Facial recognition tech is set to keep an eye on hotel guests

Facial recognition technology is ready for its closeup. The TecSec Summit on September 28 at The Hotel Show Dubai 2015 will attempt to do for facial recognition what the city has already done for virtual reality waterslide tours, jetpacks and 3D printed office buildings. Namely, make it the next big thing.

According to TradeArabia, security firm NEC is attempting to position itself as the new face of hotel and tourism security with a network of cameras that, when installed throughout a building, can recognize registered guests and alert staff to intruders.

Kees Van Donk, director of hospitality EMEA at NEC lays out his eye-opening vision for the future, telling TradeArabia:

“In the Middle East and Africa, the use of facial recognition technology has seen significant growth over the last two years particularly in government sectors. We foresee this rise will continue with neighboring industries in the region’s private sector including hospitality, airports, theme parks and other travel-related businesses. This will be used for white-listing, welcoming the VIP-guests, as well as black-listing, and keeping the ‘bad guys’ out.”

Van Donk adds that facial recognition technology has come of age, reaching a level of accuracy and sophistication that make it a no-brainer for hospitality & travel sector security.

With iris and fingerprint scanners making their debut in lieu of boarding passes, it is safe to assume that facial recognition technology will not be limited to hotels in the coming years. The global security apparatus ten, five, even three years from today will likely be an entirely different system.

If you enjoy sneaking into hotel pools, take note. The hotel is watching, and it knows who you are.