Skip to main content

Home/ Hospitality Technology/ Group items tagged advice

Rss Feed Group items tagged

Filter: All | Bookmarks | Topics Simple Middle
Frances Mesa

Electronic 'Smarts' at Hotels Attract Guests - NYTimes.com - 0 views

www.nytimes.com/...-at-hotels-attract-guests.html

hotels nytimes smart trends Green mobile Travel

shared by Frances Mesa on 01 Jun 13 - No Cached
  • Hotels around the world are using technology in new ways, with the goal of speeding up or personalizing more services for guests.
  • He said he had found that hotels were using technology as a substitute for human hospitality.
  • Instead of the staff at the front desk offering advice on where to go for dinner, guests may be lent an iPad loaded with maps and suggestions for local restaurants and sightseeing.
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • “Hotels are transforming service into a digital concept,” Mr. Davies said.
  • Ms. Kahn said personalization continued to be another big theme in hospitality
  • Ms. O’Reilly said she also used Foursquare to share where she was by “checking in” at that location. She was recently surprised to discover as she was checking in at a Starwood hotel that she qualified for a Foursquare promotion and received 250 points for her Starwood loyalty program account.
  • Some technology offerings extend beyond the hotel’s walls. The Park Hyatt Tokyo rents guests a pocket-size mobile Wi-Fi connector to use with an iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry or laptop to make international calls and get Internet access wherever they go during their stay.
  • Despite all the new bells and whistles, sometimes the most basic of the modern services is what counts the most. Guests’ No. 1 choice of a hotel amenity is free Wi-Fi, according to a 2012 Hotels.com survey.
  • Frances Mesa on 01 Jun 13
     
    This article focuses on the "smart" trends in hotels that are replacing the human service. In this article David-Michael Davies does make a good point about "technology as a substitute for human hospitality" Now days hotels are focusing on having the latest technology that it could be seen as if they are forgetting the human service in the hotels. Though, I do agree with Barbara Kahn, that "most guest, especially younger ones who are used to having information at their fingertips…l" However, hotels are still focusing in personalization and making their guest feel like they care about them and not just their money. In my opinion, it is wonderful that hotels are focusing on being up to date with all the technology that is being offered to hotels because it does simplify the whole experience of staying in a hotel and at the same time it saves money for the hotel. Like they mentioned in the article, hotels are saving money by using technology to manage their inventory instead of having employees physically counting them. Specially, when the technology being adopted in the hotels can help safe money for guest. Just like The Park Hyatt Tokyo helps their guest with saving money with international calls. Furthermore, hotels are adding more advantages to being connected with them through social media. by offering promotions, discounts and even free drinks if you tag, check-in or write about them. This type of telecommunication is growing every day, but hotels should remember that the most basic modern service is important for the guest. Free Wi-Fi is a most for almost everybody now days.
Yujia Xie

Priceline Partner Network To Provide Hotel, Flight And Car Rental Deals For Grandparent... - 1 views

www.marketwatch.com/...for-grandparentscom-2013-01-22

network hotel flight car partner

shared by Yujia Xie on 23 Jan 13 - No Cached
  • The ability to book published-price hotel rooms through 245,000 hotels around the world
  • The ability to book published-price hotel rooms through 245,000 hotels around the world. Grandparents.com Travel customers also will have access to Priceline's extensive database of hotel freebies, including instant discounts, free breakfast, free Internet access, and more.
  • "As The Ultimate Resource for Grandparents, we strive to deliver top quality products and services to our audience and we continue to build our offerings with superior savings on the best deals on the Internet - most recently through our partnership with Priceline Partner Network. We are pleased to grant our very first Grandparents.com Recommended� Award for best in class providers of travel services to Priceline.com," said Jeffrey Mahl, President.
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • Grandparents.com website visitors will have the best travel services we have to offer," said Randy Schartner, President of the Priceline Partner Network. "We believe that Priceline's broad array of travel services, which are also focused on delivering savings, will fit well with Grandparents.com's mission to provide savings to its members. We appreciate Grandparents.com's trust and confidence in Priceline to serve its members and website users and are honored to receive the first Grandparents.com Recommended� Award."
  • Working behind the scenes, PPN powers travel websites for a spectrum of affinity groups, airlines and hotel management firms and chains. PPN believes that it offers the most customizable private-label travel affiliate program on the market today. PPN's private-label services include hotels, flights, rental cars, flight & hotel packages, and priceline.com's famous Name Your Own Price� travel services for hotels, airline tickets and rental cars.
  • Grandparents.com seeks to strengthen the ties between family members, promote health and wellbeing, and give timely information and expert advice on what really matters to grandparents, from family, relationships, health and money, to entertainment, travel and retirement. More than anything, Grandparents.com celebrates what it means to be a grandparent today. The company's mission is to give today's grandparents--who like no other grandparents in history are engaged, vibrant and ageless, ideas and opportunities to connect to what's important to them.
  • Yujia Xie on 23 Jan 13
     
    As this article mentioned, Priceline Partner Network cooperated with Grandparents.com,Inc. to reach a business which can provide the latest information on this website. Travel customers can access to book hotels, rental car, airline tickets, air & hotel vacation packages. They try their best to provide best service and products. It also present the specific introduction about Priceline Partner Network, Priceline Group, Grandparents.com, Inc. in my opinion, this agreement can bring the visitors a new trip to search the hotels and other information. It can show various information which can be selected for customers and provide superior saving compared with other deals.
anonymous

The Pestana Group Selects MICROS OPERA for Its Brazilian Properties :: Hotel News Resource - 0 views

www.hotelnewsresource.com/_Its_Brazilian_Properties.html

shared by anonymous on 26 Oct 12 - No Cached
  • The Pestana Group has embraced innovation to enhance its competitive position and the Group’s quality standards.
  • Most importantly, MICROS offers flexibility and scalability with its MICROS OPERA and MICROS POS solutions, designed to address Pestana’s evolving needs as it continues its growth trajectory. 
  • Three major goals of the OPERA audit was to ensure Pestana’s CRO is benefiting from the full utilization of OPERA functionality and how the current structure could support a shift into global CRO operations, to receive independent strategic advice on further interface developments to support growth plans, and finally to qualify if the CRO team’s skill set is appropriate to make the most of the OPERA Suite of products. 
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • MICROS offers unparalleled next generation hotel management technology in the private cloud that fully meets our requirements and large-scale deployments.
  • Additionally, the OPERA audit services were critical in identifying areas of improvement to optimize both our operational efficiency and our return on investment in OPERA.
  • MICROS prides itself on its distinct ability to offer enterprise solutions that technically foster and enable our customers growth objectives.
  • anonymous on 26 Oct 12
     
    The Pestana Group (owns and operates 90 properties) has invested in MICROS Systems, Inc. (MICROS OPERA Enterprise Solution and MICROS POS). The Pestana Group invests in innovative technology as a competitive advantage and believes that the MICROS technology will grow with the firm. The Pestana Group has also invested in the MICROS Consulting Solutions to conduct audits on system. I think that the Pestana Groups success is partly attributed to their willingness to adapt and take risks.
rpere092

Agilysys Sponsors Research on Next-Generation POS Systems - 0 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4078268.html

shared by rpere092 on 19 Sep 16 - No Cached
    • rpere092
      rpere092 on 19 Sep 16
       
      This article explains how Agilysys, a global provider of next-generation hospitality software, sponsored a research that studies the needs of food and beverage operators. The next-generation POS can benefit the hospitality industry in a multitude of ways.
  • Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services,
  • the document reveals how food and beverage service operators are looking to next-generation point-of-sale technology to improve efficiency, enhance guest satisfaction and increase revenue.
  • ...4 more annotations...
  • Many solutions also incorporate inventory control functionality, pay-at-table processing, employee management tools, reporting capabilities and seat reservations management.
  • "Although every food and beverage services organization has its own unique needs and preferences, any restaurant that wants to remain competitive must implement point-of-sale technology that does more than merely accept payments,"
  • "Next-generation POS systems play an integral role in streamlining operations and enhancing the quality of the guest experience, both of which lead to revenue growth. This study clearly reveals a vast array of compelling reasons for restaurants to upgrade their point-of-sale technology as well as advice for maximizing the value of their POS investment after implementation."
  • This research emphasizes the importance of the point-of-sale system in streamlining operations and increasing revenue while also providing a roadmap for restaurant operators as they consider implementing next-generation POS technology."
brittsengl

Saying no to digital: Why haven't all restaurateurs embraced new POS systems? | Fast Ca... - 1 views

www.fastcasual.com/...rs-embraced-mobile-pos-systems

shared by brittsengl on 15 Sep 16 - No Cached
  • While technology has become a vital component of operations management at many restaurants, a new research study found that 63 percentof operators still don’t have a digital POS system in place, said Justin Guinn, Restaurant Market Researcher at Software Advice, which conducted the study by speaking with thousands of operators. He found that many operators are still using a combination of hand-written tickets and receipts, traditional cash registers and a credit card terminal.
  • brittsengl on 15 Sep 16
     
    This article breaks down why POS systems in multiple restaurants still are not relevant due to the price of them and how some restaurants prefer the old fashioned way instead. It also explains the major benefits of POS systems in restaurants and how it can make tipping harder.
tabathalesmarie

How Much Should a Restaurant POS System Cost? - 0 views

POS are the main tools and systems restaurant uses to take payments. However, POS systems are very pricey. Question is can all restaurants afford it? The article gives advice on what to really look...

started by tabathalesmarie on 03 Feb 17 no follow-up yet
Gian Altamirano

Event Planning Software - Find Event Planning Software Vendors, Tips & Advice, Buying G... - 0 views

www.business.com/...event-planning-software

shared by Gian Altamirano on 16 Apr 12 - No Cached
  • Event planning solutions are available from reliable providers nationwide who can furnish you with software and other solutions for planning your event.
  • There are dozens of event-planning software choices on the market. A comparison of features will help you pick the product right for your company.
  •  Corbin Ball Associates
  • ...4 more annotations...
  •  VIP Organizer
  • ServiceCEO
  • Wingate Web wins praise from mid-size companies.
  •  EnnectEvent, an award-winning Web-based program, lets you manage registration and contacts, customize event items with your logo, even create a URL for the event. Corbin Ball Associates provides links to other Web-based event-planning tools.
  • Gian Altamirano on 16 Apr 12
     
    Overall this article speaks on the upcoming services and software offered to meeting and events planners. The article outlines some new programs such as VIP organizer, EnnectEvent, and others as well and even talks about the purpose for each one. The point of the article is to inform readers on the new services that are being used in order to simplify the event planners and the consumers experiences.
Hanlu Hu

Hospitality industry can benefit from upgraded telecom tech | Subsidium Technologies - 0 views

www.subsidiumtech.com/...fit-from-upgraded-telecom-tech

hospitality telecom tech

shared by Hanlu Hu on 26 May 12 - No Cached
  • Businesses in the travel industry are often required to connect, collaborate and communicate with other entities all over the globe. Companies within that sector that specialize in hospitality services need to have particularly efficient telecommunication processes if they want to vie for an elite position among their competitors. Outdated telephony and collaborative platforms can be unreliable, and for businesses that provide a service that depends on optimum customer satisfaction, poor accessibility can make the company appear to be unprofessional.
  • Maestro PMS is a cloud-based hosted storage and backup system that businesses can integrate to replace their old physical, in-house servers
  • Businesses that are looking to improve their own telecommunication systems should first contact a professional technology consulting agency before beginning their implementation planning process. With their evaluation and unbiased advice, decision makers can rest assured that they are investing in the best possible solution for their company.
  • Hyeyoung Jang on 26 May 12
     
    In this article talk about hospitality industry has to upgrade to make more benefit for making more profit than now. There is more telecommunication technical solution that is able to hospitality telecommunication problem entities. Notrhwind, the inventor of the PMS software system in hospitality industry since 1987. Northwind offers PMS (Property Management System) in hotel software. Maestro PMS is a storage and backup system based on the cloud computing system and replace from their old data to in hotel server. Tim Belcher assitant general manger of Legacy Hotel and Conferences, one of the telecommunication companies, said that the problem of the telecommunication system could replace duties of their IT staff since maintain and resolve problems with storage provider. Business that are looking to improve their own telecommunication system, the company should contact a professional technology consulting agency before set up the implementation planning process.
  • Xue Yan on 07 Sep 12
     
    More and more companies in hospitality industry are focusing on telecommunication, for telecommunication system could help them better manage the company and enhance customer service. Before choosing the right system, companies have to consult a professional company and conduct lots of development and research work. Then they can find a right one for the company. A right telecommunication solution, like PMS in the article, could help reduce cost and time, as well as providing great customer service.
  • Hanlu Hu on 26 Jan 13
     
    This article is indicating that hospitality industry can benefit from upgraded telecommunication technology and hospitality serviced need to have particularly efficient telecommunication process if they want achieve success among their competitors.  A new system is introduced in this article: Maestro PMS. It is a cloud-based hosted storage and backup system that business can integrate their old physical, in-house servers. And the system backups and upgrades in secure network operation hosting facility, which could let operators focus their attention on guest service and revenue generating activities. This article also suggest that if company looking to improve their own telecom systems, it is better to contact a professional technology consulting agency before beginning implementation planning process.
Hanlu Hu

E-Commerce for the Hospitality Industry | The Moscow Times - 6 views

www.themoscowtimes.com/...449373.html

technology

shared by Hanlu Hu on 30 May 12 - No Cached
  • E-commerce has been defined as "the buying and selling of products and services by businesses and consumers over the Internet."
  • Accelerating Internet usage worldwide The Internet is the lowest cost hotel-booking channel Most travelers research hotel reservations on the Internet Social media and online hotel reviews are an increasingly important decision factor The web is the preferred media source for travel information, favored 17:1 over television and 6:1 over newspapers and magazines.
  • Adding real time search functionality to your site, capability to generate user reviews, launching contests helps to build fresh content and quality links
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • Heavy graphics, animation and flash demos cause your site to perform slowly. Sites that are built keeping these guidelines in mind will deliver better user experiences, will perform better on search engines, and ultimately drive higher ROI.
  • As things stand now, mobile queries represent about 10% of all queries made on Google. People are using mobile devices to conduct searches, as well as share content, connect with friends and browse the web
  • Embracing social media. 93 percent of social media users expect companies to have a social presence. 85 percent of social media users want companies to interact with them on social sites. A well-planned social initiative can turn fans into brand evangelists.
  • The Internet has consolidated itself as a very powerful platform that has changed the way we communicate, and the way we do business.
  • The growing importance of e-commerce in the modern hospitality industry has created an urgent need for simple solutions to manage companies' online presence. Now that each hotel is involved in e-commerce, why is hotel e-commerce so important today?
  • We forget that the human brain can only consume limited information. It is important to take a holistic approach and prioritize information. Good web site architecture and organized content improves site usability and its efficiency when used with search engines.
    • yan xie
      yan xie on 03 Jun 12
       
      It is true that we always forge how many information the human brain will take at once. Although the e-commerce is the good way for customers to know the new products and new service from the hotels, sometimes the hotels provide so much information to customers. It lets customers confused and does not know what the specifice products can meet their requirements. And sometimes, they feel some hard to understand your service so that they give up hotels service or new products to choose the one they are familiar. So how to make e-commerce usability and efficiency is a new point, which the hospitality industry company need to consider.
  • make sure your ad groups are made up of tightly knit keyword themes and that those keywords are reflected in your ad copy; ensure that your landing pages clearly reflect the offer promoted in the ad copy and includes clear calls to action and conversion factors.
    • yan xie
      yan xie on 03 Jun 12
       
      As the point two mentioned, the customers cannot get so many information at once, and they also cannot search lots of information at once. So the keyword themes is also another important thing for company to do the promotion and ads. This ads need to have the keywords to clearly reflect the offer promoted for customers. In this way, the customers will catch the information as possible as they can.
  • Top e-commerce sites are continually testing new things. It's the only way to achieve continual improvement.
    • yan xie
      yan xie on 03 Jun 12
       
      To do the continually testing new things is always a best development way for the developing company. If the company cannot test the new things in their e-commerce sites and e-commerce process, the e-commerce of this company will be far away from other companies. Company need to have the innovation to make some new things for their e-commerce and do the test all the time to select the best way for the business and customers' expericence.
  • hospitality industry has always been among the first to capitalize on new technologies
  • Gerardo Collado on 30 May 12
     
    The hospitality industry along with the resourcefulness of the Internet has allowed the Russian hospitality industry to benefit and grow with the technology of e-commerce. E-commerce is defined as "the buying and selling of products and service by businesses and consumers over the Internet". This technology is significant due to its beneficial factors of lowering costs, accessibility, decision-making, and media exposure. As well, the article provides for methods and advice regards effective strategies to utilize the Internet. Primarily, the speed of the website's functionality is essential, along with providing compatibility of browsers, thus, allowing for a better experience for users. The information in the website should be efficient, allowing for real time search whether using a mobile phone or a computer. It was informative to read the multiple functionality, that social media is playing in the hospitality industry regards the exposure and marketability. E-commerce has change the market of goods and services, from a tangible experience to digital experience, through the use of online shopping estimated at $228 Billion in 2010, a third derived from the purchase of travel and flight websites, thus, demonstrating the importance of the Internet in relation to consumerism.
  • ...7 more comments...
  • Avril Emmanuel on 01 Jun 12
     
    This article talks about why hotel E-commerce is essential today and how to go about having E-commerce work for your business/hotel. The article says, "The internet has consolidated itself as a very powerful platform that has changed he way we communicate, and the way we do business." This is the reason why businesses need to utilize the internet. According to the article these are the reasons that hotel e-commerce is important today: the internet is being used worldwide, the internet is the lowest cost hotel-booking medium, the internet is used, by travelers, to research hotels and their reservations, the internet is the home of social media and hotel reviews and the internet is preferred 17:1 over television and 6:1 over newspapers and magazines for travel information. It would be at a hotel's detriment if they do not utilize the internet and e-commerce. It isn't enough to use e-commerce for business but there must be an upkeep. It is extremely beneficial to research or monitor how customers and potential consumers are seeking information and what attracts them to a site. According to the article, e-commerce strategies that would 'help get the best from the internet world' are: 1. Search-friendly website design 2. Improving Conversion and Usability 3. Paid Search 4. Real time Search 5. Mobile Device Market 6. Social Media 7. Testing
  • yan xie on 03 Jun 12
     
    This article mentioned why the ecommerce important for the hospitality industry. And also there are more things they hospitality industry companies need to know. Although the e-commerce is the good way for customers to know the new products and new service from the hotels, sometimes the hotels provide so much information to customers. It lets customers confused and does not know what the specific products can meet their requirements. And sometimes, they feel some hard to understand your service so that they give up hotels service or new products to choose the one they are familiar. So how to make e-commerce usability and efficiency is a new point, which the hospitality industry company need to consider. As the point two mentioned, the customers cannot get so many information at once, and they cannot search lots of information at once. So the keyword themes is also another important thing for company to do the promotion and ads. This ads need to have the keywords to clearly reflect the offer promoted for customers. In this way, the customers will catch the information as possible as they can. It is true that we always forge how many information the human brain will take at once. To do the continually testing new things is always a best development way for the developing company. If the company cannot test the new things in their e-commerce sites and e-commerce process, the e-commerce of this company will be far away from other companies. Company need to have the innovation to make some new things for their e-commerce and do the test all the time to select the best way for the business and customers' experience.
  • xiyu wang on 16 Sep 12
     
    This article discusses about the application of e-commerce in hospitality industry. Internet has become a very powerful tool for customers when they are planing their travels. As the same time, it has become an important media for hotelierss to improve their businesses. Internet can provider a lot of online sources to customers when they make any dicisions. And how to make your web site become more competitive and attract more customers is the topic of this article. First of all, a good design for the web site is the most important thing for hotelierss. And the download speed is the basic factor. Quick download speed brings a good experience to users, and improves the ranking in organic search. Secondly, improving usability needs to be focused on by hotelierss. Large imformation may not be took in by users. You need to make your customers seethe most important information first. In other word, you need to prioritize your web site and make the imformation more understood. Paid search and real time search are also focused on by the author. Sometimes, paid search can make your hotel more compelling on the search engine. And some tips have been given in this articel to help the hotelierss to maximize conversions. Real time search is similar with paid search, and it needs compelling fresh content and quality incoming links on the web site. Maps, photo galleries, videos and press releases are creative ways to distrivute content on different channels. With more mobiles customers using, mobile represent about 10% of all queries make on Google. Hotels can exand the mobile market and improve the download speed of their site by avoid heavy graphics and flash, making their site is mobile compatible. Social media is in the same condition with mobile. Customers need more connections on social sites, so they want companies to interact with them through the social media. The last point is testing. Every new thing needs a lot of tests. It can provides changes and improvement for
  • Gaby Belardo on 16 Sep 12
     
    The article discusses power of internet and how different it is from magazine and television ads. "In terms of time your travel websites are available for are accessible for a longer period of time, the flexibility that the content can be changed without asking someone,if you have a content management system." Also travel websites will help your business potentially reach a wider audience. Another big advantage of having a travel website is it's availability even when your business is closed or no one is available to answer your phone. Everyone knows that there are so many time zones, and the visitors can come from any part of the world. So having a travel websites gives your travel business visibility for all 365 days of year 24x7.
  • Xiameng Zheng on 30 Jan 13
     
    In hospitality industry, customers are constantly seeking new sources of information to help them make decisions before purchasing services. E-commerce in hospitality industry is about the online buying and selling services. And it's become such an important source for the company and customer. Hospitality businesses are all involved in the trend. Smart hoteliers need to keep a sharp focus on the fundamental shift in ways customers are seeking information and channels that drive maximum return on investment. This article listed several basic e-commerce strategies that will help hoteliers to get the best from the Internet world.
  • Marcos Oliveira on 31 Jan 13
     
    As new technological advances are being made, the hospitality industry has always been among the first to capitalize on new technologies. The term e-commerce has been defined as the buying and selling of products and services by businesses and consumers over the internet. Now that hotels are involved directly with e-commerce it becomes even more important today because of the accelerating internet usage worldwide,the internet is still the lowest cost channel for booking, many travelers make their travel decisions via the internet. Embracing social media, 93% of social media users expect companies to have a social presence and 85% of social media users want comoanies to interact with them on social sites. A well-planned social iniative can turn fans into brand evangelists. This article dealt mainly with a brief introduction of what e-commerce is in terms of its defining and what it means to the hospitality industry. With more and more people utilizing the internet each day, the potential to have a person book a hotel room greatly increases. Several search engines have advertisements relating to many hotel companies offering specials and customers will see these ads and book. With more technological advances bound to come into play, its only a matter of time before the practice of e-commerce is taken to another level.
  • Ling Xiang on 31 Jan 13
     
    Over the last decade the population of Internet users has increased rapidly. The hospitality industry has always been among the first to capitalize on new technologies. E-commerce has been defined as "the buying and selling of products and services by businesses and consumers over the Internet." With hotel e-commerce, the landscape of the hospitality industry is forever changed. Online sales are an important part of the business. The growing importance of e-commerce in the modern hospitality industry has created an urgent need for simple solutions to manage companies' online presence. Now that each hotel is involved in e-commerce, reasons why is hotel e-commerce so important today may because the accelerating internet usage worldwide, the Internet is the lowest cost hotel-booking channel, and social media and online hotel reviews are an increasingly important decision factor.
  • Panpan Xie on 31 Jan 13
     
    E-commerce has become more and more important in our daily life, because many customers today prefer to use internet to help them make decisions. In hospitality industry, e-commerce also plays an important role, as internet is a very cheap and convenient booking channel and many people use the internet intensively. There are many e-commerce strategies for hoteliers, such as making friendly web site design, embracing social media, etc. As e-commerce has so many advantages, I think e-commerce is an opportunity for hoteliers to grasp. It is important for hoteliers to use different strategies to get the best from the internet world.
  • Hanlu Hu on 02 Feb 13
     
        This article introduced the function of ecommerce and the ecommerce effect for the hospitality industry. The author listed some important reasons about why hotel ecommerce is so important:1)Accelerating Internet usage worldwide.2)The Internet is the lowest cost hotel-booking channel. 3) Most travelers research hotel reservations on the Internet. 4)Social media and online hotel reviews are an increasingly important decision factor. 5) The web is the preferred media source for travel information, favored 17:1 over television and 6:1 over newspapers and magazines. This article also listed some basic e-commerce strategies that will help hoteliers to take advantage of ecommerce from the Internet world. 1) Search-friendly web site design.2) Improve conversion and usability 3) Paid search. 4) Real time search - natural ranking.5) Mobile.6) Embracing social media. 7) Test, test, test. Top e-commerce sites are continually testing new things.      In a summary, the author suggest smart hoteliers need to keep a sharp focus on the fundamental shift in ways customers are seeking information and channels that drive maximum return on investment. Moreover, hoteliers have to constantly learn and look for ways to harness the power of new developments and trends.
laura kaczkowski

Why the Future of Online Hotel Marketing is Cloud-Based Utility Computing - 1 views

www.tnooz.com/...-cloud-based-utility-computing

shared by laura kaczkowski on 07 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Technology advances incredibly fast, not least in an industry such as travel which has seen incredible levels of disruption across so many disciplines.
  • build a website, start a blog–but now we’re being told that a website is not enough!
  • Imagine no more: it’s called utility computing in-the-cloud and has been used by technology giants for years.
  • ...11 more annotations...
  • Utility computing is a broad concept that encapsulates cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS).
  • “This time, it’s computing that’s turning into a utility. In the years ahead, more and more of the information-processing tasks that we rely on, at home and at work, will be handled by big data centers located out on the Internet.”
  • The concept of paying a subscription for a utility has gone online as well. Instead of setting up web servers in our home or office, we purchase a web hosting subscription. While interest in personal tax and finance consultants decreases, use of in-the-cloud-solutions like TurboTax and Mint continues to explode.
  • The current and future dominance of utility computing is evident, but even so, SaaS can be an intimidating concept for some hoteliers
  • By purchasing a utility, you own all benefits that come with it. You use it, consume it and master it – it is yours. Renting, on the other hand, demands a return.
  • When I rent a movie from Blockbuster, I have a limited selection (whatever fits in the store) and when I’m done with the video, I have to return it and rent it again to watch it again.
  • Netflix, I have open access to hundreds of thousands of videos that took billions to produce, which I can stream as much as I wan
  • When technology advances, SaaS companies pass those latest advances on to their client
  • Like Netflix, which delivers video content that took billions to produce, utility computing delivers web design built with an information architecture that took millions to produce.
  • This means that when you embrace SaaS, you gain million-dollar technology that never grows outdated instead of buying a static website built on thousand-dollar technology that can’t help but grow outdated.
  • My advice is to put in the tough work and choose a solution that delivers amazing results now and adapts to technology changes later, so you don’t have to go shopping again.
  • laura kaczkowski on 07 Sep 12
     
    The article I read was called, 'Why the Future of Online Hotel Marketing is Cloud-Based Utility Computing.' In the article, it says that technology is moving super fast these days and companies are trying everything they can to keep up, for example building websites and starting blogs, but they feel that it's not enough. Up until now companies could not manage all of their marketing efforts from one place but now they can and it's called utility computing in-the-cloud. "Utility computing is a broad concept that encapsulates cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS)."Some hotel owners feel intimidated because a website does not seem as permanent as owning something. One example that I really liked that they gave in the article was, "When I rent a movie from Blockbuster, I have a limited selection (whatever fits in the store) and when I'm done with the video, I have to return it and rent it again to watch it again." Compared this to Netflix, where you have access to hundreds of thousands of videos and you can watch them as many times as you want and for any long as you want for no additional cost. When you embrace SaaS, you gain million dollar technology that never grows outdated, compare this to a website that is only built on thousand-dollar technology and can get outdated, and it sounds like a great investment!
Yingjie Cao

E-CRM trends 2012 - Smart Insights Digital Marketing Advice - 1 views

www.smartinsights.com/...crm-trends-2012

Customer Relationship Management

shared by Yingjie Cao on 15 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • If you like driving, BMW has an app which allows you to search for the best driving roads, using GPS to take you to them.
  • So increasingly brands are becoming curators and providing information to customers about things they want
  • “We want those conversations to be created
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • The only way to differentiate yourself in the marketplace is through service and experience. And there are a growing number of organisations that understand that. If you look at high performers they consistently invest time, energy and money in the customer experience
  • “Customer demands are now so strong, overwhelming and personal that it has led to two things. One is there is a newfound desire to better understand and predict customer behaviours. And two, the customer experience has become the focus because that’s what customers are demanding – they are demanding an ‘experience’ with you rather than just a transactional experience
  • Yingjie Cao on 15 Sep 12
     
    Most future trends for Customer Relationship Management are predicted to be online marketing and competition. However, companies realized they are losing touch with customers, which brings up attention on customer service. So more and more companies are trying to mix technology with customer service. For example, mobility is still coming on strong and a long way to go with Microsoft announcing strong mobile options in the last month. The customization of IT and the "Bring my own device" movement add new pressure to mobilize CRM. Social CRM is a long way to go here with increased investment in linking Social analysis into CRM via customer sentiment as well as networking and key decision matrices through connectors to LinkedIn becoming popular. However, all the apps or software designed for CRM solely emphasizes from management perspective, such as marketing, pricing and reading reviews, which lost reaction with consumers. Instead of only reading customer reviews, we should arrange more agents to respond to build two-way communication.
Carl Miller

Meeting the Expectations of Last-Minute Mobile Bookers. - Wednesday, 25th January 2012 ... - 0 views

4hoteliers.com/4hots_fshw.php

mobile software hotel

shared by Carl Miller on 29 Jan 12 - No Cached
  • “Travellers are increasingly demanding the ability to access and do anything, anywhere from any device. Their push of travel purchases towards the moment of necessity, coupled with their growing spontaneity, has created a new segment of mobile consumers
  • HotelTonight’s research shows that these last-minute mobile bookers, if not for Impulse Rates and the convenience of mobile apps, would have stayed with a friend or at home instead of a hotel.
  • Travellers no longer plan the details of their trip in advance, and instead rely on instant advice,
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • We obsess over user feedback via user emails and phone calls, app store reviews and social media.
  • Carl Miller on 29 Jan 12
     
    This article describes how a new company, HotelTonight, is attacking the market of spontaneous travelers. The company made an app for iPhone an Android users that sends "Impulse Rates" to users who have the app. Impulse Rates are heavily discounted rates on hotel rooms offered by hotels through HotelTonight for rooms that have been unsold that day. If users like the offer, they can book the room through the app in eight seconds with only three clicks.  There is also a little interview with HotelTonight CEO, Sam Shank in which he answers questions about how the company runs.  I think this is a great idea for company. It helps everyone involved - hotels increase revenue by selling rooms that otherwise would have been empty, consumers get great deals on rooms, and HotelTonight profits off of a nominal fee for processing the transactions. This is similar to the Ding! app from Southwest airlines but designed solely for mobile devices. 
  • Carl Miller on 29 Jan 12
     
    Here is a link to the company's website. I don't have the app but it looks like it would be pretty easy to use. http://www.hoteltonight.com/
  • Melissa Krajewski on 30 Jan 12
     
    A great idea. Truly a win-win for all. I'm glad that they are finding the impulse rates are not affecting the amount of regular booking guests. I would like to try this myself and live life to the fullest.
Christina Eveillard

Property Management Software Sure Is SaaSy - Software Advice Articles - 0 views

blog.softwareadvice.com/...software-sure-is-saasy-1041410

PMS

shared by Christina Eveillard on 03 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • The rise in number of vendors offering web-based, Software as a Service (SaaS) systems for property management is driving the adoption of new technology by property managers.
  • Moving tenant services online; Offering web site creation and integration; Eliminating the need for extensive software training and maintenance; Enhancing communication between owners and managers; and, Improving record keeping and security.
  • The Trend Will Continue The advantages offered by SaaS systems closely mirror the issues that property managers have to solve. Moving services online, integrating data, reducing technical issues, improving record keeping and enhancing communication are all advantages that will continue to motivate companies to adopt SaaS based property management software.
  • Fang Shu on 03 Feb 12
     
    This is a very comprehensive article that talks about the web-based, Software as a Service systems (SaaS). It is different from the traditional PMS and it has advantages over the traditional one. The author gave us five advantages of SaaS. All of the five advantages are so good that after read this article, I think there will be a trend that it will be the SaaS world in the future and this trend will continue.  However, the author didn't write any disadvantages. Usually for a company to make a decision before the company knows not only the pros and but also the cons.
  • Diane Cacho on 15 Feb 12
     
    The advantages offered by SaaS systems are very similar to that of which property managers have to solve. It controls property's operations such as processing reservations, check-ins and check-outs. Saas stands for Software as a Service which drives the attention of new technology for property management which includes moving tenant services online, offering web site creation and integration, eliminating the need for extensive software training and maintenance, enhancing communication between the owners and managers and it helps improve record keeping and security.
  • Christina Eveillard on 17 Feb 12
     
    With technology evolving the property management  software.  Most  vendors are now offering  web-based, Software as a Service  is being  adopted by most property managers are adopting it because  they the advantages of the SaaS model help them accomplished most of their goals.which are to move tenants services online,  offering website creation and integration, eliminate the need for software training and maintenance ,improve  record keeping and security as well as better record keeping.  Furthermore this service can be accessed on smartphone as well as tablets. And also one of the primary characteristics of SaaS property management vendors is that they've designed their systems specifically to be easy-to-use and to appeal to those who aren't especially tech savvy. This results in a faster learning curve for property managers who are not technically proficient. And also it offers  better record  keeping since it  back up the data.
Stephanie De Paz

New technologies stalk hotel key cards - 0 views

www.independent.co.uk/...k-hotel-key-cards-2124014.html

mobile software technology Hotel

shared by Stephanie De Paz on 05 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • Stephanie De Paz on 05 Aug 12
     
    In a time where most everything we do is pushing "paperless" ways, hotels seem to be following along. Rooms keys might soon be obsolete with new security technologies attempting to make your cell phone your key. This article explains how overseas these technologies are being tested but I am not convinced. Understanding it is very recent, I see many issues arising from this type of technology. A remote check-in from your cell may be convenient but that also eliminates the guest interaction, making it harder for the hotel to build customer relationships. Also, what if there are guests who do not own cell phones. Will the technology work on only smartphones? What carriers will allow such programs. Will it be in the form of an app? Too many questions without formal test conclusions. I can definitely see the ease and simplicity of this new technology but as of now I see many unanswered questions.
YU CHEN

PCI compliance: A best defense against hackers - 0 views

www.hotelnewsnow.com/...A-best-defense-against-hackers

technology hospitality PCI DSS Credit Card Security Hacker

shared by YU CHEN on 09 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS, is a set of comprehensive requirements for enhancing payment account data security
  • Every hotel that stores, transmits or processes credit card data must be compliant with PCI DSS, which comprises 12 specific requirements outlined in six specific goals.
  • Compliance becomes mandatory 1 July 2010, he said.
  • Caroline Hardenbergh on 09 Aug 12
     
    This is part 3 of a 7-part series about hotel IT security) This article discusses The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS which is "a set of comprehensive requirements for enhancing payment account data security... which fosters a consistent and uniform set of standards among the five major credit brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB). It lists the 12 requirements and six goals which are mandatory for hotels as of July 2010 which include building and maintaining a secure network; protecting cardholder data; having a vulnerability management program; implementing access control measures; and regularly monitoring and testing networks. As a consumer and as a hospitality professional, it is good to know that there has been a data security standard developed, and that it is required for hotels (and other merchants) to implement and develop compliance programs at every property. Also discussed are six goals for making data security decisions, such as "If you don't need it, don't store it." Upon reading these it is refreshing to see such common sense advice and no pretentiousness in the documentation guidelines. The article finishes stating that data security should not be bothersome or inconvenient, that data security is essential in light of hotel liability consequences should a guest's payment and identification data be compromised.
  • YU CHEN on 02 Nov 12
     
    This article talks about the PCI DSS which has been a mandatory standard since 2010. Every credit card processes by hotel has to conpliant with PCI DSS, or the hotel will be fined up to USD$500,000. The PCI DSS has six specific goads with 12 specific requirements. Those are: Build and maintain a secure network, protect cardholder data, maintain a vulnerability management program, implement strong access control measures, regularly monitor and test networks, and maintain an information security policy.
Yi Sun

ETC Hospitality - Cloud Accounting for the Hospitality Sector - 0 views

etchospitality.com/what.php

hospitality cloud accounting

shared by Yi Sun on 02 Mar 12 - No Cached
  • etc hospitality aims to revolutionise accounting processes by understanding the way financial information flows within a business - and how it interacts with people, the systems and processes along that journey.
  • We constantly adapt and update our processes to ensure the needs of your business are always met, meaning you can relax knowing your finances are in safe hands. We deliver 3 main streams of business in the accounting space: PROCESSING99.5% Accuracy: We are continually evolving our UK based delivery model to process the thousands of invoices and credit notes we deal with each week in the most efficient way possible. Our mantra is that data should only be entered once. This combined with a focus on cloud-based systems has meant lower cost delivery, increased accuracy (99.5%) and improved scalability over traditional accountancy providers. SYSTEMS100% Real Time: We have invested in the latest 'Software as a Service' technologies to deliver real time data, accessible anywhere. We provide independent advice to our customers on the latest technologies as a stand-alone service, as well as having partnerships with a number of the key players. Our processing arm means we employ many of these technologies ourselves from Salesforce.com through to cloud accounting packages. STRATEGIC100% Useful Data: Real time, highly accurate data means better business decisions. Our strategic accounting and consultancy services can help you interpret data and take decisions which have real impact on your business. Our customers are then able to use use up-to-date information for strategic decision making, helping them deal proactively with changes in the business environment and stay ahead of the competition.
  • Yi Sun on 02 Mar 12
     
    Cloud based accounting for the hospitality induatry can save more money and spaces. The financial data can be stored in a sfae place.It can reduce the deliver cost. Also it's more accurate. Some night auditor may don't have stay all night to figure the data and figures.
Bing Kwok

Tourism and Travel Distribution: the Travel Agent's Perspective - 1 views

www.insights.org.uk/articleitem.aspx

shared by Bing Kwok on 11 Sep 13 - No Cached
  • Bing Kwok on 11 Sep 13
     
    The Internet has changed the tourism industry and along came with a number of challenges and opportunities for all players. The role of the travel agent has been to act as an agent and retailer, selling travel services on behalf of principals for a commission. They also had a significant role as advisers for consumers and providers of different types of services, such as traveller's cheques, currencies conversion and travel insurance, as well as obtaining passports and visas. They also provide access both for the principal (access to the market) and the consumer (a convenient location to purchase travel services), as well as acting as a key source of advice in a customer-focused environment and on a person-to-person basis. WorldWideWeb has changed the industry structure and consumer behavior and technology has forms part of the strategy to enable travel agents to maintain a presence in the chain of distribution. If agents are to survive, technology will have to become an essential tool incorporated in the future business strategy determining their competitiveness. In this sense, technology is both a threat and an opportunity, as travel agencies need to readjust to the new realities. Re-intermediation via the Internet and IDTV (Interactive Digital Television) present potential opportunities for innovative players who utilise the emerging tools. This article analyses the key Internet trends in relation to the travel industry. It also considers strategies travel agents can employ to ensure their future survival.
tstur005

Top 10 Hospitality Industry Trends in 2015 | By Robert Rauch - 0 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4068231.html

hospitality industry technology

shared by tstur005 on 29 Aug 15 - No Cached
    • tstur005
      tstur005 on 29 Aug 15
       
      New technology to check-in!
  • Innovative technology, mobile check-in, and seamless connectivity across platforms and devices are no longer the future, they are the present. Today, mobile apps are being used as everything from a digital concierge to accessing big data. Geo-location can make it easy to sell guests something that is literally right in front of them. In a recent survey by Software Advice, guests desired local restaurant and hotel restaurant discounts when looking for deals as well as maps with coupons for other deals. At our hotels, we use 1App, which sends guests deals to do everything related to eating, playing and shopping. Additionally, monitoring guest use of the Internet relative to bandwidth can provide a different data set, perhaps one that will drive down your ever increasing costs of providing ridiculous levels of said bandwidth. Most importantly, when looking at the face of a changing consumer today, technology innovation is paramount. As most have heard, Starwood and Hilton will be having guests check in via mobile phone in 2015.
  • tstur005 on 29 Aug 15
     
    #5 in this article explains how technology in checking into your hotel will speed up the process
mandi6123

Why you need a travel agent - 0 views

: http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/01/20/why-you-need-a-travel-agent-part-1

Hospitality travel agent GDS Search engine

shared by mandi6123 on 29 Jan 15 - No Cached
  • mandi6123 on 29 Jan 15
     
    I thought this was fitting considering the discussion tropic this week. Until reading our discussion board article this week I truly had no idea so many people still use travel agents. With all the search engines such as expedia, kayak, Travelocity etc... Why would we need a travel agent? Well this article explains why. They are the experts and have access to things most people do not. They do something for the customer a search engine has been unable to replicate they can customize and give advice. I agree with this article that if you are taking a quick trip with no special add on expedia or kayak are the way to go. However; when you are looking for something special a travel agent can be an invaluable resource. One thing is they can tell you first hand their experiences with the same trip and they can get things such VIP tickets to the super bowl that you will not find on expedia. Travel agents are still relevant just not in the capacity they once were. Travel sites have made booking travel simple and fast; but when talking that special vacation where to water 5 star service a travel agent may be a good option to consider.
ccpanther88

How Can Hoteliers Take Advantage of the Disruptive Shift from Desktop to Mobile? | By M... - 0 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4068791.html

hotels revenue booking GDS OTA mobile connect

shared by ccpanther88 on 28 Jan 15 - No Cached
  • Last year over 38% of web visitors and nearly 40% of page views were generated from non-desktop devices
  • nearly 21% of bookings and 17% of room nights came from tablets and mobile devices.
  • Tablets generated 226% more revenue and 77% more room nights than "pure" mobile devices
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • nvesting in your property website to maximize revenue from the three screens
  • Keeping the consumer engaged and reaching them multiple times throughout their journey (through which you will also be competing with the OTAs and other hotel websites) requires using multiple channels to tell your hotel's story.
  • ccpanther88 on 28 Jan 15
     
    Mark Starkov, President & CEO at HEBS Global provides advice as to how to understand and optimize several tools hotels use for bookings. We live in a world where mobile connectivity is on the rise with no fall in sight. More and more people are spending more time and money on and through these devices, and it is something that our travel and hospitality industries are booming from. In 2014, nearly 40% of web visitors and page views were credited to non-desktop computers. In terms of hotels, these devices can also account for over 20% of bookings and 17% of sleeping room nights. Between 2013 and 2014, hotel revenue generated via tablets more than doubled and booked over 77% more room nights than non-"pure" devices. These stats alone should have all hoteliers seeing opportunity. The world of e-commerce is allowing hoteliers and other travel companies to open up many revenue streams. Between DGS, OTAs, and CRM, we are able to reach a much wider audience and bring in an exponentially larger amount of business. These tools do not work for free, as there are often commissions or subscription fees these companies are compensated for. As valuable as these third-party tools are, it is equally important to invest in your direct-booking outlet. Booking direct business keeps the most money in your pocket. Not only will you get optimum rates, you will also save on commissions, referral fees, etc. Just imagine not having to pay a third-party commission of 10% of a $100,000 dollar piece of business. That's 10 thousand saved. Sometimes, when large corporate events are booked, there can be two referral services involved, resulting in 15% commission payout. In terms of direct vs. third-party business, a hotel could not survive on only one.
‹ Previous 21 - 40 of 74 Next › Last »
Showing 20▼ items per page