A visitor detection unit includes a digital processor, an RF transceiver, a sensor and digital memory. Preferably, the digital memory includes code segments executable on the digital processor for transmitting a beacon signal via a transmitter portion of the RF transceiver, monitoring via the sensor for a visitor event monitoring via a receiver portion of the RF transceiver for a beacon response event, and selectively transmitting metadata via the transmitter portion of the RF transceiver that is related at least one of the visitor event and the beacon response event. In this example embodiment, an enclosure is provided for the digital processor, the RF transceiver and the digital memory such that the visitor detection unit can be mounted on a surface proximate to a physical area to be monitored.