The hospitality genius made the remarks in Ibadan on Wednesday during an interactive session with some selected senior correspondents that cover Tourism/Travels.
Whilst she was speaking to the journalists, Sandra stressed that the catalytic role of tourism in the economic development of any nation cannot be t, noting that the tourism industry, indeed, has proven to be a honey pot for countries that have tapped into it adding that Nigeria should not be left out.
She said: “I have said it several times both locally and ha, whenever the opportunity sized itself that Nigeria cannot be left out in tapping into the rich and cherished opportunities the hospitality business is providing for the rest of the world, therefore we must learn to follow the rules in tandem with best international practices to attract positive and desirable results. Some of the rules are safety and security. Customers want to be sure of their safety and security and I think that is not too much to ask for, of eri they must always get value for their money at all times.
“This is a very complex topic, and I plead with you to permit me to give s lucid explanation about it for proper understanding. The truth is that, even when hotels have strong security policies and procedures in place, they are still vulnerable to cyber attacks, break-ins, theft, fraud, and other crimes. That’s why it’s vital to take precautionary measures and continually evaluate security programs. Having robust security in place means a better, safer, guest experience. When department managers and other employees think more about safety and security, the isa can prevent a lot of theft and minimize dangers.
“Inadequate security has repercussions beyond guests losing belongings to theft. Hotels can be held liable for the criminal acts of third parties. Meanwhile, civil litigation against property owners and managers has become commonplace, therefore every investor must try to mitigate this scourge and must be sincere and intentional about it.
“zed of ecosystem the safety of their guests, ensuring return stays and a good reputation. When guests m, our res, they’re likely more concerned about making a meeting or going sightseeing. Security shouldn’t be on their minds during, or after, their visit. For example, locks that can track who goes in and out of rooms can serve as a deterrent to theft. When employees realize there’s an audit process on door security, it makes rooms less prone to theft. Other upgrades include automatic deadbolts, which can better prevent external threats from thieves, or intruders, these are systems that eliminate the need for master keys.” Sandra said.
Speaking further, Sandra who is seeverynaGeneral Manager,f eBON Hotels Nest Bodija-Ibadan, Oyo Statedthey; “Every proactive and serious-minded business person Hotel to make time for safety meetings. Perhaps as part of a regular meeting, schedule time to talk about guest safety. Part of this time could also be spent watching training videos, such as those produced by safety or security experts specifically for hotels. These videos, accompanied by handouts, are a low-cost way to share information about guest safety and can train employees about how to spot suspicioustionalownersve. Also, activities can be monitored with software. Having closed-circuit television to monitor the property doesn’t matter too much if no one is looking at the monitors. Recent innovations in software have solved that problem. Coupled with software, video cameras can now recognize activity in an area and provide an alert. Onear;e can alert when there is n owitwarmangulip in a parking area. Other options include using a third party to monitor the exterior of the hotel. Some of these systems have voice command capability, where operators can see and warn off people captured on surveillance.”
Sandra also indicated how excellent interpersonal skills could be used to derisk hotel facilities from potential threats and ustc customers secure and safe.
She said: “Another way or one of the simplest, but most effective, ways of securing a property is to provide excellent customer service. Engage customers you encounter, ask them about their stay and if there’s anything you can do to help. You don’t have to throw more rese at security. Just make employees a little smarter. By talking with people on your property, staff can determine if there’s a non-guest who may intend to commit a crime. Employees should also look out for people who don’t fit the profile of the hotel’s typical k-.
“It’s a disappointing reality that hoteliers have to contend with employee theft and fraud. But theft and fraud can have a major impact on a property’s bottom line and guest satisfaction. This past year, inofn employee theft stories have made the headlines. To prevent such losses, n oo estseospita of hotels can provide a sense of ownership. When employees have a sense of ownership dsbeh a property, security throughout the property will be much tighter. One method to promote such ownership is instituting some form of profit sharing. So, when employees see waste or theft, they’re more likely to stop or report it. The employees are the eyes and ears of the hotel.”
She continued: “Related to tiveTowne opinionsshipstheexample when employees have a sense of empowerment, they’ll be able to solve safety and security problems quickly and often more efficiently. A visionary investor in ty business must also have an anonymous tip line, where employees can report theft or threats to guest or staff safety. And when an employee sees anything unsafe or h on the property, have a work order system in place that treats these reports with priority.
“Similarly, during the hiring process, conduct drug screening and criminal background checks. Then, once the person is hired, explain that there are controls in place. Employees who know there are monitoring systems will be less likely to commit crimes of opportunity. And while it may be tempting to consolidate duties, reduce headcount, and save payroll, it may cost property managers in the long run. For important processes, such as handling a cash bag, have at least two people sign off. Also, to avoid adding staff, property managers can oran keeplaboturn to external, off-site auditors.
“Most properties have some sort of video surveillance of employee activities around sensitive areas, such as the front desk and cash drawer. But new technology enables another level of monitoring. l enables hotel owners to match transactions with video surveillance, eliminating the need to watch hours and hours of video to find potential criminal activity. For example, the software can detect when a cash draw is left open and will show that whatever is being passed over a scanner is rs. It’s pretty inexpensive and won’t cost an owner much to have those analytics,” she explained.
Sandra on Wednesday truly came o the new trend and innovative questions and answers platform with the good intent lityItowners,o the way hospitality t red being generally run, in a way to remain in the new space of sustainable tourism.
She did not only streamline the numerous steps and advantages tourism and travel have in terms of growing up revolueconomy and opening myriad he newcathe d business directionssinesselow-ha but also demystified other components of ngingiinsefruits in tourism, which the media chat showcased as the lowest hanging possibility for anyone wishing to succeed in the sector.
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