Government Affairs - Detail

Protect yourself against terrorism at your hotel

December 5, 2008

In light of recent terrorist attacks targeting foreigners in hotels in India and the Middle East, AH&LA encourages its members to be informed of appropriate actions that can be taken to safeguard against a similar instance at your properties.

What is going on?

Last week's attacks on two of India's most famous upscale hotels (frequented by Americans and other foreigners), just two months after a large truck bomb exploded outside of a Marriott hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan.

These two recent incidents may be the beginning of a resurging and alarming trend of luxury hotels becoming magnets for terrorist activities.

Media are rightfully fixated on how these events are unfolding. Here are some recent, comprehensive articles analyzing the attacks:

Analysts Say it Will be Difficult to Shield Luxury Hotels from Terrorist Attacks
November 30, New York Times

Article analyzes success of present and future security measures and guest expectations, sources of vulnerabilities at targeted hotels.

Taj Mahal chairman: We had Warning
November 29, CNN.com
Interview discusses shortcomings in pre-existing hotel security actions and the need for increased preventative measures.

Click here to read statements on the Mumbai attacks and recent events from several member hotel companies:
Hilton Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Marriott International
Starwood Hotels
What you can do.

Take inventory of what you're already doing:
Review your current security and crises management programs;
Work with local law enforcement agencies to ensure your programs are in line with the community's plan to address possible terrorist activities;
Incorporate relevant aspects of the community's plans into your own;
Make sure local law enforcement agencies have current blueprints of your property.

AH&LA's Emergency Preparedness resources online, designed to assist in developing prevention and recovery strategies, crisis communication planning, and employee training, can help you develop and update your emergency plans.

Review with your staff the Department of Homeland Security's tips for dealing with an active shooter on premises. Visit the AH&LA Emergency Preparedness page to view the Active Shooter reference materials including recommended response booklets, posters, and pocket guides.

Consult the many resources of the Educational Institute, a subsidiary of AH&LA, offering training programs/resources for hoteliers, including the Spotlight on Security video.