Guests can check in and out quicker, avoid long queues and exposure risks at a time of anticipated tourism-industry revival.
At a time when Singapore has followed-through on its policy of “living with COVID” and eased travel restrictions further, hotels in the country will again be busy managing high volumes of check-ins and check-outs.
Despite this welcome reprieve, the hospitality industry there is obliged to maintain contactless touchpoints and minimize exposure risks. Tourists are obviously keen on reducing infection risks as they resume travelling.
One hotel group that is taking care of these concerns with new technology has just installed contactless authentication and self-service stations at two of its properties. At its Orchard Gateway and Tanglin properties, Hotel Jen of the Shangri-La Hotels group now offer digital kiosks offering:
- Biometric authentication through facial recognition for the check-in and check-out processes. This reduces the need for close contact between guests and hotel staff and facilitates a smooth and seamless experience for guests.
- E-Visitor Authentication capabilities that use facial recognition to seamlessly verify guests’ identities and validate their stay with the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.
- Reduced waiting and queuing time for guests, and also diverting workloads for front desk and administrative staff toward providing great customer service elsewhere
According to the hotel’s general manager at the Tanglin location, Vathsala Subramaniam: ”The check-in process is a significant part of our guests’ arrival experience. It presents the first impression and sets the tone of the rest of one’s stay. Hence, we looked closely into this and sought intelligent hassle-free front desk solutions to enhance the check-in and check-out processes.”
Additionally, the general manager of the Orchard Gateway hotel, Allen Khoo felt: “At the same time, it relieves the administrative workload, allowing us to focus on more meaningful interactions with our guests and providing them with memorable experiences during their stay.” Said Loke Siew Yeng, Vice President, Digital Business Unit, NEC APAC, the firm that provided the equipment: “Customer experience is of paramount importance. By adopting an open and collaborative partnership with Hotel JEN, we were able to co-create a solution that addresses current needs and is also scalable to address future requirements that may come.”
