Washington | In order to ensure hotels across the country implement stringent security procedures in accordance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has released a new PCI Compliance Primer. Developed as a “how-to” guide, the primer leads hoteliers through both technology and business processes essential for securing credit card data from misuse and abuse, with the goal of minimizing the estimated 55 percent of total credit card fraud with roots in the hospitality industry1.
Funded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) and authored by Dan Connolly, PhD., of the University of Denver, and Mark G. Haley, CHTP of the Prism Partnership, LLC, useful sections of the primer include:
- A brief introduction to PCI compliance and key concepts needed to move hotels toward compliance, including the roles of all participants (acquirer, franchisor, and other resources);
- Review of potential PCI problems and vulnerabilities unique to the hotel industry;
- A Self-Assessment Questionnaire and sample checklists to track progress toward compliance.
“Though much of PCI compliance is IT-related, this primer clarifies the issue as a greater one that affects all aspects of business operations,” said AH&LA President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA. “While often seen as difficult and costly, PCI compliance is not optional for any hotel that accepts credit cards, and this document provides tangible strategies for hoteliers to create a safe and secure environment for their guests.”
This manual was developed by AH&LA’s Technology and E-Business Committee, and is part of a highly-regarded series of primers on hospitality and technology. AH&LA members can download a copy of the PCI Compliance Primer via the Members Only section of the AH&LA Website, www.ahla.com. Nonmembers may purchase via AH&LA’s Educational Institute by calling (800) 752-4567.
- Cougias, Dorian. (2008, April 18). Securing payments: What the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards mean for your resort. 8th Annual Resort Conference, San Diego, CA. Mr. Cougias is founder and chief executive officer of Network Frontiers and a member of the PCI Security Standard Council.
AH&LEF is the charitable fund-raising and endowed fund-management subsidiary of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Founded in 1953, AH&LEF is the premier organization for scholarships, professional certification, and instructional material as well as funding for hospitality industry research. For more information, visit
www.ahlef.org.
Serving the hospitality industry for nearly a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.
