The Security and Safety Awareness: High ROI article highlights advantages, challenges, and key elements of an effective hotel security and safety awareness program. When appropriately managed such a program equates to a high Return On Investment (ROI). Key program elements include: senior management buy-in; accountable program manager; adequate resources; accurate information and documentation; and communication, collaboration and training. These elements will contribute to high ROI by enhancing the protection of life; reducing or avoiding incident related injuries, reducing legal liabilities; safeguarding tangible and intangible assets, including enhancing the "hotel customer experience" which can have a significant impact on the hotel's and corporate ROI. READ MORE

The facts of the Turnberry Case are more like something we'd see in a James Bond movie than in real life. But then again, fact is stranger than fiction. In real life can a hotel manager be ousted from a hotel without notice and cure - even with a carefully crafted hotel management agreement in place? READ MORE

Guest safety and security are not the sole responsibility of a property's security or risk management team. Every hotel employee plays a role in maintaining the security of the property and its guests. Therefore, training in basic security awareness and response is a necessary component of every employee's orientation and continued training, no matter what department they work in. Security training issues to be covered include protecting guests' information and assets, recognizing and reporting unsafe conditions, fire prevention, and anti-terrorism awareness. READ MORE

Good news for hotels: they need not sacrifice hospitality to security. Whether a property is established or in the early stages of planning, its design can achieve both attractive and functional security features. Such features can facilitate the operations and technology of a well trained, coordinated security team at the same time that they provide guests with pleasant, inviting visuals. READ MORE

Hotel Executives are not expected to be insurers of guests' safety and security; however they do have a legal duty to provide reasonable measures for their protection. Decisions about security staffing or physical security measures should not be based solely on cost implications or occupancy levels, but instead should be based on a risk assessment that determines both the threats to the hotel and the vulnerabilities of the hotel. Only after knowing what the risks to the hotel are should mitigation measures be put in place. Mitigation measures need not be all encompassing, but instead may start with simple solutions and escalate as necessary. READ MORE