| The latest news in hospitality risk management from Valor Security Services |  |
| Hospitality Risk Management |  |  |
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- Experts discuss hotel security vulnerabilities
The attacks on three Mumbai, India, hotels in November revealed vulnerabilities in their security as well as hotel security in general, according to this article. "We've been monitoring attacks on our industry [in the Middle East and Asia]," said Jimmy Chin, who chairs the security committee for the Hotel Association of New York City. "These had high death tolls. The [terrorists] are honing their skills." Conde Nast Traveler
(2/2009)     
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NYPD special unit trains for possibility of Mumbai-style attack: Members of the New York Police Department's Emergency Services Unit underwent training last week to prepare them for the kind of terrorist attack that happened in December in Mumbai, India. Officers were trained to use semiautomatic rifles loaded with armor-piercing bullets, in close-quarter combat tactics and for hostage rescues from hotels and high rises. Google/The Associated Press
(2/16)
- Nigerian chief calls for round-the-clock security
Loveday Nnanta Ihunwo, a Nigerian council chief, has called for Rivers State hotel operators to provide around-the-clock security to protect guests from criminals masquerading as guests. Chief Ihunwo told reporters in the capital city of Port Harcourt that a group of student lodgers recently were chased out of a hotel by hoodlums. The Tide Online (Nigeria)
(2/16)
- Economy, terrorism pummel India's tourist trade
The economic crisis and attacks in Mumbai have derailed the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train and other tourist attractions in India. "The specter of cancellations we have been witnessing following the global meltdown has increased in the wake of the terror strikes," says Jasmine Palace hotel's general manager, Peter Kurien. "All the hotels and restaurants used to be filled to capacity at this time of the year. They are half empty now." The Boston Globe/Reuters (free registration)
(2/15)
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- "Phishers" lure travelers to phony reservation sites
Security experts say hotel chains and customers have been victimized by phishing scams that route potential customers to phony versions of actual hotel Web sites. FraudTip.com says 71,000 travelers a month have been sent to bogus sites alleging to represent Hyatt, TraveLodge, Comfort Inn, Ramada, Days Inn and Wyndham. The Register (U.K.)
(2/5)
- Airport scanners for identifying ill travelers unlikely to work
Public health officials in France say the use of temperature scanners at airports for identifying and detaining sick travelers is not likely to achieve the intended goal. "Because public perceptions are important, policymakers may feel some pressure to use NCIT (non-contact infrared thermometers), but the decision-making process should not ignore the poor scientific evidence on NCIT's efficacy to delay the introduction of a novel influenza strain," the officials wrote. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)/The Canadian Press
(2/15)
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- Job losses among the self-employed may have leveled out
Self-employment rates have improved in recent months, a positive indicator for entrepreneurs, writes Scott Shane, professor of entrepreneurial studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. The non-agricultural self-employment rate was flat in November, improved in December and declined only slightly in January. Small Business Trends
(2/16)
| Travel Watch | | |
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- U.S. updates travel alert for Arabian Peninsula
The State Department is warning Americans to be vigilant and increase their security awareness if they are traveling on the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf. The alert says that movie theaters, casinos, bars, liquor stores and other establishments frequented by foreigners could be the targets of terrorist attacks. Read the State Department's Travel Alert for the area. TravelPulse
(2/13)
- Bill would lift restrictions on travel to Cuba
Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass., has introduced a bill that would allow Americans unrestricted travel from the U.S. to Cuba. The legislation would also prohibit the president from putting restrictions on travel to the island nation unless a serious threat arose. President Barack Obama favored easing the travel ban during his campaign. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
(2/10)
| Legislative & Policy Monitor | | |
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- TSA to test encrypted boarding pass technology
The FAA could require airlines to issue boarding passes with encrypted bar codes if a nationwide test proves the technology is efficient and effective. Security critics have long complained that "any moron with a printer" can forge current travel documents, while encrypted bar codes are much more resistant to tampering. TSA may buy as many as 2,300 hand-held scanners, enabling screeners across the country to verify passengers with either a traditional paper boarding pass or an electronic version. USA TODAY
(2/10)
| News from Valor | | |
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Valor officer risks self to save child
Valor officer Mike Waun will be officially recognized for bravery by Wyndham Resorts for saving a child. A guest was staying at the Wyndham - Branson Meadows when her 3 year old broke away from the family, running into the highway. According to the guest, "out of nowhere this angel ran into the street without looking ... almost got hit but grabbed my son."
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Valor officer recognized for exceptional hospitality and courtesy
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau recently recognized Valor officer Claude Alvarez for 24 years of exceptional service. Honored by Broward County Mayor Staci Ritter, Alvarez was commended for providing exceptional hospitality and courtesy to Broward County Florida tenants, employees and visitors. The annual event recognizes exceptional hospitality and courtesy in all tourism areas-hotels, transportation, recreation and retail.
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 | I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man."
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| About Valor Security Services |
Valor Security Services provides security management services and risk management expertise nationally to over 260 retail, hospitality, and mixed use properties
owned or operated by a variety of successful developers, owners, and management companies. Valor is exclusive to the hospitality, retail, and mixed use markets.
As a result, our training, operations, and efforts are focused on, and based on the requirements of, these markets.
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| | Recent Valor Security's Hospitality SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, January 22, 2009
- Wednesday, December 17, 2008
- Wednesday, November 19, 2008
- Wednesday, October 15, 2008
- Wednesday, September 17, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Angela Giroux-Scheide
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