The Internet of Things Boosts Efficiency at Airports and Cruise Ports

As passenger traffic through Jamaica’s seaports and airports continues to rise, demanding greater attention to speed and efficiency, tourism stakeholders have revealed that Internet technology is playing an increasing role in boosting efficiency at these crucial locations.

Insight into how the Internet has been enhancing service delivery, specifically at the cruise shipping ports and Sangster International Airport (SIA), was provided during the recently held 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference and Expo at the Princess Grand Jamaica resort in Hanover.

A panel of experts exploring the topic “Utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) for Enhanced Service Delivery” zoomed in on its transformative impact on tourism, “from enhancing guest experiences through personalized services, to improving operational efficiencies and safety.” It was underscored that IoT refers to a network of physical devices that can transfer data to one another without human intervention.

Executive Director of e-Gov Jamaica, Anika Shuttleworth said tech analysts have projected that over 41.6 billion IoT devices are currently in use globally. She pointed out that “the Internet of Things is actually a very important space because it means connecting devices all the way through the human value chain.” She said a lot of data was being collected through the IoT and raised the question of what was being done with all that data.

Citing examples of digital transformation and the use of IoT to improve the passenger experience at local airports, Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports, Shane Munroe highlighted self-service kiosks. He stressed their use to streamline passenger check-in processing systems, noting that:

 “Self-service is now the most popular way for passengers to check in. You see that continuing to evolve throughout the industry.”

SIA has also implemented interactive way finding through kiosks with QR Codes that give passengers a map to navigate their way throughput the airport. Also, there are sensors throughout the airport that monitor wait-time in the streaming, immigration and customs processes. “Other areas that we’re using IoT devices include environmental sensors that can adjust air-conditioning based on humidity and temperature, camera systems with video analytics, queue management as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi sensors that anonymously track passenger flow for data analysis,” disclosed Mr. Munroe.

He explained that a key objective is “the use of IoT and integration of all of this data into an operations center for efficiency and for predicting peak travel times.”

On the issue of cruise ship ports, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC), Joy Roberts said a recent case study determined that the IoT “has the potential to change the dynamics of the industry, personalizing services for tourists and guests, cost savings, increased productivity, greater efficiency and customized and differentiated services.”

She explained that JAMVAC had implemented a wireless machine at the ports that gives real time alerts with guests being able to share their feedback with the simple press of a smiley face emoji button which “helps to eliminate blind spots, discover some of the most burning issues and implement best practices to improve customer experience.”

Mrs. Roberts said JAMVAC aims for a 98% approval rating from cruise passengers disembarking the ports and with onsite manning of the system any problem that arises is dealt with expeditiously with redress given where warranted.

SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC), Joy Roberts speaks during a panel discussion exploring the Internet of Things (IoT), at the recent 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference and Expo at the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort. She explained how IoT enhances passenger services at the cruise shipping ports.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Telephone: 920-4924,

Fax: 906-1729

Or

Dr. Kingsley Roberts

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990

Cell: (876) 505-6118

Fax: 920-4944