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This article is about the Design Hotels, which is an independent Marriott brand, has recently partner up with StayNTouch, a global cloud hotel PMS and contactless technology. StayNTouch will be providing their cloud PMS, guest Kiosk, and guest mobility, all to more than 3000 boutique Design Hotels. The Design Hotels will benefit from this partnership by having them raise their service level, drive revenues, and reduce costs.

This article is about how hotels are able to adjust to the new guidelines with covid. It has adjustments with how to reserve seats at the pool. Options for ordering food and how to do check in and check out.

-COVID has affected the Hospitality industry and therefore affects the way consumers behave due to new legislation. Technology is being used in order to reduce the amount of consumers that experience COVID as well as employees. -Technology 1: contactless check in/out and keyless room entry -Fuel (provider of guest facing hotel software solutions) expanded this option for independent and boutique hotels. This makes it more accessible for travelers and reduced the spread of the virus. -Technology 2: touchless menu's for restaurants and hotels -MyMenusOnline is a touchless digital restaurant menu system that was recently launched. -There are many restaurants like Chilis, Carolina Ale House, etc that are also taking part in touchless menu's. -Technology 3: virtual TV remote control launched by Otrum -Hotel TV remotes are difficult to sanitize and makes it easier to spread the virus. -Technology 4: Solay mobile app provides social distancing technology for resort pools and beaches -Solay mobile app provides resorts and hotels an inventory management system so overnight guests are able to make reservations for seating at pools and beaches that are placed six feet apart. -Technology 5: Molekule Air - destroy viruses and bacteria like a pro -Air pro RX was cleared as an air purifier that is meant to destroy bacteria and virus' in the air.

AiresLibre Travel, a Florida-based boutique travel agency, needed a phone solution that would meet the company's needs as a global business. Aires Libre Travel is an expanding business that books customized vacations worldwide. This agency AiresLibre Travel has selected "Phonebooth" as their VoIP solution. Phonebooth is a cloud-based VoIP provider that is able to support mobile call forwarding and global call transfers with reliable and clear service. These features are beneficial to the agency because the staff is not only very busy, but they are located in different parts of the world. Raquel Segura, CEO and owner of AiresLibre Travel, mentions in the article that if she is unable to take a phone call, it will automatically be forwarded to her business partner in France. Not only does Phonebooth allow for the agency to be in constant communication with their customers, it allows them to "deliver exceptional customer service and treat international calls as if they were local-with a clear connection and affordable price."

Pineapple Hospitality has chosen Zmail from the company ZDirect, as the platform they will use for their email marketing campaign. Because Pineapple Management is a growing company, the want to improve the way they communicate with their customers. Siting that it is important to have a platform that works both ways. Allowing the hotel to contact the customers and allowing the customers to contact the hotel. Zmail operates by using their content engine to capture guest behavior, purchase history and preferences. It then send individual transaction emails, emails that cater to the customer individually as opposed to mass emails to all customer. ZDirect offers this service with Zmail that is directly focused on communicating with the "right customers", those who are most likely to be loyal customers to the hotel and spend more money with the hotel. Because Pineapple Hospitality wishes to expand beyond their current market, Zmail is an ideal tool to use to identify potential customers. Since the company has been using Zmail, they have seen a ten percent increase in click-through rates.

For that e-tourism technology, the greatest benefit for them is it can cut down the third party dependency, which can reduce a lot of cost (third-party fee, advertising cost, etc) and attract more kinds of customers.  It can offer direct booking, and the data could be collected real time. Especially it would connect to PMS, and when at night do the night audit, the process is simple but it can save a lot of time and maximize offline revenue. An it can easily for owners to see what the profit margin and other marketing analysis. 

IT investment is one of the most necessary cost for most hospitality properties and play more and more important role in today's hotel or restaurant operation. For this reason, some of the large hotel groups have started to invest in this field and achieved a favorable result sine the increasing of profit and brand value. On the other hand those small properties can work together to develop and share resources in their operation. I believe a hotel without IT investment may rapidly lose the position in the market.

A property management company is investing in diversifying their technology portfolio to tailor specific brands and to it's market, while maintaining standards. One of their main focuses is on guest feedback on hotel stays, and ways to improve in real time solutions. By collecting data from social sites properties are able to provide actionable responses to guests concerns. For instance taking care of a problem after reading a posting on Twitter and the issue being resolved by the time the guest returns to their room. Instantaneous info and reacting to that info creates a satisfied guest and a well a maintained brand and image of the property.

PAR Technology Corporation and Personality Hotels, announced the successful implement of a new management platform ATRIOt, at the Hotel Diva in San francisco, California. This installation brings an extraordinary advancement in the state-of-the-art of technology in the hospitality industry. It also helped to reduce costs considerably and it also promises to bring and increase on velocity.

The ATRIO is a platform that would make big changes in the hospitality industry. ATRIO will be installed at the boutique Hotel Diva of Personality Hotels which will make a competitive advantage among its competitors. "The ATRIO platform represents the most significant technology development to occur in the global hospitality industry in the last 25 years." By implementing ATRIO to the property it is assumed that the service and financial goals will exceed expectations. Larry Hall, President & CEO of PAR Springer-Miller states "We look forward to the world coming to know Personality Hotels as an operator of some of the finest lifestyle properties in the world and the launch client for ATRIO, the platform that moved an industry." ATRIO will follow cloud computing which will bring significant financial benefit to Personality Hotels "Deploying ATRIO in the cloud helped reduce our implementation costs considerably," said Lembi-Detert President & CEO of Personality Hotels.

The Intelity's ICE is a new virtual concierge program, as a digital supplement to its renowned "GEM" (guest engagement manager) service, which is established in Mogans hotel in New York. By launching the Intelity's ICE, nearly all guests' requirements can be accomplished quickly, for guests can explore the amenities in the hotels, search for events in the city, buy tickets and communicate with the hotel working staff through an ipad in each room. Not only that, but the hotel managers also find it a great program to communicate with the working staff. To the hotel managers, they think that the program can enhance customer service and increase communication opportunities as well as heightening operational efficiencies

I found the mobile app to be most interesting because my article disscussed that as well. I feel that the mobil app will certainily create a unique experience for the visting guest. By going digital there are many benefits to not only the guests but the environment as well. There will be longer be a need for plastic room keys, or large amounts of paper. Hotels will be able to save expenses and man power by providing systems like the new virtual concierge program. In particular, you won't need to hire so many people to book reservations over the telephone. Everything can be done through the Ipad which most people have now a days anyway. However, I would feel better if there was trouble shooter around should the guest not be able to comprehend the technologic system.

The partnership of AutoClerk, Inc., Technology At Work, and PhoneSuite is changing the approach to technology packages for hotels. This technology addresses the issues of solely-based cloud based solutions by additionally offering "premise-based property management solutions". Its application for property management and phone systems is most compelling. The software extends its use to smaller boutique hotels, B&Bs, and larger corporate hotels with its variety in package solutions. For international guests, the use of Interactive Voice Response allows for the use of their own native language, tailoring the hotel experience to the individual and group needs.

The three companies AutoClerk, Inc., Technology At Work and PhoneSuite. They provide complete techonology packages for hotels. The packages mainly include software, hardware, IP-based Private Branch Exchange phone system and network design. The package could use the same computer to run the hotel's Property Management system. It is able to offer could-based and premise-based property management solutions. The AutoClerk could interface to many standard systems, such as Internet reservations or restaurant Point-of-sale. The PhoneSuite developed a server-based hotel phone system called Voiceware. It coud run both administrative and guest room Session Initiation Protocol phones.It can be hosted "in the cloud" as a server.

This article discusses some current trends in property management systems and how Maestro by NORTHWIND is ready to deliver. Maestro by NORTHWIND is a PMS used by many independent hotels and resorts and offers 20 integrated modules. One of the top trends for 2012 is mobile optimization for management and guests. More and more people are turning to mobile apps for personalized services, and express check-in and check-outs. Maestro Xpress Check-In App allows properties to use iPads and other tablets to do this anywhere there is WIFI. Maestro's App will also allow managers access to reports, and real-time activity from anywhere allowing managers more control over their business. Another growing trend is cloud PMS. Maestro has a cloud based system that claims it can increase productivity at the same time reducing costs. Managers can manage multiple hotels from a single location and reduce costs because they won't have to maintain an in-house PMS. There is also a steady increase in direct online booking from mobile apps and social media sites. Maestro Web Connection reduces the commissions paid to online travel agencies and 3rd parties by allowing guests to book reservations directly. Another way Maestro helps independent hotel chains is by offering them a guest loyalty system to help them offer some of the same incentive and reward programs offered by larger hotel chains.

Northwind Maestro leads the innovations of industry. Cloud system platforms are not just for the large chains. Small, independent operators also can use web-enabled platform with lower cost. Mobile is another trend of PMS innovations. Customers can check in and checkout on iPad by using Maestro Mobile Apps. In addition, direct-booking online from Mobile is the third top trend in 2012 PMS technology. Maestro's Guest Loyalty System with online capabilities is the first application to offer independents the same benefits as major chains to recognize, reward, and retain guests.

Seeing the rapid development of mobile devices and social media, hoteliers are connecting PMS with mobile devices and social media. NORTHWIND Maestro™ is a kind of software which satisfies hoteliers' current requirement. NORTHWIND Maestro™ is an Internet-based PMS. It brings plenty of benefits to hotels. To illustrate, Maestro can reduce cost, create operating efficiencies, secure cardholder information, and to have instant remote access to their property or hotel group's data. Furthermore, since more and more people are using mobile devices to book rooms, make dining reservations or some other services, Maestro also develops mobile apps. "The Maestro Mobile App enables operators to wirelessly connect to their Maestro centralized system and provides access to management reports, real-time activity and other features found in Maestro." Maestro also thinks of customer loyalty by tracking customers and establish database.

ATLAS sands for Advanced Technology Lodging Access System is designed for hotels that need to have a better control over their back office operations and that can rely on a system to provide secure access to their premises and accurate.

I used to use this systme to make key cards for the customers in the hotel. It's really easy to make a key card and safe for both of the customers and hotels. For example, if a customer lost his/her key card, we can remake a new one that the old one is not able to open the door in case of a theive pick up the room card to access to the guest's room. I think in the future the access system will be more advanced like you can use a cellphone to access to your room or you just use your finger print or pupil to access your room. It also works for the access for the employees. Employees may access to the working area by using their figer print or pupil to in case of some of the stranger to access to the working area. This locking system may be still have a large space to develop. This will make the hotel more fashionable and more intersting for the customers. We used to have the oringinal keys but now most of the hotels use key cards. Today also some of the hotel use mobile phones to access to the room, here still some security issues to be pay attetion like if someone lost their mobile phones. So from my opinion the future room key fotr the hotels will be better to use the unique identity of the human to access to the room.

This is a very interesting article about the hotel room control systems, which are expected to be more of a mainstream feature with the 2-wire bus push button modules. these units can be installed in any hotel build or refurbishment, and suitable for standardized rooms and also boutique hotel settings. such kind of modules are often found in luxury hotels than sub-five star hotels. also due to the expense and complexity of the system. But with this 2-wire bus push button, hotels can offer their customers centralized switching/dimming of lights, curtain/blind controls and do not disturb indicators in a single wall mount unit, without the cost or disruption of installing a full control system. This will allow middle market hotel operators to deliver that wow factor to their customers in a simpler and a cost effective way. they are also available in range of designs to complement the hotel rooms interiors. and even multiple units can be installed in one room, for example near the bed, near the door with the same assigned controls.

Enhance guest service, improve efficiency, and maximize online and offline revenue with Maestro PMS, the industry's most robust and flexible resort software and boutique hotel software solution empowering leading full-service hotels, luxury resorts, multi-property groups, conference centers, condominiums, and timeshare properties

I found this article to be really interesting as it explains the use of technology in spas. There are many benefits to using such systems in the spa industry. The link between PMS and the spa booking system improves relations with clients, and increases the likelihood of clients returning to a spa where they have previously felt welcomed and valued. I must admit that I am not a big fan of the 360 view of guests' profile that this technology promotes, I feel like it is an invasion of privacy of some sort. However, I understand that some guests appreciate when their preferences are met each time they visit a spa. At the end of the day, the use of spa management systems is a great way for spas to drive up the revenue and maximize their profits.

Malaysia and Southeast Asia is slowly but surely adapting strategic social media and e-marketing into their small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This article focuses on the opposing views on how these tools are being utilized and adapted to help these small businesses. Scicom Education Group's head of Creative Services Vernon Adrian Emuang is confident that Malaysia is ahead of the games in terms of social media and "widespread public engagement". This may sound like a far cry considering that 64 percent of the SMEs in Mayalsia were not engaging in social media in 2012. Emuang emphasizes the impact that social media can have, considering that SMEs account for 99 percent of the 5 million registered Malaysian businesses. Zeno Group Malaysia's CEO told The Establishment Post that "lack of knowledge is holding back many of the SMEs. They feel they need not use social media for marketing purposes." Emuang also says that many of these companies are not implementing the proper technological infrastructure to support their ecommerce, should they receive an influx of traffic on their servers, etc. He even shamed the customer service that lacks the manpower to follow-up with the volume of customers. Many hotel and lodging businesses are adapting global initiatives, such as registering with Booking.com or Tripadvisor.com. These outlets allow ecommerce to flow to a much wider, international audience, boosting bookings and revenues at venues that wouldn't have otherwise. Julian Matthews, a famous Digital Media Trainer and Consultant, says companies are operating social media on a tactical rather than strategic level. The Trinetizen Media Sdn Bdn tells The Establishment Post that many companies aren't utilizing Social Media for crisis communication-something many companies we are familiar with fully rely on. In conclusion, social media adds accountability and reliability for the companies and their stakeholders.

Swiss Cruise company is starting to use a virtual assistant to answer passengers' questions.

MSC Cruises is rolling out a virtual assistant in passenger cabins called Zoe that will answer spoken questions. It can improve its answers with continual research based on the interactions it has. Zoe was programmed to answer the 800 most common questions - queries about excursions or onboard restaurants, for example - and variations of those questions in seven languages. The questions were gleaned from staff members and from data collected from the ships' guest services desks.

Professor Susskind said that traditional marketing in the travel industry had evolved: "You run the risk of not being able to compete effectively in the marketplace without these enhanced approaches."