Hotels on terror alert after Kenya bombing

International hotel chains are stepping up security in the wake of the bomb blast that ripped through the lobby of a Mombasa tourist hotel last week, killing 16 people.

Groups with interests in Africa, the Middle East and the Far East are increasing the level of security as governments around the globe issue warnings to travellers visiting countries that have been the target of recent terrorist attacks.

Six Continents, which has two hotels in Kenya, the scene of last week's attack at the Paradise hotel, has several levels of security but confirmed that both Kenya and Bali were now on "heightened security alerts".

Four Seasons, which has two resorts in Bali, where 200 people were killed in the bombing of a nightclub in October, has also reviewed security measures and emergency procedures.

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, with 38 hotels in the Far East, has had its security budget significantly boosted since 11 September. The group has increased the number of security guards and invested in more equipment such as mechanical sniffer devices.

However, the cost of security is presenting a problem to independent hotels. Alain-Philippe Feutré, chief executive officer of the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA), advises training staff to be vigilant, particularly over luggage.

"People often ask to leave their bags for a few hours, and that's when things can happen," he said.

by Christina Golding

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 5-11 December 2002