Hotel Information Technology Security: Do Hoteliers Understand the Risks?

Abstract

During the past decade, information technology (IT) has significantly changed the way the hotel industry controls and manages operations. While many technologies have been utilized, some newer technologies have emerged in the literature and in practice, and many of them impact the hotel's security. The purpose of this study is to understand how hotels with different service levels are currently using these technologies, and if having an internal IT department and sufficient IT budget impacts the use of these technologies. Among the results, this study identified a gap between hoteliers’ understanding of IT budget adequacy and the adequacy of installed IT security systems. The results also showed that luxury properties were significantly more likely to employ adequate IT security systems than other service levels.

Keywords:

• hotel IT
• security
• green technology
• self-service technology
• wireless