AusLeisure

With COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed across several countries, GlobalData - a leading data and analytics company – advises contactless technologies such as disinfectant robots, biometric check-in at airports and keyless hotel entry are proving to be a game changer for the tourism industry.

GlobalData Disruptive Tech Analyst, Sneha Nigade explains “the COVID-19 pandemic became a wakeup call for the travel and tourism industry to accelerate investments in contactless technologies like biometric check-in at airports and keyless hotel entry, which significantly reduce potential risks associated with physical touchpoints.

“Contactless technologies are empowering enterprises to recover from the COVID-19 crisis by digitising the end-to-end journey for travellers. However, biometric technologies raise concerns around personal data being collected and shared, which heightens security risks in the future. The future of travel in the post-COVID-19 world will be increasingly contactless to advocate safety, not only for passengers but also employees in the industry.”

The Innovation Explorer database of GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Centre reveals how travel and tourism companies are using contactless technologies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of passengers, especially in transportation and lodging.

Biometric boardinDisinfection robots
Hong eijing Capital International Airport has partnered with Swiss tech company SITA to automate entire passenger journey using biometric technologies. From the airport check-in and bag drop to security clearance and final boarding, passengers can just walk through the designated lanes equipped with facial recognition systems. 

Contactless check-in
Singapore’s Changi Airport has deployed contactless kiosks to automate the check-in process for passengers. The kiosks are integrated with infrared proximity sensors, which can identify the motion of a passenger’s finger as they point towards the options on the screen.

Contactless elevators
Abu Dhabi International Airport has partnered with UAE tech startup Meta Touch to install touchless elevator panel technology. The control panel, installed in 53 elevators at the airport, can be controlled by gestures, allowing people to command an elevator without physically pressing any buttons.

Contactless hospitality
Dutch hotel chain citizenM has launched a smart mobile application to offer customers contactless stays at its hotels. The app helps guests to check-in and out digitally. Guests can also control lights, blinds and temperature inside their rooms using a smartphone.

Disinfection robots
Hong Kong International Airport has deployed intelligent sterilisation robot to rapidly disininfect passenger facilities and public areas. The autonomous robot, equipped with ultraviolet lights and an air sterilizer, can sterilize its surroundings in 10 minutes with 99.99% accuracy.

Other key use cases of contactless technologies promoting safety in the industry include thermal screening, automated hand sanitizers, mobile apps enabling touchless entry to tourist destinations and contactless payments.

Image top: Facial recognition entry management

Related Articles

28th April 2020 - GlobalData warns China’s tourism industry of encouraging premature mass tourism

27th April 2020 - GlobalData suggests potential damage to China’s tourism brand image

21st April 2020 - GlobalData predicts short term boost for Australian domestic tourism

15th February 2020 - GlobalData considers the impact of Coronavirus on South East Asian tourism

23rd April 2013 - Biometrics enhance Locker Room Security

19th February 2020 - Ticketek introduces contactless tickets at Central Coast Stadium

6th November 2019 - Suncorp Stadium’s contactless tickets a hit with fans

22nd May 2019 - Ticketek to launch contactless tickets on iPhone and Apple Watch at Suncorp Stadium

10th August 2020 - Resorts World Sentosa uses facial recognition for access at Universal Studios Singapore

21st October 2019 - New Universal Studios in Beijing to use facial recognition for guest access

23rd August 2019 - England’s Manchester City warned against using facial recognition on fans

5th June 2019 - Privacy Commissioner questions use of facial recognition technology at Queensland stadiums

14th December 2018 - Facial recognition software used to detect security risks at Taylor Swift Los Angeles concert

7th August 2018 - Tokyo Olympics organisers confirm use of facial recognition technology for 2020 Games

2nd August 2018 - Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba to install facial recognition security cameras

3rd December 2017 - Tokyo Disneyland looks to introduce facial recognition for pass holder access

13th November 2017 - Facial recognition to drive new sporting revenues

9th June 2017 - Facial recognition being considered for Gold Coast Commonwealth Games access

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.