Digital Identity Workgroup
Digital identity has the potential to make hotel check-in more efficient while helping properties address verification, payment, and fraud risks. The HTNG Digital Identity Workgroup is examining how a guest presents a digital ID, how it is validated, and how the result reaches hotel systems.
To learn more, please contact AHLA's Darrell Hugh at dhugh@ahla.com.
Proposed Focus
- Mapping the check-in journey: The proposed first phase follows digital identity from the guest's device through verification and hotel check-in.
- Connecting verification to hotel systems: Later work may address how systems communicate that an identity has been validated, including potential messaging requirements.
- Considering global approaches: The group is discussing government-issued digital IDs and existing identity frameworks. Whether private credentials belong in the initial scope remains under review.
Why It Matters
- For Guests: Digital ID could reduce reliance on presenting a physical document at the front desk.
- For Hotels: A defined workflow could help operators assess verification, compliance, and guest-data handling as they consider digital check-in.
- For Technology Providers: A mapped identity journey could clarify where verification connects with hotel systems.
The workgroup aims to develop hospitality-specific guidance and explore where standards may be needed. Payment integration is a related issue, but the immediate focus is digital identity and check-in. The charter and deliverables remain in development.
Workgroup Leadership
Co-Chair Global Director, IT Project & Portfolio Management Belmond | 
Co-Chair CEO KeyShare
| 
Co-Chair Co-Founder & CEO Virdee |