Safety & Security Feature In The Hospitality Industry

The daring attacks by the terrorists on hotels Taj Mahal & Trident Oberoi in downtown Mumbai on 26/11/ 2008 shook the hospitality industry worldwide. Never before such iconic hotels were targeted. The two 5 star hotels were under siege for two days and the guests inside were held as hostages. Following that unexpected tragedy which saw many lives lost, hotels across India have beefed up their security apparatus to be in the combat readiness to meet any eventuality. Mr. Manoj Khadkikar, Head, Channel & Distribution- Products & Solutions Group Zicom Electronic Security Systems traces the developments since November 2008 and spells out the progress the hospitality industry has made in the security domain. Below, excerpts from an interview:       

1. What kind of trends did you witness in terms of safety and security technology adoption in the hospitality industry after the ill-fated Mumbai terror attack? Do you see the demand sustaining even now?

Although adequate security is in place in the 5 star hotels, the importance of comprehensive security    has not pervaded the hospitality industry as a whole. You will come across even the 4 star hotel properties with more than 100 rooms not providing enough security or not having the required security products and solutions. Even if they have some products, they are not being utilized in a proper manner, which therefore, leads to the conclusion that for them security is not on their key agenda.  So, from the industry perspective the safety and security adoption in hospitality is not uniform. It is sporadic and therefore, a big concern.   

2. How different are the security installation/gadgets demand of hospitality industry from other industries? How open are hotel investors to deploying the latest technology gadgets to safeguard their customers and properties?

The security requirements for the hospitality sector are a bit different from other industry. In the hospitality arena security is on several layers like tier one, two, three, four, five and so forth depending upon the needs.   Tier one may involve the perimeter, tier two the entrance check points, tier three the lobby etc. So, we should ensure that Admin & Commercial section is not open to guests and gymnasium and swimming pool are barred for visitors.  So, every section in a hotel requires security that should appear non-intrusive to customers’ privacy and at the same time provide utmost security to protect them and their belongings during their stay. 

3. What is the kind of awareness in the industry when it comes to choosing appropriate solutions for their assets?

While the ritzy 5 star hotels are well aware how to protect their properties, the hotels down the order have no clue as to what kinds of security they need and who provide the security solutions.  Except five star hotels, others have not laid up any concrete security layer to fully protect their own properties. But the situation is improving as all economy hotels feel the need to equip themselves with modern security systems.           

4. What are the new innovations in access control/surveillance solutions? How you are equipping your brand to cater to emerging safety/security threats/demands in the industry?

Apart from the CCTV cameras and patrolling guards with sniffer dogs, nowadays especially post 26/11/ 2008, hotels are strengthening the security cover to all strategic places in and around the hotel premises.  These include, Perimeter Fencing, Boom Barriers, Automatic Bollards, Selective Access Control System, Under Vehicle Surveillance System (UVSS), Baggage X Ray Clearance, Metal Detectors, Alarm System, Biometric and Facial Recognition Systems, People Counters, Intrusion Detectors, Bomb Detection Devices,etc. There is seamless flow of data from one system to another not only from the security point of view but also from the business perspective. Helpful intrusion is provided as an added service through technological capabilities. 

Also, security solution providers are offering 5 star hotels security coupled with home automation. That is automatic solution for lighting, air conditioners, television, windows, curtains, etc which facilitate the customer to enjoy luxury and comfort with ease. 

We at Zicom are providing many of these security solutions to hospitality industry and the non-occurrence of any major mishap there is a testimony to the efficacy of our security solutions.  

5. What will be the prospects in the coming years? 

The Security Solutions Providers will have a bright future as a result of the growing hospitality industry. India's hospitality industry which includes hotel, travel and tourism is expected to grow by about 7.3 per cent in 2014, according to World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The total market size of tourism and hospitality industry in India stood at US$ 117.7 billion and is anticipated to touch US$ 418.9 billion by 2022.

The domestic hospitality sector expects 52,000 new hotel rooms to be added in five years (2013–17), according to a survey by real estate consultancy, Cushman & Wakefield. This will lead to a rise of over 65 per cent in total hotel inventory in India. The National Capital Region (NCR) is expected to contribute around one-third to the total expected hotel rooms supply during the period. 

Further, the Working Group on Tourism for the 12th Five-Year Plan, set up by the Planning Commission, has estimated the generation of additional employment of 24.5 million (direct and indirect) in the sector during 2010–16. 

In view of all these positive factors, the security for the hospitality segment will increase manifold in the coming years and Zicom will have a crucial role to play in meeting the security requirements of this industry.