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Terrorism attacks on international hotels have turned the industry's focus on security issues. No doubt about it, both government and hospitality entrepreneur pay more attentions on security after September 11, 2001. It is important for hotels enhance security by using technology. Hotels use Vehicle Management System to tab all vehicles entering the property. This VMS also can be tagged with the guest information, drivers' information and vehicle number. Hotel should use the guest history modules to store the information about every guest especially for those 'first time guest'. The information includes the copy of passport detail of the international guests, guests' flight detail, an emergency contact number and copy of photo registration cards. The house keeping module makes report of Sleep-out guest. This system can share the occupancy reports and nationality wise occupancy report automatically with local police. Also the incoming call can be tracked. Hotel should have a stringent recruitment procedure in place. Hotel can use biometric access to restrict employees only allowed access their working place. The gate-pass system, vehicle management system and biometric access control system ensure only authorized staff and vehicles are allowed into the property. The online central passport and ID card verification mechanism can automatically verify the document against data available with the security agencies. The communication engine can send message to stuff, supervisors, in house guests and authorized external security bodies about the emergency like suspicious guest, fake passport and so on. Effective use these technology can save the hotels from the worse that can happened.

This article gives us some tips on how technology could help enhance security at hotels. By summary the article, we can find out that the technology can help enhance security at hotels in maintaining copy of passport or ID card of all guests, noting an emergency contact number always, storing data at an off-site location for easy access in case of mishap, installing a biometric access control system for in-house and supplier staff, scanning baggage and maintaining baggage count of each guest and cross-verify on check-out, and monitoring sleep-out guest report closely. By using these simple technology, hotels can save a lot, and make hotels secure.

The hospitality industry is hassled by the terror attacks at luxury properties, so it is important to use technology to protect the guests. A Vehicle Management System can be used to keep watch on all vehicles entering the property. The property management system is used from check-in to check out to verify the baggage and guests. A stringent recruitment such as biometric access can prevent unauthorized staff or guests step into the specific area. Also, there is an online central passport and ID card verification can verify the guests' identification and give an alert on a fake ID or passport. All these measures can help to prevent worst things from happening.

The article discusses how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the travel industry and in return affecting the hospitality industry. The AI that the article states are chatbots, voice-based digital assistants, facial recognition, personalized recommendations, sentiment analysis, and much more. AI has greatly benefitted the travel industry and made things easier for the traveler.

Highlights: -RFID for baggage tracking provides the data that allows airlines to efficiently track the bag through all airport processes. -With IATA's Resolution 753 now in effect, airlines have started to implement baggage tracking. -IATA recommends the use of the RFID technology, which is much more effective that the bar code technology mostly in use currently. -RFID also meets passenger expectations for real time tracking of baggage.RFID uses -Radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data that uniquely identifies each bag. -RFID does not require line of sight to the bag, and so can identify many bags at once. -The most common type of RFID used in the aviation industry is passive Class 1 Gen 2 Ultra High Frequency (UHF).

Summary: This article talks about Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system in the aviation industry. The aviation industry uses RFID system to track checked baggage throughout the airport. This system is endorsed and strongly recommended by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Many air travelers also appreciate this system because it gives them real time tracking of their baggage. They normally able to do so via the airline's application on their smart phones or tablets. The passive ultra high frequency RFID is the most common type of system used in the aviation industry.

This article goes into detail of the processes involved in flight booking and how GDS's play a role in this process. GDS's allow for airlines to disburse their flight information to various search engines which allows the consumer to have it at their hands in a matter of minutes. Booking is now made easy and GDS's have decreased the work load of hotels and airlines alike.

The leader in the airline industry, Emirates airlines is collaborating with Sabre Corporation Technology to provide better services for it's customers, as well as receiving more in revenue. Studies have shown that customers enjoy customizing their travel plans and by working with this new type of technology partnership, the software is being developed that will allow the customers to customize every aspect of their trip. They can filter based upon price, miles earned, and date/time while then adding on any other options, but rather through just one airline, this software allows guests to choose from all airlines within the Emirates family. I think this type of investment technology is the future, because the airline industry has already changed the way we purchase airline tickets, by no longer including seat selection, checked baggage, and now even carry-on baggage. Instead of trying to make the customers feel like the airlines are charging for every littl thing (which they are), this type of technology can let guests feel like they are truly creating their own trip.

The airline industry has implemented beacon technology for a more personalized and easy travel experience. The article discusses how Beacons are collecting real time information and creating a single touch point experience to get information regarding airports or flights. It goes into detail about the ability of communication with travelers while they are traveling.

ROI?  Will it make a difference to you if you are able to track your luggage on a flight?  Would you pay an additional 20% for your luggage or possible rent one? This technology is being developed where you can track your luggage on your mobile phone.   Not sure the technology will actually make a difference in consumer choices.   

I am adding a travel site rather than a travel article. The Future Travel Experience site provides news of technological innovations for travelers world wide. Every travel consideration is covered, including Self service, Baggage Handling, Facilitation & Security, Mobile Technology, Boarding & Gates, Immigration, Arrivals, and Technology. The index page lists all these on the menu at the top, as well as displayed below as separate "file folders" which show the most recent article for each subject. This website has a wealth of up-to-date information regarding world wide travel technologies in place and how such innovations enhance and simplify the passenger experience. The information is even relevant to would-be travelers by explaining available options for booking travel arrangements, and assisting them when they arrive at their destination. The site describes such options as being able to order food delivered to the gate that is properly packaged according to airline requirements (B4 YOU BOARD). Other articles describe self-boarding, curbside lounge access, and sleeping pods for layovers. This is not only a extremely informative website for world travelers, but also is a forerunner in media that provides exclusive international travel related topics and information. Any site visitor can browse the articles and gain a greater understanding of the technological capabilities, and the issues present in the world market. The site is connected to Facebook, and LinkedIn, and has ongoing Twitter updates right up front. FTE is an interactive site which fully communicates travel considerations worldwide and provides comprehensive information regarding technological systems available for travelers so that they can know what is being offered, where ever they are going, and how to utilize it to their benefit.

Travelport, one of the world's largest GDS companies reported about corporate travellers' preference and expectation. Visa informations is the top information followed by immunisations, weather, city maps, restaurants, and entertainment information. More customers, expecially corporate travellers want to book with ancillaries. The most commonly authorised ancillaries are extra baggage and hotel wifi. I've learned that the range of destination services and ancillary options grow increasingly and more complex. Because travellers' needs are evolving and yonger generations now expect customised content, intelligent itineraries and easily bookable ancillary content.

A security researcher, Mr. Noam Rotem has found a security vulnerability in the widely used Amadeus airline software. Mr. Rotem booked a flight with El Al and the company sent him a link to retrieve his Passenger Name Record (PNR). Rotem inputted a random booking reference number into this link, which is sent to all customers upon booking, and he was able to access other passenger's information. This raises concerns among attackers changing seat flights, meal specifications, or claiming flyer miles. The security researcher also viewed email addresses, phone numbers, and was even able to cancel flights. Additionally, this data can easily be accessed because reference numbers and last names are printed on baggage tags, making this available for many to see in an airport. The Global Distribution System does not have any form of authentication factor or password to keep this information safe. The GDS has not been updated to ensure security in many years. The company claims that the PNR process must be in accordance with the whole industry, and it needs to collaborate with everyone in order to form a new procedure.

In this article we discuss the issues that airlines are having with the GDS system. They give an example of someone attempting to purchase a ticket through an airline website, and then through a travel agency. The direct airline method was only cheaper, if the guest provided information to a direct bank account. The cost for airlines to sell is a bit less than 10%, and they are sold mostly through indirect channels, like travel agencies. The main reason this can happen, is the integrated GDS system. A GDS system is a data facility that shares inventory information for various airlines to different 3rd party channels. The issue with this, is that the total in fees for the use of the GDS system was around $7billion, which is twice the amount of net profit they are receiving. People state that the airline system cannot survive without the GDS, but is that statement really true? Airlines like Air Asia or Ryanair have really attempted to focus on selling tickets directly, and really expand on their profit. How can this be achieved? Well, airlines are making the booking process easier for guests to manage, which gives them more of a reason to book through there. Also, they are offering greater loyalty rewards for directly booking through the site. Different incentives need to be created to attract guests to book directly. Lastly, they would like to create another distribution system, to put GDS out of business. This new system will work to allow guests to handle meal and baggage fees. Concepts that the GDS cannot handle. With that said, will this new system reduce costs for airlines? I guess they will have to wait and see.

After 9/11 incident hotels, airlines, cruises are planning and implementing more security measurements to ensure customers' safety. Particularly, in this article security is the biggest concern while traveling. Any terrorist or criminal can book a cruise as a regular passenger and put passengers in danger. That is why in 2004 The International Ship and Port Safety Code requires that all passengers must pass by metal detectors and their baggage has to be X-rayed as well. Cruise ships also work very closely with the FBI, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Homeland security to stay aware of possible pirate activity or terrorist attack. Ports of call are heavily reviewed and compared to ensure traveler's safety since they are in another country and other laws may apply. They check with local security and police forces, and monitor incidents that other cruise ships experience at a given port.

This article discusses the relationship between airlines and GDS corporations.  Airlines are going a different route to drive customers to book direct by tacking on additional fees to consumers for using the booking sources.  This came as a surprise to the GDS corporations and they have since been trying to work together with certain airlines to have the fee waived for using their site ie: expedia.  With so many add on options when booking flights, such as baggage, seat upgrades, and in flight entertainment, many GDS companies are working with airlines to offer bulk packaging on their sites as well to provide a bump in revenue for both industries.  If both industries continue to maintain a good working relationship the future will be bright for them. 

Beacon-based indoor location technology is driving the future of airport consumer experiences. Mobile applications use these beacons to provide up-to-the-second information to travelers regarding everything from flight data and security checkpoint line length to taxi wait times and baggage tracking. The largest commercial value of these apps and beacons lies in the platforms' ability to integrate with third-party apps and infrastructure from airline carriers and airport retailers. While this integration could potentially drive advertisement revenue for the airports, many of the locations that have begun experimenting with these technologies report that the systems investment pays for itself in increased efficiencies in internal systems, including security checkpoints and taxi queues.

This article details the increasing and already abundant role that AI technologies are playing in the day-to-day operations of hospitality companies. It goes into depth about how these advancements are using analytical data to provide a better guest experience while also taking information from outside sources to focus on aspects of the operation that need improvement or things that are being well received. The process of AI implementation has also allowed for the customization of guest experience allowing guests to be catered to 24/7 offering insights and calculated suggestions.

This article gives an overview of security considerations of a cruise liner. Initially it cites a comparison between cruise security concerns and that of a hotel, which are basically the same, such as secure doors to cabins (rooms), having an exact record of all passengers and onboard staff, as well as having surveillance such as cameras taking constant video recordings. Whereas hotels are mostly open to outside traffic, cruise ships are limited only to those who have purchased passage, are working there, or are conducting business onboard. This has led to boarding procedures which are as stringent and detailed as those conducted when passengers board a commercial airline. Safety concerns for cruise ships have been a forefront concern since the 1985 hijacking of the MS Achille Lauro (See next comment) which led to minimal security standards issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The tragic events of 9/11 compelled US issuance of an International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) to strengthen security protocols. This includes requirements that any "ship over 500 tons…not (be) allowed into the United States unless their last ports of call conformed to ISPS code." The ISPS code, however, involves minimal adjustment for cruise lines currently in compliance with IMO rules. Newer ships are being constructed to include the infrastructure for video fibre optics and metal detection equipment. State of the art equipment will have crew member's photo and data available to be checked with each swipe of their ID card. Biometric fingerprint detection equipment is another safety layer that is available, but is not currently in use, although it will certainly be put into place promptly if a major incident occurs. The odds of such a major incident are high when considering the volume of cruise passengers in the last decade. Since other commercial ships have witnessed attacks, cruise lines are strongly advised to progressively

Additional information regarding the 1985 MS Achillies Lauro hijacking: http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2010/10/remembering-the-achille-lauro-hijacking-picture-of-the-day/

The limits of GDS's are discussed in this article, as well as the lack of initiative of the big 4 GDS's to adopt and develop newer and more updated systems because of their prevalence in travel. According to the article, the face of the GDS systems look nearly the same as they did in the 1970s, and the airlines systems are not up-to-date enough to meet consumer demands. The author points to consumer trends in the demand for personalization, package variety, and simply the desire for more packages.

Global Distribution System is an outdated technology, that cannot be consistent with the ways travel is purchased nowadays, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA). Airlines are constantly adding service or 'bunbundling' their products. The ability to buy priority boarding or seating options, meals and baggages cannot be reflected through the GDS, thus the only way to purchase them is through the airline website. This is harmful to both airlines and customers. Even though, GDS has played an important role, it is time to start developing a new product that will 'present full product or data offerings via a new interface'. IATA is being involved into creating the necessary standards before starting to work on a new platform. GDS-managed technology is slowing the process down. However, there may be some legal issues involved in exchanging the system, which has to be resolved before the launch of a new technology.

The cloud will provide the digital infrastructure for the cities of tomorrow, where an estimated 6 billion of the world's population will live by 2045. A commercial aviation cloud will help airlines. A utilities cloud will automatically repair faults in the power grid to ensure a smooth supply of power to homes and businesses. A banking cloud will scan thousands of transactions per second to prevent fraud. The cloud will help society cope with growing volumes of data. High definition video will account for 89% of individual user traffic by 2025, of which image and video content will be for non-entertainment purposes. The cloud will support the emerging artificial intelligence technologies which will be adapted to mobile use, notably the cell phones which overlook PC sales in 2011. Although driverless cars are still a ways off, it will be realized soon, thanks to the power of the cloud.

In 2017 JetBlue announced that they will be the first airline to partner up with US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to come up with a biometric technology that will use facial recognition to check in their customers and allow them to board the airplane, instead of using cell phone applications or paper boarding passes. The way it will work is that your image will be sent to CBP where it will be matched with your passport or visa. At the same time the technology will verify your flight details and let you know when you're okay to board the flight.This will be the first time biometric facial recognition is cleared through CBP.

I was just reading this today! Great article and fascinating technology.

I am a frequent flyer with Jet Blue, and love everything their airline. This futuristic step will not only enhance security, increase boarding speeds, but also help the environment with paperless boarding. I think there will always be passengers who want to be offered the traditional boarding pass, and those who do not want their picture taken. However, the more airlines that come to use this system, the quicker it could become airports new normal. Thanks for posting!