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afost026

- Hotel HVAC Systems - What Are My Options? Part 2 - 0 views

  • PTAC stands for Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner
  • A PTACs compressor pumps refrigerant to cool the coils.
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    This article talks about the different types of HVAC systems available for hotels. It shows which AC units would work for the room space.
brobb009

In Human vs. Machine, CWT Study Finds Two-Thirds of Travelers Prefer Machines When Book... - 0 views

  • travelers prefer to manage their travel transactions digitally, via an app or browser.
  • 69% of business travelers prefer to book their flights digitally rather than have human interactions.
  • hotel reservations (78%), ground transportation (71%), and checking-in for flights (68%)
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  • checking into their hotel (46%) and checking out (51%).
  • Digital interactions are taking over, so the travel industry must keep evolving t
  • the Americas are most inclined to use technology over personal contact
  • booked through a computer screen - 45% in 2019 versus 53% in 2018 and 52% in 2017.
  • "The modern business traveler wants to be able to make decisions immediately at their convenience,"
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    This article informs us on how travelers prefer to manage their travel transactions in different regions. According to the article travelers prefer to manage their travel digitally, via app or browser versus personal contact. Percentages still very by region but overall the computer still ranks number one in booking, while smartphones, and tablets rank second and third.
ggara004

Travel Tech Execs Take Shine Off Cloud Computing by Highlighting Hidden Perils - Skift - 1 views

  • Moving travel company software to the cloud has proved tricky, some travel technology executives said this week in moments of candor. Absent strategic thinking, shifting systems from mainframe computers to public internet-based services from Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure can waste resources
  • he executive bluntness is a counterweight to recent industry hype about cloud services
  • Advertising campaigns have promoted the cloud’s potential cost savings for companies as they switch from investing in, and maintaining, servers to buying the computing power as they need it. But they ignore some practical challenges. Travel executives have found that they must shift their services over to the cloud in stages, and the phased shift can lead to escalating cost
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  • The travel industry is behind the retail and financial sectors when it comes to tapping the maximum benefits of the cloud, which includes being able to make use of sophisticated services like machine learning techniques for data analysis, said Nicolas Nelson, chief information officer of Air France
  • Some retailers, like Home Depot, have gone further by migrating their warehousing and operational data to the cloud, which lets them use analytical tools to more effectively manage their inventory and processes,” said Strong. “That’s a next wave opportunity for travel companies
  • Amadeus, for example, plans to move its applications to run on the public cloud across multiple regions
  • Cloud systems can be more elastic and flexible, said Rafael Achaerandio, head of Azure development advocacy and app innovation cloud sales at Microsoft. The cloud can let an airline or online travel agency deploy its applications around the world with the tap of a button, which was virtually impossible with its legacy data center
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    This article references the hidden costs of cloud computing. It advises how retail companies such as Home Depot have been successful in their transition to cloud computing however the hospitality industry falls behind. Businesses such as Expedia try to educate their engineers of the cost of cloud services and advises them to use it wisely. It appears to be that the hospitality industry still lags on the technology wave, as it continues to "remain a hybrid of newer and older technology".
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    This was an interesting read! I didn't realize that the data from servers had to be moved in shifts. So maybe it's not as cost effective as thought to be. Hopefully the travel industry makes progress in becoming more "cloud friendly" as it can be very beneficial.
kuhang

Importance of Sustainability in Hospitality | Dana Communications - 0 views

  • Over the past several decades, hoteliers have turned their focus to the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry as it relates to hotel development and operations, including the environmental, economic and social impact.
  • In fact, according to Cornell University’s Center for Hospitality Research, the reverse is true for both. Recent advances in technology related to renewable sources of energy (solar, geothermal, wind, etc.) have improved the economics of using these kinds of alternative energies at the property level.
  • Cost is always a driving factor and reducing operating costs provides a compelling incentive for hoteliers. Cost reduction and efficiency strategies can be achieved by investing in better operational procedures and emerging environmental technologies. Many hoteliers now employ a variety of strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. Other emerging areas include sustainable procurement, indoor environmental quality (focusing on air quality and chemical/cleaning product use), and staff training programs (which can facilitate improved performance and higher levels of employee satisfaction/retention).
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  • Adopting a sustainable corporate culture can provide a distinct advantage in terms of attracting and retaining talent.
  • These statistics make it clear that sustainability—and a company’s commitment to it—is top of mind for employees.
  • Most major hotel brands have incorporated some level of sustainability platform into their brand definition.
  • Having sustainable business practices will lead to an enhanced reputation and brand image, which translates to great hotel profits in the long term.
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    Improving hotel's sustainability with the use of environmentally-friendly materials is now of utmost importance. It is a myth that green operations are more costly to obtain and maintain. In fact, renewable energy sources have improved economically and have now become alternative energy source at property level. Governments are now strongly supporting the use of renewable energy sources by providing tax write-offs and quickly expedited regulatory permitting. There will also be increased recognition for brand image and corporate brand image which creates a positive guests experience and attracting better talent. The savings are exponential by investing in better operational procedures and emerging environmental technologies. The green technology is inspiring and forward-thinking.
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    This paper analyzes and demonstrates the importance of sustainable design in the hotel industry from the perspectives of economy, law, guest experience and corporate responsibility. With the progress of science and technology, sustainable development will become more popular and become a major trend of hotel industry in the future.
khadija2050

50 Facilities Management Tips and Best Practices - Camcode - 0 views

  • Cut night site lighting. “Depending upon how your site lighting is operated and circuited, you can create an ‘economize mode’ for overnight when the site is at its lowest occupancy. Keep perimeter site lighting on around your property and all entrances and main drives lit.
  •  Replace older lighting with LEDs. “Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center chose LEDs to replace existing lighting in a parking garage open 24/7, halving the garage’s power consumption. Meanwhile, Mediapolis Community Schools in Mediapolis, IA, also embarked on a retrofit of LED exterior lighting.
  • Implement a sustainable facility design plan. “Sustainable design is more attainable and affordable than it’s ever been, especially when you think in terms of years instead of days and weeks. It’s also worth noting that sustainable design is very well favored among the public, which is an extra incentive for companies interested in reinforcing their reputation as socially responsible and environmentally concerned
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  • Know the total cost of all facility work done both directly and indirectly. “To the untrained eye, the facilities maintenance arm of a business appears to be a black hole of cost. The costs of these FM services add up, and unless discrepancies arise, that is where most of the business analysis ends. However, facilities maintenance managers, who are privy to all of the nuances that make up eac
  • h work order, understand the complexities and overhead involved in this sector of business.
  • Consider less obvious improvements that impact facility energy use. “Some energy-related projects will be more or less hidden from the users and primarily pursued to reduce energy demand, such as chiller and fan-unit upgrades. Such projects may end up providing the building users with better temperature control, but this is not the primary goal of the upgrade
  • Operational changes such as reducing the hours of HVAC and lighting operation, and changing setback temperatures, which require very little expenditure (if any at all) do not directly affect user experience, but can produce large reductions in electricity loads. In general, working with the building operations team to reduce energy use can produce impressive reductions in loa
  • his allows building and facility management professionals to determine whether the cost to improve a particular element of a building or a system in it against the cost savings over the same period. If the cost of an upgrade over its lifetime offers an advantage over the building operational costs it will save, then it’s generally considered a good investmen
  • “Finding the right suppliers to maintain your facilities can be difficult and time-consuming. From janitorial services, to groundskeeping and maintenance supplies, ensuring suppliers are providing apples-to-apples quotes, developing contracts with clear service levels, and validating that supplier quality
  • “Boilers today can reach efficiencies of up to 96 percent using condensing technology; however, a typical building, including new buildings, uses atmospheric type boilers which, for all intents and purposes, are only slightly more advanced than a science lab Bunsen burner. This technology is reliable and it works, but it is expensive to operate
  • An energy audit systematically identifies and develops opportunities to help reduce energy use in an institutional or commercial facility and, as a result, decrease building operating costs. Focusing the audit is imperative for maintenance and engineering managers.
  • “Commercial kitchens are high energy users, consuming roughly 2.5 times more energy per square foot than any other commercial space, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Of that, as little as 40% is used in the preparation and storage of food, says the UK’s Carbon Trust; much of the wasted energy is dispersed into the kitchen.
  • All commercial buildings are insulated; building codes make it mandatory to insulate up to  a certain level. Unfortunately, because most buildings are put up under strict guidance to budgets, they are usually put up with only the minimal amount of insulation
  • Develop performance measures for your PM process with an emphasis on measuring the amount of PM that is work completed compared to all other work. Total PM hours should be the highest percentage of all the department’s maintenance work. This goal might seem impossible, but over time, it is very achievable
  • “Preventative maintenance is all about planning, plain and simple. Every piece of equipment or machinery at your disposal or under your care should have a schedule of what type of maintenance it requires and when it requires that check-up.
  • “Failure modes are defined as “how something fails.” Let’s use a flat/membrane roof to show an example of what a failure mode is. On a flat/membrane roof, one failure mode may be “penetration of roof membrane,” and the causes of this failure mode could be many. Knowing the failure mode(s) of a specific maintainable item such as a membrane roof and its causes can be key to early detection of roof failure (not meeting the intent of the end user) so the repair can be made before it affects an operatio
  • “Catch small problems now before they become big ones. Addressing small details can add up to huge improvements in appearance and functionality. Ask your facilities services provider, janitorial company
  • You may schedule preventive maintenance based on meter readings on an equipment. However, equipment meters usually do not differentiate between work time and idle time
  • Greasing the rack and pinion of a beam saw, for instance, can cause grease and saw dust to solidify inside the gears over time, eventually preventing them from moving. If you’re unsure which tasks are beneficial to each piece of equipment, ask your equipment representative.”
  • Having spare parts and supplies around the time of a major preventive maintenance schedule is absolutely critical. Asset management software allows you to check the availability of the spare parts for dates when the work orders are due. This report can help you identify parts that are insufficient for the required work orders in the future. If you know which parts you are falling short on, you can order them in advance from suppliers rather than waiting till re-order limits are reached
  • “Appropriate repetition and reinforcement are necessary. The average person is bombarded with more than 300 messages while at work, and multiples of that outside of work, Finney says. Getting a message to land with an audience might take as many as 12 repetitions, in some cases, he says
  • Let’s get together: when you’re designing your facilities, design social spaces for your employees. These might be lunch or break rooms, games rooms, gyms, or even community gardens.
  • While other managers may work to manage clients or staff, your job is to manage facilities and all that occurs in them. Your corporation’s physical assets are just as important as your human resources, and you are the expert in this field. Whether it’s collating data or contributing to the organization’s bottom line, your input is a valuable part of corporate decision-making
  •  “Workplace inclusion has to be clearly defined before any initiatives can be pushed forward. One useful definition of an inclusive office is a workplace in which all staff are treated with respect and have equal access to resources and opportunities. Facility managers should build on this high-level description to create an idea of what concepts like equal access, diversity and fairness look like in their own facilities
  • Space costs money. Knowing that we are moving towards a working environment consisting of virtual or mobile workers, investing time in developing new workplace designs that can suit these new ways of working while increasing space utilization rates can result in impressive cost savings
  • Performing facility maintenance and engineering tasks is like sailing among icebergs. What technicians can’t see will sink them — or their facilities. Thermal imaging technology gives technicians the ability to see the unseen, making it easier to spot failing motors and electrical components,
  • This concept is broadly used to describe our attempt to formally identify in-house talent in many of our labor shops. We identify talent through a competitive selection process based on potential vs. skills and promote our selected personnel to the worker and helper level while training them to achieve appropriate full mechanic level with associated certifications/licenses
  • This directly leads to the client receiving a more fit-for-purpose solution and ultimately receiving greater value which grows a greater relationship.
  • In other words, there has to be a compelling reason based on our mission for why we would submit budgets for anything.” By presenting specific information on how and why you’ve chosen your budget numbers, you can help the C-suite see that your budget is well within reason
  • When you automate the work order process, you remove human error associated with it. Essentially, you’re taking the people out of the process and ensuring nothing gets missed or overlooked
  • “There are many different software options out there than can aid FMs in organizing and streamlining their everyday tasks. This ranges from software designed to help manage all maintenance activities to logging and tracking facility visitors for security purposes. 
  • uch smart sensors, operating costs are dramatically reduced, productivity is enhanced, and occupants’ comfort is improved.
  • “One of the most exciting features of Facilities Management software is the ability to manage heating and cooling remotely, or set a programmable thermostat to move set temperatures up or down throughout the day. Facilities planners love the ability to analyze and explore energy use from heating and cooling systems
  • “Maintenance and facilities administration systems must frequently abide by national and global regulatory requirements. All maintenance administrators face occasional random or audits inspections by regulatory authorities. Maintenance software enables you to prove regulatory conformity and decrease the amount of paperwork and preparation that is needed for an audit.
  • KPIs allude to opportunities and errors in your company. Paired with the Internet of Things (IoT) and energy management systems, KPIs can be used to highlight missed maintenance tasks, greater traffic area of your business or problems with machinery
  • “Closely monitoring energy and water use to reduce building-operating costs is another benefit. By allowing owners to monitor and analyze the performance of multiple systems—air-conditioning levels, lights on automatic dimmers, water usage
  • “A feature that’s gaining a lot of ground is using facial recognition technology to let people in and out of the building. It’s more secure than key fobs or cards, and unlike cards and fobs, you can’t forget your face at home. It’s like batting a triple, or killing three birds with one stone
  • You cannot do your job properly without the correct information. If you don’t have proper records on the state of your facilities, you can’t do your job as a facilities manager.
  • “A surprising number of facilities managers have no true system in place for managing their space.  More than a quarter of everyone interviewed – 28 percent –
  • . It may help significantly with compliance with various industry standards, such as HIPAA in the healthcare industry and Sarbanes-Oxley in the financial field. It can help to document best practices for avoiding accidents, or in the worst case scenario,
  • This method identifies how critical a piece of equipment or maintenance task is to your business and will ultimately show you where it should land in your prioritization process
  • Smartsheet is a spreadsheet that you share with your co-workers, but its features go far beyond Excel. This tool combines the traditional spreadsheet with project management tools, templates, and forms and allows you and your colleagues to access spreadsheets on mobile devices and work on them collaboratively
  • The business world is increasingly embracing a larger remote workforce. Offices are used as areas to collaborate, develop, and design new ideas. The day-to-day work can be, and often is, done from home
  • “Another possibility for cutting costs, say experts, is not just moving staff around, but moving work around also. This means carefully examining all outsourcing contracts to see if they can be scaled back and the work completed by in-house staff
  • “Verify assets from a minimum of two data points, such as the barcode and the item’s serial number.
  • After collecting data and developing a maintenance schedule for your assets, you need to plan for the long-term maintenance of your asset inventory
  • However good asset management and maintenance planning is, there comes a time when an asset reaches the end of its useful life and should be disposed of.
  • “If you’re trying to get a handle of your documents, the first thing you should do is an asset assessment. Detail the condition of all the main equipment and systems, and document those conditions
  • Strategic asset management integrates key relationships between planning and delivery activities.
  • Maximize your use of vertical cubic footage by placing seasonal products or those that move less frequently in harder-to-reach vertical storage areas
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    the article highlights how companies can benefit from sustainable design and gives tips on preventive maintenance
blevi022

This German town replicated itself in VR to keep its tourism alive - 0 views

  • Tourists may soon be able to explore the picturesque cross-timbered houses and historic churches of Herrenberg via virtual reality (VR), thanks to a digital twin developed with the High-Performance Computing Center Stuttgart (HLRS). TNW online events
  • There are now plans to develop the emerging area of virtual tourism for the town, which has a population of around 31,000.
  • “We have a very beautiful city center so tourists can explore it in a digital way with VR glasses before they come to Herrenberg, which is an interesting benefit for the future,” Reith said.
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  • Dembski told Cities Today the use of digital twins by cities is “only at the beginning” but is progressing quickly, especially in Asia.
  • But there are many aspects that are deeply human and cannot be reproduced in digital copies, such as culture, interpersonal relationships, joy, and happiness. A digital twin is a tool, not a solution.”
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    This article discusses how the German Town of Herrenberg created a virtual version of itself that will allow to down develop virtual tourism. The reason I view this as a story about Green computer technology is virtual tourism is a very Green environmentally friendly version of tourism. It allows tourist to explore a place with much less environmental footprint. A virtual tourist can explore a town without flying or driving which reduces air pollution. I don't think virtual tourism would replace actual tourism but can allow for the creation of new tourism without the same environmental impact of actual tourism.
laurenperdomo

E-waste: The Gobal Cost of Discarded Electronics - The Atlantic - 2 views

  • One possible alternative is to require producers of electronics to offer buy-back or return systems for old equipment.
  • Another option is recommitting to repairing smartphones and computers.
  • Consumers certainly have a role to play in the increase of e-waste—they’re buying the goods, after all. But manufacturers have given people fewer and fewer viable ways to keep older electronics functioning effectively. In the process, profits from device sales are way up, along with the satisfaction of these companies’ shareholders.
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  • Resale is another option.
  • Manufacturers have a role to play here, too: for example, by assisting in the creation of e-waste recycling centers in developing countries rather than using them as dumping sites.
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    Electronic waste is a global ecological issue. It raises concern about air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, information security, and even human exploitation. This article talks about electronics being made to be thrown away. This affects consumers and the environment in a negative way. The shortened lifespans of electronic devices, encouraged or designed by manufacturers, have pushed consumers to interpret working electronics as insufficient or unusable.
kuhang

Hotels Go Green via Smart Computing | Business Article | MBA Skool-Study.Learn.Share. - 0 views

  • Smart Computing is the integration of hardware, software & networking technologies that provide systems with the unique capability to perform real-time advanced analytics.
  • This facilitates intelligent decision making on actions that can be taken in the real world to optimize resource utilization.
  • Smart Energy Utilization
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  • Smart – HVAC System
  • Smart – Demand Controlled Ventilation
  • Smart – Air Conditioning and Heating
  • Smart – Lighting
  • Smart Renewable Energy Generation
  • Smart Water Management
  • Smart Watering of Lawns
  • Smart Showering
  • Smart computing is the new generation of technology. It builds on top of existing technologies, the capability of real time situation awareness and automated analysis
  • Eco-hotels will procure eco-aware devices in the market to gain the respect of customers and the confidence of environmentalists.
  • This increases the feasibility for eco-hotels to adapt to changing needs as they expand and go green
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    In this article, we can learn some cases of hotel green computing. The advantages of smart computing are showed clearly through these cases. Hotel with green computer technology has a better developmental prospect in the future.
abrow336

Proximity Marketing - 0 views

https://www.mccourier.com/beacon-technology-market-is-expected-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-47-6-from-2020-2026/ The Global Technology market size is projected to be USD 19.32 billion by 2026 because of t...

started by abrow336 on 14 Feb 21 no follow-up yet
akallison93

Cleaning robots are powering an automation revolution in hospitality - The Washington Post - 0 views

  • While Vi-YO-Let, the product of a partnership with Denmark-based UVD Robots, might play cute tunes and light up as she moves, she has a serious job: disinfecting the air and surfaces around her. And she does so remarkably well: Her array of UV lights, which look like a bundle of lightsabers, kill more than 99 percent of viruses and bacteria, including the coronavirus.
  • More and more guests are requesting the robo-cleaning package
  • But as the pandemic rages into its second year, major brands are increasingly turning to the world of high-tech disinfection to strengthen their cleaning protocols
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  • It’s a trend that’s slowly transforming housekeeping — and accelerating the pace of automation in hospitality.
  • Until recently, only health-care workers would frequently interact with disinfecting bots, which cost upward of $125,000 each. It’s a steep investment, but if it boosts travelers’ confidence, it’s worth it,
  • The appeal to the hospitality sector of virus-slaying UV light is obvious. Hospitals have found Xenex’s patented machines kill “22 times more pathogens” when compared with a room cleaned to CDC standards alone, Miller said.
  • certain hospitality jobs, those where face-to-face customer service is a key part of the experience, were less vulnerable.
  • Today, travelers might stumble on UV bots anywhere from five-star hotels and convention centers to train stations and cruise ships.
  • Verified Market Research that projects the market for UV disinfecting bots will grow to more than $5.5 billion by 2027.
  • Some robot makers refer to these kinds of bots as “cobots,” a portmanteau of “collaboration” and “robots,” because they’re intended to work alongside people rather than replace them.
  • a report that predicted more than 60 percent of jobs in hospitality-dominated cities like Las Vegas could be automatable by 2035
  • Take the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. The iconic hotel, famous for hosting the annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony, boasts in one promotional video that its Xenex robot staff “zaps every inch before your arrival,” leaving you a “pathogen-free sanctuary” where you’ll “rest assured you’re sleeping in the safest room possible.”
  • the pandemic is likely to accelerate the automation of jobs in sectors like hospitality.
  • “If they can develop driverless cars, if they can develop the whole variety of different things I saw there, certainly the jobs in our industry are going to change.”
  • Unite Here negotiates “extensive technology language” into its labor contracts. This helps ensure that workers can retrain for new skills, transition to other roles or at least receive severance pay if their jobs are automated out of existence.
  • Even as new technologies create new roles, some types of jobs may go away for good.
  • For now, even a state-of-the-art robot sometimes requires the delicate human touch.
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    This article explains how robotics in hospitality is becoming far more common because of Covid-19. They go into detail about how, right now, all robotics require the assistance of humans. But they also go into how that can change in the next few years. The better technology gets, the less need there is for human support.
shanegmark

The Right to Privacy in Tourism | Tourism Watch - Information Service Tourism and Devel... - 0 views

  • We have a right to be left alone. The state must not know everything about us. It must not penetrate our private affairs. The right to privacy is a human right. It can be interpreted differently in different countries.
  • no-fly-registers of people who are denied to board an aircraft. The data of air passengers are accumulated and retained, including even their food preferences. When entering a country, fingerprints may be taken or the iris may be scanned. There are data bases for visa information. We have security cameras at airports, railway stations and public places.
  • We are talking about the effects of globalisation here. Travelling has become very cheap. This has changed tourism, and it has changed the situation of the locals. The global village has become a reality not only online, but also offline. Surely this affects the right to privacy. Let’s keep talking about the Berlin staircase: Some tourist might find it so attractive that he takes a video of it, maybe even capturing someone who actually lives in the house and does not like to see strangers there. Afterwards the video goes viral. Offline becomes online. And the side effect: The video might have contributed to data profiles that make it easy to draw conclusions about the people concerned.
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  • First of all, each one of us has to respect the laws of the country where we stay. This includes the laws concerning privacy. In Germany, for example, there is the right to control what happens to your image as an aspect of criminal law.
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    This is an interesting article that is written by a Data Privacy Lawyer. He outlines the complexity of data privacy in travel given that there are so many different interpretations of what it means in different countries. He also highlights that when privacy might be violated by another individual, there is almost no recourse.
LU DENG

Green Technology: Green Technology for Hotels - 1 views

  • In the light of the recent Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, savvy hoteliers are accordingly adopting the latest green gadgets and waste reduction techniques to stay ahead of the game. 
  • Hotel architecture has also undergone something of a transformation and many new green hotel developments are being designed to fit in with the local landscape. Energy reducing technology applied at the build stage can often make significant energy savings by the use of green roofing and building materials and energy reducing technology.
  • bio fuel heating
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  • recycled water
  • ozone
  • in the form of card key switches for electricity and air conditioning, linen cards for re-using towels and sheets and motion sensors for electricity in public areas
  • over recent years are installing energy efficient fixtures and fittings for bathroom taps, shower heads and sanitary ware.
  • Of course green measures don’t have to cost the earth.
  • Further cost effective measures can be applied when it comes to guest activities
  • So even if you’re operating on a much smaller scale than the big chains, it’s worth adopting a green technology policy to suit your budget.
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    In this article it discussed the main green technologies used for hotel chains and independent hotel owners. In a bid to reduce carbon emissions ahead of possible future legislation, many hotels are adopting strategies to comply with stringent energy guidelines. Large hotel chais are making sure they go extra miles to ensure their green credentials are noticed. Green consultants and architects are employed and eco-friendly strategy for sustainable technologies are rolled out at the entire hotel groups.  Hotel architecture transform to more new green hotel developments which more fit in  with the local landscape as well as energy reducing technology apply for the roofing and building materials. Bio fuel heating replace for diesel and recycled water being used to irrigate hotel grounds. Some hotels are using ozone instead of chlorine in the pools. Other green energy management systems has become increasingly common. Green gadgets are proving a cost effective choice and can also reduce the impact of heavy guest usage on resources.Many Chins are minimizing waste by avoiding over-paced products and asking to deliver minimal wrapping.  Further cost effective measures can be applied to guest activities. They promote local restaurants and attractions within walking distance or only a short care journey away. Bicycles are offered for guests or endorse local tour firms which save on multiple car journeys.  Eco-friendly measures and green technology as part of hotel's general philosophy are well accepted. It also helps to ensure future goodwill and increase occupancy rates. It worth adopting a green technology policy to suit a hotel budget.
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    Through the article, I found that more and more companies and customers concern about green technology and it has became a heated issue for hotel chains and independent hotel owners. Then why do we need green technology in hotel industry? The answers varies: the general one could be that we need a green world and we should reduce the burden of our environment; for customers, I think we should try to protect the place that provides us beautiful view and nice mood and to make it more comfortable to live in; for hoteliers, building and operating hotels means more saving on energy, more profit,and higher reputation. Even through we have different points of view, we can work on the same theme. Then the problem came in: how to build and operate a green hotel. The author of this article gave me some ideas and I am sure green technology can be everywhere. For instance, large hotel chains can employ green consultants and architect and even launch test sites where they can assess the effectiveness of their green strategy. Professional architects can customize their design to fit the local landscape. From the beginning we can have the green roofing and building materials which can benefit us a lot later. The facilities and operation system can be energy saving by focusing on every detail such as the recycled water and bio fuel heating.  Besides in room technology can be green too. Hoteliers can also try to plan some actives that are environmental friendly for their guests.  Green technology can be applied to every step of building and operating hotels.It is meaningful for hoteliers to focus on the green theme. 
rhoff019

Smart Trends Revolutionizing The Global Hospitality Industry - 1 views

  • Technology is the key factor in controlling lighting levels, air quality, water quality as well as preferred room temperature for each guest room.
  • When it comes to smart hotels, automatic smart blinds play a major role nowadays.
  • guests can easily control the shades without budging an inch from their bed.
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  • it will be possible even in hotels to unlock your room using face recognition technology powered by Artificial Intelligence.
  • Chatbots can predict and analyze inputs provided by guests, to offer a highly tailored customer experience. The chatbots can provide solutions to a guest depending on their specific requirements, tastes, and so on.
  • This smart trend helps the hotel staff to understand whether the guests are happy or not right from the moment of their checking-in to checking-out.
  • gift shop within a certain range, coupons, and discount vouchers will be sent to them on their registered mobile application to ease the process of purchase.
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    Technologies being implemented in hotels around the world are making the guest experience more enjoyable. Some of these include smart shades, voice-controlled assistants, and services based on locations in the hotel.
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    Speaking about technical hardware input and output considerations are sensitive. I indeed realized that no matter keycard energy efficiency and Smartender drink techniques. The approval standards are making daily job more efficient for everybody else. I think I like to go through the chatbot session in lateral mentioned ideal example, because the Smartender would have predictions too while guests are checking. There should have more options to make a connections together like they are working well within hotel lobby regions. Those keep good quality and environment.
tcale003

5 Reasons Why You Need A Travel Agent - More Than Ever - 0 views

    • tcale003
       
      Travel agents are considered travel advisors or consultants. Large corporations still use travel advisors for their travel needs. Travel consultants are needed for a multitude of reason including their expertise.
  • Travel agents are even more important to luxury travelers, who ironically often think they know a lot about travel and rely on their own misguided sense of expertise. But while a good agent is so vital that it is simply foolish to plan a high-end trip on your own without one, they can also help travelers of all budgets.
  • pros of using an agent: “They can find crazy deals”; “They will be your advocate”; “They’ll take care of the little things”;
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  • The reality is that while it was widely predicted that the internet was going to kill off travel agents when digital tools were placed at every traveler’s disposal, that just hasn’t happened, for several good reasons.
  • a good travel advisor can often save you money.
  • true experts” and “They don’t usually cost extra.”
  • My tech savviest friends use travel advisors, and so does every major corporation - because it is the smart thing to do.
  • “Information overload, thousands of new hotels on the scene, all sorts of new cruise ships, passport and visa issues, weather, transit strikes, political unrest, natural disasters, travel insurance, travel providers going out of business, it’s never ending. How does one navigate all of this? To avoid the travel landmines that lay in front of you, you need to get a great travel advisor!
  • “They’re
  • good travel agents prefer to be called travel advisors, or sometimes travel consultants, and those are both totally accurate, but since most people still think of the industry in terms of travel agents
  • “Travel agents are a thing of the past - they primarily booked tickets and beds. Travel advisors have taken on a much more complex role - part psychologist, life coach, executive producer, concierge, fixer, dream maker, and ‘Blink Blink’ genie, with the multitude of services that they provide.”
  • Emergencies:
  • Expertise
  • VIP Connection
  • Extras
  • Better Trips
  •  
    There are many reasons one still needs a travel agent. They are now called advisors or consultants because of what they can do and their knowledge. These advisors can assist with a multitude of things including emergencies, getting great deals on trips, They will be your best advocate when issues arise and at no extra cost to the consumer. In addition, a good travel advisors save you time and money on trying to plan you own trip. Travel agents who just booked flights and beds are a thing of the past, travel advisors play a much more complex role and provie a great variety of services.
davidclark33

RePower South starts South Carolina facility - Recycling Today - 0 views

  • RePower South starts South Carolina facility
  • The recycling system, provided by Eugene, Oregon-based Bulk Handling Systems (BHS), is highly automated and capable of processing more than 50 tons per hour of mixed waste to recover recyclables and produce a fuel feedstock. 
  • processing a minimum of 120,000 tons annually. Prior to this system coming online, county residents were required to opt in and pay for household recycling or use drop-off recycling sites that only accepted paper and cardboard. All other recyclables were sent to landfill.
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  • The BHS FiberPure process features screen, air, optical and artificial intelligence-powered robotic sorters to automate the production of clean fiber. Plastics and metals are also separated without manual sorting. In total, the system contains seven NRT optical sorters and nine Max-AI AQCs.
  • The plant also makes use of nonrecyclable papers and plastics by producing ReEngineered Feedstock (ReEF), a clean, low-carbon renewable fuel sold to industry, cement and utility customers to replace coal in production processes. ReEF undergoes several quality control steps, including two NRT optical sorters, which remove plastic and metal contamination. The product has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a nonwaste fuel. 
  • “RePower South is showing that it is possible, today, to help communities increase recycling of the existing waste stream while also providing the flexibility to adjust to any market condition or opportunity,” says BHS CEO Steve Miller.
  •  
    This article is about a new state of the art recycling facility that opened in the Charleston area recently. Prior to this opening, residents in this county had to pay for recycling at their house or they had to bring their recycling to a facility that only recycled paper and cardboard. Everything else was sent to the landfill. This new facility requires minimal manual sorters and residents no longer have to separate. Computer technology and robotic sorters handles everything. It also makes use of no-recyclable plastics and turns them into reusable fuel. The company has one additional facility in Alabama.
jfuen093

The Applications of Environmental Technologies in Hotels: Discovery Service for FIU Lib... - 1 views

  • This article investigates
  • the use of environmental technologies in the hotel industry. Data was collected via a series of in-depth, semistructured interviews with hotel professionals. The research findings reveal that the environmental technologies most commonly used in the sampled were light-emitting diode lights, T5 fluorescent tubes, motion sensors, the key-card system, and water-cooled chillers
  • However, the escalating number of environmental laws and increasing pressures from the market have raised their environmental awareness. Many hotels and other hospitality businesses now implement environmental programs to save energy and water, reduce waste, and improve their environmental performance in response to increasing pressure from "green" customers, local government, business partners, and the shareholders of their holding companie
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  • . Many hotels do not intend to take a lead in implementing new environmental technologies as hotel managers are not often well educated in these technologies, causing the hotel industry to lag behind in their us
  • Energy, water, and waste in the hotel industry
  • . Hoteliers can use technology in a number of ways, from taking guest reservations to saving energy and water in hotel guest rooms. Energy and water saving require environmental technologies. Examples of environmental technologies related to the hotel sector are a key-card system for energy saving, a centralized air conditioning system that can reset a guest-room's temperature to the hotel's established temperature when integrated with a building management system to save energy, and light-emitting diode (LED) lights and heat pumps. In addition, many advanced environmental technologies have entered the market such as solar heat pumps, solar control film, solar batteries, light pipes, energy efficient lighting, light sensors and dimmers (Chan, [17]), different types of food decomposers, and water-saving devices.
  •  
    This is an excellent, comprehensive article and research study that fully looks at environmental technology through interviews with hotel professionals. It has many specific examples of hotel environmental technologies. It also specifically looks at energy, water and waste in the hotel industry.
biancafavilli

ECommerce in Hospitality and Tourism Industry - 1 views

  • New technologies are providing different channels for marketing and management that improve the capabilities of society. And computers are providing faster and more reliable processing with lower cost continually.
  • In Hospitality and Tourism industry, hardware, software, information management, and telecommunications systems have allowed for the processing and information flow amongst organizations. The way in which tourism organizations take advantage of IT tools may determine their future success in the marketplace [4]. We consider the importance of the trend of Information Technology by implementing an effective IT system for advertising, distribution, encouragement and co-ordination of the industry. It is important that Hotel Industry take the lead of the emerging technologies to improve management abilities and develop business plans focusing on the most efficient income of delivering value added products to clients.
  • B2C transactions involve business-to-customer interactions.
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  • B2B transactions involve business-to-business.
  • B2E transactions involve a business and its employees.
  • C2C transactions involve two or more consumers (customer-to-customer).
  • The industry can make profits to many countries and pull foreign currencies into the country.
  • The travel distribution system is currently facing many changes as online agencies such as Priceline, Travelocity, Expedia, etc. have introduced a way to access travel suppliers directly via the worldwide web. In general, Global Distribution Systems have not shown much of an effort toward targeting on-line customers. As an alternative, Customer Relation Systems have remained trustworthy to their travel agency distributors.
  • The Internet is not the full solution to success in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. However, the Internet is the “overall business answer” across industries
  • The success of the Hospitality and Tourism industry will depend upon the abilities to identify and answer quickly to current and potential customer needs
  • Starwood Hotel Group was standing ahead of other Hotels to offer a online “virtual tours” of its properties. This feature provides a site visit to potential guests without having to travel to each property. And now, many well-known hotels are also providing this promotion feature for stand top of the roles to attract potential customers.
  • Google presented the vision of Internet marketing is likely to grow by 2015. Some of them are worth to be informed and aware about.
  • 50% of ad campaigns will include video ads bought on a cost-per-view basis 50% of ads will be bought using this real-time bidding technology to tailor experiences for different viewers Smartphones / mobile phone will be the number one screen for digital brands to engage users There will be at least 5 metrics that advertisers will regard as more important than the “click” 75% of web ads will be “social” in nature such as facebook. Therefore, Ads will be shared, discussed, subscribed to and recommended Multimedia formats enable great creativity and interaction – these will grow from 6% of display ad impressions to 50%, especially for brand building campaigns Digital display advertising is going to grow to a $50 billion industry This forecast shows that competition to attract potential customers via worldwide web will be more and more drastic.
  • World Tourism Organization (WTO) estimates that over 1.5 billion tourists would take international journeys in the year 2020.
  • Another e-Commerce model such as Auction style-pricing models are becoming customer preference, where the customer are able to control the price of the products and services to be consumed.
  • Airlines have a stronger straight link to customers as they compete directly against travel agents [23]. Furthermore, they could have stronger control over the customers due in part to the e-ticketing. In this respect, online technology has replaced the travel agency by adding value via fare shoppers, promotions, and personalized recommendations
  • Customers are almost guaranteed that they will obtain the best price by negotiating via an online agent such as Priceline. But a shortcoming to all of this is that the customer will not understand all of the normal benefits of air tickets as they are sacrificed via online auction purchases. For example, in many cases the travel ticket does not permit any changes or accrual of or without significant penalty charges.
  • Online companies have more of a chance at success in Hong Kong due to the dense population, strong education systems, high credit card and cell phone usage. This leaves room for the future development of the next Priceline or Travelocity in Asia which could pose a major threat to hospitality & tourism organizations. Based on the high volume cell phone usage in Hong Kong, Mobile commerce should be a new trend on next stage. [29]
  • As low cost computer real-time data, fast speed internet access, voice and video communications become a reality, travel agencies may no longer be needed. On the other hand, the Internet challenge can also mean chance. Hotel owners and operators who understand and master e-commerce or m-commerce challenges will be able to jump ahead of online threats from large players such as Priceline. Otherwise, many will find themselves out of business.
  • Information Technology tools have allowed travel intermediaries to expand their role in the industry by presenting opportunities to venture into other markets on a geographical level.
  • Not only should hoteliers focus on the business traveler, but they should also consider whether there are other types of potential target customers as we may find that both young and older generations were sitting in the Internet shops utilizing online services during their vacation as well.
  • Organizations have to invest in the expertise and equipment (Hardware, Software) for building a strong IT base at first.
  • Internet security has been a major issue surrounding the Internet community.
  • Governments are currently addressing Internet based global commerce by considering rules of conduct, guiding principles, laws and taxation. [*30]
  • Today, hotels are distributing their product via more and more channels. How they keep control of availability and price, maintain a consistent level of customer service, in addition to keep their distribution partners up to date at the same time has becomes a complicated and expensive process.
  • The core transactions of our business involve intimate face-to-face interactions, which have certain limitations in regard to the use of e-commerce in the hospitality industry compared with other enterprises
  • It is important to take a look at how Internet technology will affect the future of the tourism industry. Most IT tools are being utilized
  • The hospitality & tourism internet future suggests a universal system where property management systems will eliminate the need for expensive on-site computer hardware/software.
  • Future success for hospitality & tourism companies depends upon their abilities to identify a target market and the strategic opportunities available for survival and growth.
  • It is crucial for hospitality & tourism organizations to stay on top of the roles of the major online players that are posing a serious threat to the industry such as Travelocity, Priceline, Expedia, Yahoo, etc. Their role in the future of hospitality & tourism marketing is crucial to the survival of Hoteliers.
  •  
    This article highlights the different aspects that e-commerce brings to society. It highlights the many ways that e-commerce has affected the Hospitality Industry and the things that can be done about it, and it also highlights the economical and political impact that e-commerce might have on the future of our society (especially the hospitality industry).
Lymaris Collazo

Impersonally personal: Guest connection through technology | Hotel Management - 0 views

  • After an estimated $28 billion dollar sector bleed through COVID-19, hoteliers and hospitality professionals are facing record challenges. The first is the challenge of adaptation. Increased health and safety demands have created new barriers to normal operation. Most barriers require more staff or more capital, and with the concurrent decreased revenues and restrictions on personnel, owners are left at an impasse.
  • Next comes the challenge of maintaining client connections. Public concern has skyrocketed, motivation to safeguard finances is at an all time high, and maintaining physical distance compromises customer care to no end. After decades of perfecting the art of personalized guest interactions, the path forward is daunting and unclear.
  • Smart tech makes it possible to execute new health and safety protocol without needing more staff or impossible capital.
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  • Smarter Cleaning Solutions One of the more intuitive applications, technology offers huge potential to solve the greater need for thorough cleaning and dependable sanitation without obliterating profit margins or compromising the safety of the janitorial team. From product design to virtual checklists, many tech vendors have stepped up to offer their services in this arena.
  • Pure employs a seven-step process to equip any space with purified, allergy-free air and ensure complete elimination of invisible toxins.
  • LightStrike’s Germ-Zapping Robots are another great example of tech-improved safety. Used first by the Westin Houston Medical Center Hotel, the robots can be used to sanitize guestrooms and common areas, reducing the threat of the virus.
  • Smart tech solutions can be integrated into personalized guest technology, whether at the time of check in or during their stay, allowing guests to learn as much or as little about the precautions their host is taking. With the option to request more attention in certain areas, cleaning can, for the first time, be a customizable experience.
  • Most bookings are made online and the check-in process is moving in the same direction, with many hotels investing in facial-recognition technology.
  • Some platforms can integrate with any access-control system, allowing it to be part of a more personalized guest experience.
  • Concierge apps are becoming standard, and most hotels are extending in-app offerings to include unlocking the doors, contacting room service, and ordering from the hotel restaurant. The Solay Mobile App is allowing guests to book pool chairs or beachside reservations ahead of time and from a distance. The same philosophy can be applied to gym use, pool time, and restaurant management.
  • Social Media and Social Good Social media is the best avenue to keep potential guests informed and motivated.
  • many hotel owners have stepped up to be of service where they’re needed, and they’ve used various forms of social media to spread the word about their offerings. 
  • Industry leaders are capitalizing on smart solutions, using new technology to rise to new demands and foster deeper client connections. Far from impersonal, tech offers new ways to offer a tailored guest experience. As a permanent part of the new industry normal, smart tech should be embraced and pursued as another opportunity to excel in guest accommodations. 
  •  
    The article is about how technology solutions can be a great investment and reduce capital to face the challenge of "new normal" adapatation and safety demands. Using technology such as as self-check-in, digital key, robots for sanitation of public areas, and social media to promote could result in less payroll costs and maximize revenue.
nbakir

Reopened restaurants reveal dining's 'new normal': Masked waiters, e-menus and booth di... - 0 views

  •  
    Heil and Carman (2020) begin by highlighting the current changes in the restaurant business, where social distancing, protective gear, and reduced capacity are the norm as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The resulting effect is the limited interaction with customers, eliminating the warm, welcoming customer service nature of waiters and waitresses. The focus of the paper, in this case, is on Georgia, Alaska, and Tennessee, which allowed the reopening of restaurants and other eateries. Some of the provisions instituted include limiting the restaurant capacity to 25%, such as in the case of Alaska. Resultantly, with expected low revenues, only approximately 5% of restaurants in Alaska have opened. However, in Georgia and Tennessee, restaurant owners provide that they may not be able to implement safety guidelines among their employees, given the surprising nature of the reopening provisions. However, some businesses are prepared, instituting internal measures to couple the governmental regulations (Heil and Carman, 2020). However, those reopening are faced with logistic challenges, as issues such as storage space for extra furniture are required. Other costs, such as air scrubbers, which are expensive, may also be required in addition to the mandatory sanitizers, increasing the costs of operations. With regard to technological focuses by the restaurants, some have developed disposable menus, while others have generated QR codes for customers to get access to digital menus. On the other hand, restaurants have had to pay above minimum wages, as they seek to attract employees back to work despite the coronavirus pandemic. The creation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is highlighted as the underlying survival of businesses during the pandemic period. However, while the pandemic appears as having resulted in a need for high adaptability, Heil and Carman (2020) provide that "opening at limited capacity means (ability to operate) at full force once normalcy
anonymous

Digital Disruption Is Shaking Up the Travel Industry: Here's How to Stay Ahead | Master... - 0 views

  • Digital disruption has streamlined her entire journey — and this frictionless, convenient experience will likely encourage her to make a return stay.
  • According to the International Air Transport Association, today's travelers expect digital technology to provide them with more personal control over their travel experiences
  • By leveraging data-driven insights and analytics to gain a better understanding of past guest behavior, and employing new digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, beacons, chatbots and the Internet of Things (IoT), you can deliver on travelers' expectations for guest-centricity and personalization
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  • Disruption comes in many sizes. It can make a huge splash, like self-driving cars, or it can make ripples in the form of chatbot service agents and robotic room service delivery. But all new ideas should have the common goal of making travelers' lives easier and their experiences more enjoyable in order to ultimately drive loyalty and spend
  •  
    The article breakdowns how digital disruptions has ignited innovation especially in the travel space. Data is showing how travelers expect digital technology to help with enhancing their travel experiences. Using digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) you can deliver on these travelers expectations in technology.
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