Hotels in Singapore are trialing the use of facial-recognition technology to speed up guests\u2019 check-in times and boost worker productivity in an initiative that\u2019s linked up with the city-state\u2019s immigration authorities.<\/p>\n
The new system, which was launched this week, enables visitors to use a kiosk or mobile phone to verify their identity, eliminating the need for manual checks, the Singapore Tourism Board and local hotel association said in a statement.<\/p>\n
That can trim check-in times by as much as 70%, they said.Authorities in the Southeast Asian country are constantly on the lookout for ways to promote automation and boost workers\u2019 productivity, both to improve efficiency and adjust to the constraints imposed by an aging workforce.<\/p>\n
Tourism accounts for about 4% of the nation\u2019s gross domestic product.<\/p>\n
The facial-recognition system, known as E-Visitor Authentication, allows users to scan their passport and take a photo, with data then sent to immigration to attest to the validity of their stay. So far, it\u2019s being piloted at three hotels, the Straits Times reported.<\/p>\n
One of the users, Grand Park City Hall, estimated the new process reduced the time it took a guest to check in to about one minute, down from five. \u201cGuests now enjoy more convenience,\u201d said general manager John Kockan.<\/p>\n