By the end of March, Moscow hotels will start using biometrics for smart check-in procedures. Biometric authentication terminals will be installed at hotel front desks, where guests will be able to register and receive their keys, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports.
Digital transformation of the hospitality industry is a necessary and natural step toward increasing the industry’s efficiency, says Alexei Korneyev, founder of TeamJet. The biometric check-in system in Moscow will make the check-in and check-out process faster and more convenient, reducing waiting time and eliminating paperwork.
Of course, personal data protection issues remain relevant, especially when the system is expanded to a wider range of hotels, the expert emphasizes. However, banks and government services have been successfully using modern technologies for encryption and storage of biometric information, which confirms these systems’ reliability. Moreover, the government is developing additional security measures which should minimize risks.
“The introduction of biometric technology will make the Russian hotel market more competitive and high-tech, in line with global trends,” Alexei Korneyev says.
Another sensitive aspect is giving guests the option of refusing to provide their biometric data.
“Although this technology vastly simplifies the check-in process, it is important to respect your guests’ rights and offer alternative methods of registration. This will avoid any potential conflicts and make the system more flexible,” the expert emphasizes. “It is also important to keep your customers informed of the security measures taken, assuring them that their personal data is reliably protected.”