The hospitality industry has been under tremendous pressure lately. First, there was a staff shortage and cost increase. In addition to this, guests have become more demanding in their expectations. To overcome these challenges, hotels are turning to technology to streamline processes and reduce operational costs. One significant advancement has been the integration of face authentication technology in various aspects of the guest experience.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the latest developments in this field and what the future of check-in in hospitality might look like.

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Biometric identity verification is making check-in less of a hassle

Let’s be honest: when it comes to checking into a hotel, the process can often feel like a bit of a hassle. The guest has just arrived at your property, they're tired from traveling, and all they want to do is get to their room and relax. Instead, they have to stand in line (often a crowded one), fill out paperwork, and present identification. It's enough to make even the most patient traveler a little grumpy.

What if there was a way to make the check-in process quicker, smoother, and more efficient? Well, there is. And it relies on a technology called biometric identity verification.

Let's start talking about the benefits of biometric identity verification for the guest. With traditional check-in methods, guests have to physically hand over their ID and credit card to the front desk clerk. They'll probably have to fill in a form or wait while staff adds their personal information to the hotel management system.

With biometric identity verification, guests can check-in in anticipation, providing all the necessary details before arriving at their destination, and with no additional equipment — they just need their phones. No more fumbling with wallets or worrying about misplacing documentation.

Modernizing and streamlining hotel operations is staying ahead of the game

Guests are not the only ones who benefit from biometric identity verification. Face biometric technology has been modernizing processes in a variety of industries, such as banking and retail. Each industry has its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, which are addressed by implementing face biometrics technology in different ways.

In the banking retail industry, for example, biometric technology is being used not only to verify a customer's identity and comply with regulations, but also to bring improved banking experiences, allowing customers to make payments and other similar operations hands-free, privately, and securely.

In the hospitality industry, biometric identity verification is primarily used to streamline the check-in process. By using face matching to verify a guest's identity, hotels can eliminate the need for traditional forms of identification such as passports or ID cards. This makes the check-in process faster, more efficient, and more convenient for everyone — guests and staff. And because you’re speeding up the check-in process, staff can devote more time to providing a high-quality guest experience focused on personal interactions

The use of face authentication in banking has made transactions faster, more efficient, and more secure, and people will start to expect the same level of convenience in other industries, including the hospitality industry. And if it works so well in banking, it will certainly translate well into hospitality.

As a result, hotels that offer hands-free check-in with biometric identity verification will be more attractive to customers who have become accustomed to using this technology in other industries. They will see this as a sign that the hotel is keeping up with the latest technology and trends, and that the hotel values convenience for its guests.

It is also worth mentioning that, as the use of biometrics becomes more widespread in various industries, customers will have more trust in the technology and will be more likely to accept it as a secure and reliable way of identifying themselves. As a result, the hotels that adopt this technology will have a competitive advantage over those that don't.

Look for vendors with privacy-first approaches

When it comes to biometric authentication technology, privacy is king. Hoteliers should look for vendors who have privacy-first approaches for face authentication because it is important to protect guests' personal information and ensure that their data is being used responsibly. This includes ensuring that data is only used for the purpose for which it was collected, that data is stored securely, and that data is deleted when it is no longer needed.

Additionally, hoteliers should look for vendors that have transparent data practices. This includes being transparent about the data that is being collected, how it will be used, and who it will be shared with. It is also important for hoteliers to look for vendors that are compliant with data protection regulations. This means that vendors are adhering to laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) which have specific requirements when it comes to data privacy and protection.

Moreover, having a privacy-first approach also helps to ensure that guests feel comfortable and secure when using face authentication technology. If guests trust that their personal information is being handled responsibly, they will be more likely to use the technology and have a positive experience.