THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and its technology committee, Hospitality Technology Next Generation, recently released an updated Staff Alert Device Buyer’s Guide to help hoteliers choose personal safety devices for staff and guest safety. The guide is the latest in a line of hotel industry employee and guest safety efforts, AHLA said in a statement.
“Hospitality starts with maintaining a safe environment for guests and employees. Through various AHLA and AHLA Foundation safety initiatives, America’s hotels are focused on doing just that,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA’s interim president and CEO. “Our updated employee safety device guide and comparison matrix will help hoteliers across the nation select the best devices to ensure the safety of nearly two million hotel employees.”
The guide, first launched in 2019 and compiled by HTNG’s Staff Alert Technology Workgroup, covers devices with features like location tracking, communication options and AI-driven emergency response systems.
The updated safety guide and comparison matrix are part of AHLA’s broader safety efforts, including:
- Safe Stay initiative during COVID-19, promoting health practices for guests and staff.
- 5-Star Promise, a commitment to improving policies, training, and resources, including safety devices for employees and guests.
- No Room For Trafficking initiative by the AHLA Foundation, providing anti-trafficking training for hotel employees nationwide, totaling more than 8 million sessions and $3.7 million in contributions to support trafficking survivors.
AHLA’s advocacy for hotel safety legislation includes:
- HOTEL Act, which encourages federal workers to stay at properties with anti-trafficking training.
- Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act, establishing a federal certification program for businesses that train employees in recognizing and responding to human trafficking.
AHLA’s Safety & Security Committee, comprising hotel safety experts, supports guest and employee safety by sharing the latest techniques and best practices with members, the statement said. The HTNG Staff Alert Workgroup, with more than 90 global members from hospitality companies and tech vendors, is one of several AHLA-member HTNG workgroups addressing industry challenges and advancing technology.
In July, AHLA launched the Hospitality Law Database, giving hoteliers quick access to state and local laws affecting hotel operations. This platform helps hotel owners, managers, HR professionals, and attorneys navigate the evolving legal landscape.
