Facial recognition technology to solve hotel security problems

A new facial recognition technology that promises to resolve hotel security problems will be launched at an industry event here later this month. Technology firm NEC's new innovation allows cameras to be installed throughout a property and recognise the faces of guests, check registered guest information, identify guests and alert hotel staff of VIP or undesirable visitors.

NEC and pioneers of the most advanced facial recognition technologies in the market will open the first ever TecSec Summit on September 28 at The Hotel Show Dubai 2015. Christine Davidson, Group Event Director of the DMG events hospitality portfolio including The Hotel Show, said that there is evidence that hoteliers are investing considerably in technology.

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"Gone are the days when providing the ability to book online was enough. To capture guests, hoteliers now have to provide unique offerings and experiences that utilise the latest technologies from 3D cinema rooms to waterproof LED TV's in bathroom mirrors to multi-room surround-sound music.

"Evidence of enhanced guest security is another important factor now that state-of-the-art fingerprint door locks, facial recognition technology, and other new and impressive means of controlling an individual's safety are available on the market," said Davidson.

"In the Middle East and Africa, the use of Facial Recognition technology has seen significant growth over the last two years particularly in Government sectors. We foresee this rise will continue with neighbouring industries in the region's private sector including hospitality, airports, theme parks and other travel-related businesses.

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"This for both scenario's, white-listing, welcoming the VIP-guests, as well as black-listing, keeping the 'bad guys' out," said Kees Van Donk, Director of Hospitality EMEA at NEC. "Terrorism, theft, violence and other security threats cannot be ignored and can now be monitored more closely and accurately," he said.

Source PTI