2. A hotels reputation and standard conduct of business is based on the
protection that is afforded to guests, employees, visitors, contractors, the
physical structure of the premises and all that is contained therein and
pertinent to the property.
Assets must be deployed to mitigate numerous risks that Hotels face which
include but are not limited to fire, criminal activities, injury, natural disaster,
sabotage, and terrorism. Crime and attempted crime has increased over time
due to numerous factors. With increased population there are simply more
criminals. In addition, crime has gotten more viral as evidenced by that most
unfortunate terrorist attack in Mumbai, India where scores were killed and
injured in a horrific assault at the Taj Mahal and Oberoi Hotels. While this
represents an extreme it also illustrates the vulnerability that Hotels face.
3. More common vulnerabilities would be the lone physical attack on Hotel
guests and employees, theft of merchandise and services, injuries and
claims due to both real and alleged circumstances and the devastating
effect of fire and natural disaster. While all risks cannot be avoided, they
can and are being mitigated through basic as well as enhanced security
techniques and methods.
4. While the cost of systems and manpower has to be considered in the context
of an overall security program, it is as noted above incumbent for a Hotel to
provide the safe and secure environment that patrons expect and have a legal
right for. As such Hotels can take basic steps as well as utilize sophisticated
security techniques to mitigate risk. While basic steps are relatively
inexpensive the decision to deploy more complex techniques will need to
based on based on budgets and the financial ability of the Hotel. It is thus
incumbent for decision makers at the Hotel to decide on a basic framework of
expenditure for Security purposes.
5. What ALL Hotels can cost effectively do is TRAIN ALL staff and not just security
personnel on the importance of security and what all staff members should
look for and try to do when there is a situation or incident at the Hotel. Hotel
staff should be encouraged if not rewarded to report situations that are
dangerous or might be dangerous.
A trained staff that can identify and react appropriately in the identification of
potential and or actual risk is the best and most cost effective security
technique for any Hotel. Training programs can also range from simple to
complex but there is no substitute or excuse for Hotel staff not to be given
basic training on the importance of Hotel security.
