'Access systems offer solution for guests and hotel teams'

New CEO focuses on innovative solutions for hoteliers

Since 1 November, Hotek Hospitality Group has a new CEO: Duco Salomons. With his fresh perspective, he aims to build on the existing reputation of Hotek - the Dutch market leader in smart access control and hospitality solutions - in a way that directly meets the needs of hoteliers in Europe.

Hotek has been a trusted name in the hospitality industry for years, not only for its innovative access systems, but also for its wide range of hotel accessories such as safes and minibars. "The most important thing for me is that we at Hotek continue to do what we do best: accommodate hotels with reliable, user-friendly and fast solutions," says Salomons. "The guest's experience is at the heart of this, but just as much the daily practice of hotel staff."

YourMobileKey

One of Hotek's spearheads is the so-called YourMobileKey. This system - now active in more than a thousand hotels across Europe - allows guests to open their hotel room door via their smartphone, without the use of an app or vulnerable Bluetooth. Salomons: "Our Mobile Key works via an IoT gateway with AES 256 encryption. Because no direct signal is sent between the lock and the phone, hacking is virtually impossible. At the same time, the door is opened super fast, this is comfortable for guests."

NFC Cloud

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Salomons announces a new generation of access technology: NFC Cloud. This technology makes it possible to create completely cloud-based keycards in addition to transmitting our YourMobileKey. In the process, existing Hotek locks can be upgraded to this innovative solution. "This sustainability is crucial," he explains, "both in terms of reduced material consumption and long-term efficiency. Moreover, it gives hoteliers the flexibility to gradually modernise their access systems."

Generation Z 

In the rapidly changing world of hospitality, Salomons says it is important to match new guest preferences. "Generation Z - born from 2000 onwards - is used to arranging everything online and has less need for personal contact at check-in. This does not mean that the receptionist becomes redundant: it comes down to a smarter use of staff. Where one guest needs fast, digital self-service, another may want personal contact. The possibility of self-service check-in allows hotels to be more flexible with staffing, especially in smaller or unstaffed concepts."

Partnerships 

Salomons emphasises that Hotek is at its core a 'hospitality partner': "Our systems and accessories are developed on the basis of discussions with hoteliers: what does a hotel really need to improve the guest experience, control costs and streamline operations? This is how we want to be a reliable partner, not only in the Netherlands, but throughout Europe. We already have a strong foothold in France and Germany, and we want to expand that international presence."

Smart accessibility

Finally, Salomons says Hotek will continue to professionalise in the coming years with a focus on service, innovation and sustainability: "We want to offer hoteliers innovative solutions. From small-scale boutique hotels to larger chains and the growing market of short-stay flats. Our aim is to set the standard worldwide for smart access solutions and hospitality tools that increase operational efficiency while boosting guest satisfaction. When hoteliers come to us, they must be able to trust us to think with them from their perspective. That starts with listening and ends with a solution that really works."