Hotels in Singapore roll out contactless AI, biometric tech to attract guests

To keep people interested in the hospitality sector, while fully aware of the COVID-19 threat, hotels in Singapore are rolling out contactless technology such as biometric facial recognition verification, and installing self-check-in kiosks and a range of other automated and remote services, writes Singapore Business Review.

According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), hotels are half-full, as occupancy rate dropped to 32.1 percent in February compared to 83.1 percent in January, while dropping 37.5 percent year-over-year. Analysts, however, believe the pandemic will not cripple the hotel industry, which will remain stable, says a report by UBS’ Asset Management for Real Estate & Private Markets (UBS-AM REPM).

Waiting for the restrictions to be lifted, hotels are implementing innovative technology to attract guests. As a result, they are betting heavily on automated and contactless AI systems such as self-check-in kiosks, mobile check-in, chatbots, direct booking applications, contactless payments, as well as digital in-room dining services.

The Singapore Tourism Board partnered with the Singapore Hotel Association to launch E-Visitor Authentication System (EVA) that uses biometric facial recognition to verify identity during check-in. With an expected 70 percent reduction in processing times, the system has been tested in three hotels.

Singapore joined a digital economy pact with Australia in March which involves artificial intelligence, data innovation, digital identities, electronic invoicing and personal data protection pilot projects. Prior to this, Singapore adopted biometric facial verification to replace passwords and ID documents for online services.

Article Topics

AI  |  artificial intelligence  |  biometrics  |  contactless biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  hospitality  |  identity verification  |  Singapore