committing a crime as they will notice that the hotel management is paying special attention to each and every guest.
Give Uniforms to the Hotel Staff
Uniformed staff with name tags can help enhance the security of your hotel. It helps guests and security personnel to easily identify hotel employees in case they need to report any suspicious activity.
Conclusion
Hotel security is as important as hotel menu and accommodation. If your guests don’t feel secure at your hotel, they will think twice about revisiting or leaving a positive review. Thus, the right security can build your hotel’s reputation and protect it from any potential threat or damage.
Maintaining high levels of security while expanding your hotel’s activities might be a difficult task, but it is possible. When it comes to solving long-standing problems, several hotels have found success in using new intelligent security technologies and practices, along with hiring professional security guards to keep watch of the hotel’s vicinity 24/7. By working with an efficient security service provider, you can identify what is already working for you and which challenges may require new solutions in order to support your growth in the hospitality business. Remember, security of guests and their assets should be your top priority.