The travel and tourism sector, which includes the hospitality industry, faces a lot of challenges. Security is one of the most serious ones that can directly impact the operation and reputation of your business as well as the safety of your guests and staff. Without a comprehensive hotel security program, you will not only lose customers but also face devastating lawsuits that can lead to the closure of your business.

In this article, we’ve listed down 9 of the biggest security issues facing the hospitality industry along with effective strategies that you can implement to mitigate risks. Thus, creating a safe environment for your guests to help you build trust and expand your customer base.

Key Takeaways

• Physical breaches and cybersecurity threats are the major security issues that the hospitality industry is currently facing.
• Physical breaches include theft of guest belongings, unauthorized access, vandalism, disorderly conduct, trespassing, parking lot theft, and employee safety concerns.
• Hiring professional security services such as mobile patrols and dedicated security guards as well as implementing advanced security technologies are effective strategies in ensuring the safety of your property.
• Adopting integrated security solutions with the help of a professional security company and continuous staff training are essential in creating a comprehensive security strategy.

Scout Security has expertly trained, fully licensed, and insured mobile patrol officers and private security guards across the Denver Metro and Colorado Springs regions. We can meet the safety needs of the hospitality industry with top security solutions. Interested in seeing what our comprehensive security services can do for your business? Call us today!

Common Security Issues in the Hospitality Industry

Security is a top concern for the hospitality industry, from physical security to digital protection. Hotels, resorts, and other accommodation sectors have a high guest turnover and an open-access nature which creates several vulnerabilities that criminals can exploit. Recognizing these vulnerabilities is the first step in implementing security solutions.

Physical Security Threats

Physical security breaches are prevalent concerns that not only compromise your guests’s safety but also damage your business’s reputation. 

#1. Unauthorized Visitors / Trespassing

As mentioned, the open-door nature of hotels is essential for fostering a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. However, this also paves the way for unauthorized individuals to infiltrate your property. They mingle and stay undetected among your legitimate patrons, especially in restaurants, bars, and other similar areas on your property.

In addition, your guests may also be bringing unauthorized visitors. This poses a myriad of risks ranging from theft and vandalism to complicating your compliance with safety regulations.  For instance, hotels must comply with stringent safety standards to protect both guests and staff.

With unaccounted unauthorized visitors, your safety and emergency response protocol might get compromised. Unknown individuals may hinder effective evacuation and rescue efforts which could lead to destructive consequences.

Also Read: How Mobile Patrol Security Can Proactively Deter Crimes on Your Property

#2. Theft of Guest Property

Theft is another primary concern that is not just limited to the guests’ personal belongings. Unauthorized visitors may also target your assets including valuable decor, equipment, and devices. They could also swipe electronic equipment and your large number of cash transactions will also attract thieves which could lead to a substantial financial toll on your business. Or, they could copy key cards and claim that they’ve lost their keys to enter a room.

#3. Parking Lot Theft

Without the watchful eye of surveillance, parking areas and garages turn into goldmines for thieves that even the most reputable hotels cannot avoid. Parking lots have rows of unattended vehicles that become easy targets for law violators who aim to steal high-value personal items left in cars, car parts, and even the vehicles themselves.

In addition, large hotels (not to mention luxury hotels) will have a more difficult task of managing vast parking spaces. Oversight can be a challenge with the high volume of guests and vehicles coming in and going out of your property.

Note: As the hotel property manager or owner, you might incur liability for the theft of or damage to a guest’s vehicle according to hotel parking lot laws.

Also Read: 7 Different Types of Security Patrolling: Foot Patrol, Mobile Patrol, Active Patrol, Random Patrol, and More!

#4. Vandalism & Property Damage

Vandalism, which is usually caused by unauthorized visitors, poses a significant threat that could incur repair costs and tarnish your business’s image. This can deter potential guests and destroy trust in your establishment’s ability to provide a secure environment.

#5. Antisocial Guest Behavior / Disorderly Conduct

Anti-social behavior and disorderly conduct can ruin the experience of other guests and staff alike.

Guests who are legally on your premises can create security risks that could hinder your efforts in offering safety and comfort for your patrons. These risks include:

• Sexual harassment
• Violence among guests
• Vandalism
• Menacing behaviors

In addition, excessive drinking, loud confrontations, and even rowdy parties disrupt the peace, posing a risk to the safety and enjoyment of others.

Also Read: 9 Ways Security Guards Can Prevent Vandalism

#6. Employee Safety Concerns

The hospitality industry has the highest employee turnover rate which is double the national average compared to all other industries. One reason for this is a toxic workplace culture that involves sexual harassment, bullying, and workplace isolation in addition to aggressive customers. In addition, employees stationed in restaurants, bars, and casinos are more vulnerable to safety concerns caused by drunk guests.

This causes a major financial concern to hospitality companies due to productivity loss and recruitment, selection, and training costs. 

NOTE: Aside from the mentioned impacts, a high turnover rate also creates more challenges to data security. The lack of well-trained and trusted staff who can ensure the safe collection and storage of sensitive guest data can lead to security breaches.

Also Read: 11 Benefits of Mobile Security Patrol in Improving Safety & Why Your Business Needs It

Cybersecurity in Hospitality

The digital transformation of the hospitality industry has introduced cybersecurity threats with data breaches and financial fraud becoming increasingly common:

#1. Customer Data/ Identity Theft 

Identity theft and credit card fraud are the top two data privacy issues faced by hospitality businesses. They handle sensitive personal data of guests including their names, addresses, phone numbers, and credit card details which make these businesses prone to cyber attacks. Inadequate data protection for guests can lead to costly legal issues against your company aside from damaged customer trust.

According to Tech Informed, 89% of hospitality businesses including hotels and restaurants have been affected by data breaches more than once a year. The average cost of a hospitality breach is $3.4 million.

#2. Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are another significant concern for hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies alike. This challenges their cybersecurity measures and puts their customers’ data at risk.

Phishing scams employ seemingly legitimate emails and mimic communications from trusted sources to deceive employees and management into disclosing sensitive information like passwords or financial details. For instance, employees might receive convincing emails from fake high-level personnel email accounts to orchestrate fraudulent financial transactions.

Scammers might also send fake emails regarding booking confirmations to guests where they can get credit card details.

#3. Ransomware

The hospitality sector relies on digital systems for the majority of its processes, from reservations to room access. This makes you a prime target for ransomware attacks. These malicious assaults lock you out of your system, holding vital operations and sensitive data hostage until you pay a ransom.

Also Read: 7 Benefits of Mobile Patrol Apps: Why Should Security Guards Use Mobile Patrol Apps to Enhance Overall Security?

Best Practices & Solutions for Enhancing Security in the Hospitality Sector

You are responsible for implementing hotel security protocols to create a safe environment for your employees and guests. This involves hiring security personnel to execute these protocols.

Given the vast array of security issues we have listed above, the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures is evident. The implications of such attacks stretch far beyond financial detriment, affecting guest experience and operational integrity.

#1. Hiring Highly Trained Private Security Guards & Leveraging Mobile Patrol Security Services: A Comprehensive Security Solution to Prevent Physical Threats

Private security guards and mobile patrol services play a major role in deterring security breaches by providing a visible security presence and conducting regular patrols.

For instance, Scout Security offers a hybrid solution, combining video surveillance with real-time monitoring and emergency response capabilities. This approach ensures that security measures are proactive rather than reactive.

What Scout Security’s Professional Guards Can Do to Strengthen Your Hotel Security

Dedicated security guards and mobile patrol officers perform the following duties to prevent theft, unauthorized entry, disorderly conduct, and others on your property:

• Manning entrances for check-in monitoring to identify and track suspicious guests which prevents unauthorized access that could lead to theft, vandalism, property damage, and others
• Overseeing guests and identifying suspicious behavior and other potential risks and hazards
• Managing disorderly conduct and addressing unruly behavior to prevent guest and employee safety concerns
• Resolving conflicts through effective conflict de-escalation techniques
• Enhancing safety on your parking lot and around your premises through regular patrols with the aid of surveillance cameras
• Responding to incidents anywhere on the property swiftly

In addition, identifying and illuminating poorly lit areas within your premises, such as parking lots, deters criminal activities. Our security experts can recommend optimal lighting and surveillance strategies after a detailed risk assessment of your property.

Also Read: Conflict De-escalation: How Security Guards Prevent Workplace Violence

#2. Implementing Advanced Security Technologies

Implement robust cybersecurity measures and monitor your IT infrastructure continuously to protect your guests’ personal and financial information.

Advanced security technologies, such as CCTV cameras, access control systems, and cybersecurity software, can greatly help in monitoring your premises 24/7 effectively. These tools allow security teams to detect and respond to incidents swiftly.

Tips for Using Advanced Security Technologies in Your Hotel

• Installing surveillance cameras in areas with high guest traffic, such as lobbies, restaurants, pools, and living areas
• Transitioning to the latest surveillance technology for real-time tracking of movements within the hotel premises
• Placing high-definition surveillance cameras in parking areas and other vulnerable areas to prevent theft and vandalism
• Keeping your firewall updated, installing high-level internet security software, and ensuring that your Wi-Fi network is secured
• Promoting credit card sales instead of cash transactions
• Upgrading security locks to prevent access to restricted areas

Also Read: 13 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Patrol Security Service

#3. Staff Training & Awareness Programs

Educating your employees on situational awareness and your company’s security protocols is crucial. We recommend conducting regular training sessions to keep your staff updated on the latest security practices and emergency response techniques.

This equips your staff with the knowledge and skills to handle various security incidents and encourages vigilance to prevent minor issues from escalating. It also ensures rapid response to security issues to mitigate damages through a well-coordinated emergency response plan.

Another Helpful Tip: Listen to your employees’ concerns and take action to reduce employee turnover and prevent security breaches. Perform background checks on your prospective staff too.

Also Read:

• 11 Benefits of Hotel Security: Why Is It Important for Your Business?
• Armed vs Unarmed Security Guards: How to Determine Your Security Needs
• 7 Advantages of Hiring Construction Site Mobile Patrol Security Guards
• How to Choose Between Armed & Unarmed Security Guards: What Are Their Pros & Cons?

FAQs

Conclusion

There are a lot of security challenges that the hospitality industry is facing. However, hotel property managers and business owners can eliminate these vulnerabilities through risk assessment to create a safe and secure environment for their staff and guests.

More importantly, implementing a hybrid hotel security plan that combines advanced technology, professional security services, and continuous employee training ensures a crime-free environment.

Get robust security solutions with Scout Security’s private security guards and mobile patrol services to help protect your hotel’s or property’s reputation. With our comprehensively trained security personnel, you can rest assured that your business is safe from security breaches. Hire us now!