One in three hoteliers fear for the safety of their properties, survey reveals

One in three hoteliers fear for the safety of their properties - and many have done nothing to step up security following 9/11 and the Bali bombings.

These are two of the key findings from an extensive online hotel security survey conducted by HOTEL Asia Pacific magazine and hospitality technology consultancy Pertlink immediately after the terrorist attack in Bali that claimed more than 190 lives.

When asked: "Following the bomb attack in Bali, do you consider your hotel is secure?", 35.9% of hoteliers answered, "No". Tellingly, nearly 50% of respondents admitted that they had not increased their investment in security - more than a year after the September 11 attacks in the US.

Some hotels have not checked their fire systems for more than six months, while others have not put in place even the most basic procedures to protect their guests and staff. 

Despite chilling warnings that the al-Qaeda terrorist network has now switched its focus to "soft" targets such as hotel resort properties, and that Southeast Asia has become a hotbed of radical activity, less than a quarter of hotels have increased their security budgets since the Bali attack.

HOTEL Asia Pacific editor Steve Shellum, who organised the survey, said: "Whether due to lack of funds, complacency or an 'it-can't-happen-here' mentality, the lack of commitment to ensuring the safety of staff, guests and property is not just scary, it is an indictment on the industry.

"The main problem is that many hotel owners do not have the budgets to increase spending on security. Given the results of the survey, this is obviously a major concern among the hotel management companies that run their properties."

The results of the survey will be discussed at the HOTEL Asia Pacific Hotel Security Conference, which takes place at the Bali International Convention Centre on 16 December.