GuestScan identifies known troublemakers to safeguard Britain's tourist industry from nightmare guests

(07/09/2010)

A groundbreaking initiative that promises to safeguard Britain's tourist industry from ''nightmare guests'' rolls out across the UK this month. The scheme - the first of its kind in Europe - will allow accommodation owners to check customers' credentials before taking a booking.

Until now, they have been forced to rely on ''gut instinct'', face value and trust alone. But members of the GuestScan network will have immediate access to an online database of known or potential troublemakers.

It means they can identify and filter problem guests in advance - reducing the risk of trashed rooms, non-payment or anti-social behaviour.

According to GuestScan, the initiative - which has the backing of Devon and Cornwall Police and a number of leading tourism organisations - will ''restore the balance of power'' while saving the industry millions of pounds per year.

Up to 10,000 small hotels, B&Bs, holiday lets, and camping sites are expected to sign up within weeks of its official launch on September 15.

A spokesman for Guestscan said: ''GuestScan is about preparing for - and protecting against - unwanted, nightmare guests. 'Owners whose rooms have been vandalised, or whose legitimate guests have been disturbed by rowdy behaviour, will understand only too well the importance of doing so.

''Holiday accommodation has been blighted by these people for too long. The GuestScan scheme is a simple and effective way of stamping them out for good while finally restoring the balance of power.''

The scheme relies on a comprehensive online database that members can access instantaneously via a PC, laptop or smartphone. Subject to data protection laws, it contains the names of past offenders - much like the community-based PubWatch schemes.

Members are provided with a unique access code and can retrieve information about a specific guest instantaneously. If no results appear, accommodation owners can ''rest easier'' in the knowledge that the customer has had no ''previous misdemeanors'' - and accept the booking.

Devon and Cornwall Police says the database could help maintain ''safe environments for our communities''. Bob Bunny, the constabulary's Force Crime Reduction Advisor, said: ''GuestScan is a database that I recently became aware of and has the intention of providing a beneficial service direct to those in business but also has the potential to assist in the prevention and detection of crime.

''Any service that can contribute to preventing crime, benefit business and the community can only be considered advantageous to policing. I can visualise the opportunities that can contribute to maintaining safe environments for our communities.''

The Bed & Breakfast Association has also given Guestscan its approval. Chief executive David Weston said: ''There is nothing worse for a B&B owner than to become victim to a malicious or destructive guest, or a fraudster. 'There is a need for additional protection for owners against known repeat offenders, so we welcome the launch of Guestscan.''

The technology is the brainchild of Neil Campbell, a businessman whose neighbour, a B&B owner, felt the force of a ''visitor from hell''. He said the woman was forced to defend herself against a hefty insurance claim following a faked accident by a ''money-grabbing'' guest.

Mr Campbell, 59, who lives in Bristol, said: ''There is a general attitude among many people that holiday accommodation is there to be exploited. 'Indeed, it's not uncommon for people to break furniture or leave wine stains in carpets because a cleaner is included in the price. 'Clearly something needs to be done to protect against this and, we believe, GuestScan is it. 'The service protects owners from troublemakers and, perhaps most importantly, against the threat of false litigation claims.''

Mr Campbell said the database - which is secure and accessed by GuestScan members only - will be ''fully comprehensive'' within six months. The service also includes information and advice about insurance, and practical tips about avoiding spurious claims.

''In the long term,'' Mr Campbell added, ''GuestScan should result in an improvement in overall behaviour while helping owners and guests sleep a little easier.''

Martin Sachs, chief executive of the English Association of Self Catering Operators said the idea takes crime prevention to ''another level''.

'Guestscan is another level of due diligence and provides a valuable safeguard for anybody letting out property,'' he said. ''This idea has long been talked about and we as an organisation are delighted it has come to fruition.''

Membership is free for the first six months as part of an introductory offer. A free online booking service also promises to save accommodation owners up than £500.

Notes to editors: For high-res images, or for interviews with Neil Campbell, contact Neil directly via email at neil@guestscan.co.uk

Related topics:

Print version | Email to a friend | Related articles

Data breaches: Trends, costs and best practices gives you all the latest information on securing personal and corporate data, key recommendations for immediate action to improve data security, and how to respond to data breaches.

Other Security news and resources