Federal intelligence authorities were reportedly meeting with hotel industry leaders in major US cities warning them to be even more vigilant in the wake of reports that Al Qaeda planned a terrorist attack on the Ritz-Carlton in London.
Authorities were warning hotels to remind their frontline staff to be both vigilant and vocal and to sound alarm when something seems amiss.
The government in conjunction with private companies has an “Eye on Awareness” program geared toward all employees who may have contact with guests, including housekeeping, maintenance, front desk, guest services, food and beverage, transportation, and parking.
In under an hour, employees can learn how to recognize, report, and respond to suspicious activity on their property. The course focuses on suspicious activity reporting, what types of activities are suspicious, and recognizing suspicious packages.
The program features elements from the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something”™ campaign.
While most of the content is aimed at preventing incidents, the program also instructs employees what do in an active shooting situation, including how to stay alive and assist others.
“The recent terror warning reminds us that hotels continue to be a primary target of terror plots globally. It is imperative that hotels be better prepared and equip their staff and personnel with the knowledge and training to ensure the safety of their guests,” said Paul Goldenberg, an advisor to the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.
By David Wilkening
