------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * * * * * ANNUAL GOANETTERS MEET * * * * * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanetters in Goa and visiting meet Jan 6, 2009 at 3.30 pm at Hotel Mandovi (prior to the Goa Sudharop event, which you're also welcome to). Join in for a Dutch dinner -- if we can agree on a venue after the meet. RSVP (confirmations only) 9822122436 or 2409490 or [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hotels go hi-tech to counter terror threat Video Surveillance To RDX Scanners, Hotels Are Ramping Up Security Like Never Before Neha Raghunath & Smitha Venkateswaran MUMBAI/PANAJI AFTER the three-day siege of two top hotels in Mumbai, the Taj and the Trident, last month, hotels in popular destinations are beefing up security like never before, virtually turning the premises into fortresses straight out of sci-fi movies. What if it has changed the way holidaying - under the watchful eyes of gunwielding security personnel and hidden cameras - there's no escaping it. Many hotels are installing advanced security gadgets, including video surveillance systems, X-ray machines to scan baggage, metal detectors, and the latest, a 'Trace RDX' scanner. "We are training our staff for any emergency. After the Mumbai attack, no one is taking things for granted," Pascal Dupis, The Leela Goa's general manager, said. In addition to employing more manpower, hotels like the Leela Kempinski Mumbai, Le Royal Meridien, Mumbai, and JW Marriott, are now purchasing Xray baggage scanners and metal detectors to screen patrons entering the premise. Post 26/11, hotel spend on security systems has increased by more than 30% of their average budget. Apart from "doing as much as they can", the idea, it seems, is to take visible security measures that make guests feel safer and protected. For instance, The Le Meridien Hotel, Mumbai, is considering adopting a 'Trace RDX' machine, which, hotel staff claim, can sniff even traces of RDX, or plastic explosives. Other hotels in Mumbai and in tourist locales like Goa have placed orders for the latest surveillance gadgets within a fortnight of the terror attack; many though are not expecting the delivery before the first month of the New Year. In addition, hotels have also installed close-circuit cameras at all locations, except the guest rooms, while sniffer dogs are always on the prowl. "We have sniffer dogs checking all baggage, a method more secure than any machine, when it comes to drugs or arms and ammunition. Besides, guests too seem to enjoy the company of dogs unlike security systems," said Andrew Mensfordh, GM, Park Hyatt Goa. Resorts are also training their staff to be prepared for emergencies. They also conduct mock drills and fire fighting exercises that also involve customers, whom are taken into confidence. According to the staff, normally hotels conduct mock drills in the 'lean' month of April. But now it has become necessary to hold such drills at least once a month. Security, on the beaches and hotels in Goa is also at its best. Hotels, while investing in modern machines, are also in constant touch with the state police, who have deployed officers at top resorts and along the coastline. For the New Year festivities, hotels along the coast are hiring Central Police Reserve Force, in addition to private security guards. Resorts will also be maintaining a single entry / exit point for both guests and staff. "We are co-ordinating with the police. This is just to be more vigilant, as tourism is at its peak during Christmas and New Year," said Vikram Antao, resident manager the Grand Intercontinental Goa. http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Source=Find&Key=ETM/2009/01/02/3/Ar00303.xml&CollName=ET_MUMBAI_DAILY_2007&DOCID=233240&Keyword=(<many><stem>Goa)&skin=ET&AppName=1&PageLabel=3%20&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T
