Skip to main content

Home/ Hospitality Technology/ Group items tagged disposal

Rss Feed Group items tagged

ealmi001

Thin Smartphone Recycling Getting Tougher - They're Harder to Dissemble - 0 views

  •  
    According to the article "Thinner is Better" the recycling of e-waste is a critically important task, because if these devices end up in landfills, they pose potentially significant environmental hazards because of the toxins contained within them. E-Waste recycling allows the metals and other usable parts within them to be used to make new products, which helps hold down production costs. Also, they state that the problem of irresponsible e-waste disposal could get worse as consumers continue to drive up sales of paper-thin tech devices. Researchers say that the slimmer and more compact electronics are, the harder it is to take them apart for recycling.Design trends are now believed to play a growing role in the problem of e-waste, since thinner tablets and phones with fewer components are harder to dissemble and are increasing the cost of recycling.
mannypjr

Technology in travel agencies: 7 fundamental changes that impact the travel agent's rev... - 0 views

  • the market scenario of their business has changed dramatically in recent years (and will continue to change)
  • Why would any travel agent really want to return to costly, inefficient booking and communications systems anyway?
  • from services to clients to a more experiential-based kind of travel
  • ...20 more annotations...
  • The goal is no longer the Destination but what you can take from it, in terms of emotions, feelings and experiences above all
  • a new way of booking that no longer requests the presence
  • it is difficult to sift through the options and opportunities to find the one that fits the needs of your business. And, even the most tech-savvy travel agents, may find some obstacles on their way
  • disruption, modernization, techie platforms, big data, robotization and artificial intelligence
  • Internet is helping to create the modern travel agency
  • no longer have to physically visit an agency
  • the rise of online booking
  • The same is valid for airlines and hotels where customers are now allowed to book tickets and lodging directly from these companies' websites.
  • creating a new kind of relationship between travel agencies and clients
  • travel agencies have widened the ways in which they can communicate not only with customers, but also with their business network and partner services. 
  • "get a personality"
  • Social media is one of the more significant tools nowadays
  • a 24/7 booking service and customers accept no less than that
  • "Digitization in aviation, travel, and tourism is expected to increase profitability throughout the ecosystem, creating up to 305 billion dollars (270 billion euros) in value over the decade spanning 2016 to 2025", according to Accenture and the World Economic Forum report.
  • the huge amount of customer data at the disposal of travel agencies is allowing for a more pervasive analysis and efficient predictions based on behavioural information
  • intelligent virtual assistants are increasingly being integrated into mobile devices and messaging apps, assuring travel agencies can offer a truly on-demand service which makes clients happier
  • Virtual reality is allowing agencies to "transport" customers to their dreamed destinations
  • . It is all about making clients happier and assure revenues are growing, turning the business into a profitable one. 
  • Transformation in the travel sector is all about increasing speed and creating the agility to spot and respond to customer needs better than ever before
  • Maximum efficiency, agility, end-to-end experiences based on real-time data, hyper-personalized services are some of the "must do" nowadays.  
  •  
    This article talks about the 7 fundamental changes that are impacting travel agents. Specifically it speaks about the internet's role, self-service, forming new types of relationships with clients, social media, mobile access, digitization, and data/AI use.
xiaoyuzhang

Top 5 Cloud Computing Trends for 2020 - Learn What You Need To Know - 0 views

  • In 2020, the emerging cloud trend is that enterprises are becoming less worried about sticking with one cloud vendor, and are embracing a multi-cloud or hybrid-cloud offering where they can get the best out of each solution.
  • Visibility across a heterogeneous environment will be more important than ever, ensuring that organizations can achieve the same level of insight across the board, in various instances and platforms, without gaps.
  • According to Gartner, the worldwide revenue from public cloud will grow by 17% this year to $266.4 billion. A record-breaking 60% of organizations will be using an external cloud provider’s managed services offering by 2022, doubled from 30% in 2018 – growth is an undeniable cloud trend. The decentralized model of consumption has raised costs for organizations exponentially, and often without any control over the spiraling bottom line.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • While your cloud provider will be responsible for infrastructure needs such as storage, outsources will be taking care of compute and networking, specific needs such as data, visibility, AI and ML technology, or IoT.
  • As cloud costs get taken under control, businesses will have more revenue at their disposal to take advantage of these solutions that beat their specific industry challenges. In turn, providers will look to push out innovation that is easily accessible to a wide audience, has a low learning curve, low-code interface, and is more democratized overall, so that anyone can reap the rewards. Without the need for a team of data scientists, organizations will begin to see the benefits of Machine Learning, AI, and automation in a very tangible way to solve and enhance business strategy and an exciting cloud trend in 2020.
  •  
    This article showed us 5 cloud trends coming up over the horizon in 2020. They are multi and hybrid cloud environments will continue to grow; retaining compliance in an increasingly complex environment; organizations will make it a priority to control cloud costs; solution-focused partners; a continued shift to tech on demand.
jamigovaerts

The Importance of Accounting in the Hospitality Industry - 2 views

  • That is a huge benefit for those in the hospitality industry, especially those with multiple outlets or chain operations so all arms of the business can be seamlessly integrated.
  • MYOB has spread across the world to become one of the essential taxation and accounting tools for businesses of all sizes. It is especially helpful for venues with lean margins and a lower headcount, providing a stack of features that make it possible to manage the business efficiently by yourself.
  • Impos is an industry-leading POS system that was founded in Melbourne, Australia that has been designed specifically for the hospitality industry. It is suitable for any business in the hospitality sector, from cafes and small bars all the way up to large-scale hotels and chain franchise
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • these systems are also able to integrate seamlessly with both Xero and MYOB, funnelling data directly into your accountancy platforms.
  • This allows you to have instant snapshots of your business health and eliminates the need for paper records (which can contain errors and take time to put together) and other manual processes.
  • Its mammoth growth means it’s vital to have the proper accountancy tools at your disposal, allowing for you to gain an edge over your competition. It also gives you the capacity to manage the growth of your hospitality enterprise and scale accordingly.
jchac014

LG Electronics Partners with Hilton Hotels to Recycle Old TVs - 1 views

  • TVs are the largest contributor to electronic waste, which is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world.
  • To address this issue, Hilton Hotels recently teamed with LG Electronics to create a TV recycling pilot program.
  • The need for an e-waste recycling solution is urgent. Not only is the waste prevalent, but it’s also toxic.
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • “Hilton is committed to minimizing waste by providing our properties with a sustainable solution for the proper disposal of their existing TV sets rather than sending them to a landfill where they can leak harmful substances in the environment,” says Judy Pines, director of sustainability and responsible sourcing at Hilton.
  • Working together, Hilton Hotels, LG and GSS recycled nearly 400 older flat-panel hotel TVs from the Hilton Newark Airport.
  • Each recycled TV set was replaced with a new 43-inch Energy Star certified LG flat screen TV. The program was successfully executed in four days and had a minimal impact on guests.  
  • The old TVs were transported to an e-Stewards-certified recycling facility in New York, where they were manually taken apart and sorted into various components. “Parts that cannot be dismantled efficiently are shredded into smaller e-waste pieces and eventually broken down even further,”
  • TVs contain valuable and reusable materials such as plastics, copper, gold and glass and approximately 99 percent of the TV components can be repurposed into new electronics
  • One option is a turnkey solution that includes the installation of new TVs, the removal of old TVs (50 unit minimum), TV programming and transportation to a recycling facility. The second option is for recycling services only and includes the removal of the old TVs and transportation of the old TVs to an e-recycler.
  • In addition to partnering with Hilton Hotels, LG has focused on making responsible recycling a priority.
  •  
    TVs are the largest contributors to electronic waste. Electronic waste recycling solution is urgent because the waste is toxic. LG partnered with Hilton Hotels for a recycling program to efficiently recycle their old TVs without sending them to a landfill or somewhere overseas. Through the program, recycled TVs were replaced with newer 43" Energy Star certified LG flat screen TVs.
anonymous

Ditching direct: It may be time to reconsider your GDS and OTA connections | PhocusWire - 1 views

  • Interactive television, the internet and the rise of online travel, suppliers push for direct business, direct connects, alternate accommodations, among other have all driven the market to predict the demise of the GDS.
  • can your direct connect handle the requirements of personalization?
  • he GDS deliver some of the most valuable customers for hotels; business travelers, who tend to spend more on premise and pay a higher average daily rate (ADR) than their leisure counterparts.
  • ...16 more annotations...
  • As it turns, out the cost and effort of maintaining a direct connect to the GDS may have been more than hotels had bargained for.
  • Look-to-book ratios are skyrocketing
  • Travelers are said to visit 38 websites before making a choice, but a traveler coming to your brand.com likely know what they want and often make the booking right there because of brand loyalty or previous rate comparisons on 3rd party websites.
  • look-to-book ratios can exceed 25,000:1 on these indirect channels.
  • First, creating the infrastructure that can handle this traffic is not easy or cheap. Second, unless you have advanced cache functionality, all that traffic hit your CRS which can fail to meet the demand at peak traffic times.
  • Lost bookings and another hidden cost of your direct connect.
  • In 2017, GDS hotel reservations exceeded 68 million, a two million increase over the previous year,
  • the industry is still managing around amenity fields with character limitations where there’s just no room to fully describe that amenity, e.g., “GYM” vs. “Spacious recreation facility with state-of-the-art work out equipment.”
  • limitations mean that you need to be able to normalize and standardize the field values in order to successfully distribute.
  • it’s a labor-intensive and never-ending task without powerful and specialized software at your disposal.
  • never-ending task of monitoring and making sure your content is used as you intended it and is consistent across both GDS and other channels.
  • without consistency and the right change management processes, your personalization is likely to fail.
  • If you’re going to maintain a direct connect, knowing how it performs is critical to its success.
  • It is simply that, as always, the world evolves. With this evolution, we are seeing a renewed interest in technology provider approaches, as opposed to DIY. 
  • there are many drivers behind this:  the realization of the costs and complexity of connectivity, the growth in shopping volumes, the requirements of personalization and the data necessary to manage that, and the desire of hotels to focus on what they do best.
  • Interactive television, the internet and the rise of online travel, suppliers push for direct business, direct connects, alternate accommodations, among other have all driven the market to predict the demise of the GDS.Yet, the GDS remains, and bookings are growing.
  •  
    GDS systems have been helping customers book hotel rooms, flights, and vacation packages for nearly two decades. This increases the convenience factor for the customer. Companies may be paying more to maintain a direct connection and may want to start reconsidering utilizing a GDS system. GDS systems do have limiting qualities such as character limitations within text fields, which can lead to unforeseen issues for companies looking to personalize filed values. Even though this issue may provide limitations for companies, the cost of maintaining connectivity, increased shopping volumes, and personalization issues are driving companies to ditch direct.
irinadolgopolova

Where do OTAs Stand in the Covid-19 Era? - 0 views

  • airlines have decreased capacities, withdrawn from routes, issued free cancellations and refunds to travelers, enacted flexible amendment policies to accommodate itinerary changes. However, these initiatives have also had negative impact on airlines’ operations and the balance sheets.
  • Historically, OTAs would offer alternate destinations or flight options to its travelers in times of crisis – hoping to still put a sale on its books. This time around, it is different. With several travel advisories, quarantine measures, and lockdowns in effect, people are least likely to spend their disposable incomes on travel just as yet.
  • Trip.com also guided towards a 45-50% year-over-year decrease in company-wide net revenues for the first quarter of 2020.
  • ...8 more annotations...
  • The sudden spike in cancellations and limited interest in future travels is surely putting OTAs through an uncomfortable patch.
  • Considering the weak booking period that is to follow, the group has decided to reduce its cost base, curtailing projects, reduce marketing, overheads and discretionary spend, freeze new hiring, deferring salary increases and waiving off management bonuses.
  • The goodwill earned based on their actions during the ongoing crisis will likely pay off when the world bounces back and returns to traveling.
  • In-Airport Initiatives: OTAs such as Indonesia’s Traveloka handed over face masks to travelers visiting the affected countries (until border lockdowns were announced). Several also shared best airport and in-flight hygiene practices with their customer base.
  • Operating calls come with attached overheads, and despite the scale of cancelations most OTAs are absorbing this as part of their customer service initiatives. OTAs, however (and obviously) are prioritizing their assistance based on travel dates.
  • a number of OTAs have rolled out self-service tools, including chatbots, to mitigate the pressure from call center operations and offer instant resolution to travelers’ needs. These (semi-) automated modules are found across OTA websites and apps, which allows travelers to either opt for OTA credit for future bookings or instant refunds (subject to the airline policy).
  • With all the components now hurting, OTAs also have the unique position to revive growth in the industry.
  • Trip.com recently launched Travel Revival V Plan in China, the ground zero for Covid-19. Through the initiative, the OTA group aims to bring together hotels, tours, flights and attractions; and contribute over RMB 1 billion to boost measures for travel industry recovery.
  •  
    As the entire travel industry, OTAs suffere a lot because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article are described not only financial losses of the OTAs, but also the steps that they are going to take towards the safety of the travelers, and the possible future conditions for the OTAs operations.
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”;
  • ...13 more annotations...
  • 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.
laboygrisell

Global E-waste Monitor 2020 - 0 views

  • The Global E-waste Monitor is a collaborative effort between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme currently co-hosted by the United Nations University (UNU) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).
  • higher levels of disposable incomes, urbanisation, and industrialisation in many developing countries are leading to growing amounts of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and, consequently, to greater amounts of e-waste.
  • Toxic and hazardous substances such as mercury, brominated flame-retardants (BFR) or chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) are found in many types of electronic equipment and pose severe risk to human health and the environment if not handled in an environmentally sound manner.
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • predicts global e-waste will reach 74 Mt by 2030,
  • In 2019, only 17.4 per cent of e-waste was officially documented as formally collected and recycled
  • a target to increase the global e-waste recycling rate to 30 per cent by 2023
  • The number of countries that have adopted a national e-waste policy, legislation or regulation has increased from 61 to 78 between 2014 and 2019.
  • TU Member States also set a target to raise the percentage of countries with an e-waste legislation to 50 per cent – or 97 countries - by 2023.
  •  
    This article is very interesting and eye opening. Just the thought that "by 2023" the e-waste will be down is unrealistic. Companies will keep making more products and the e-waste will grow, unless they don't change the materials they use to create that type of technology.
jfuen093

10 Sustainability Initiatives Being Embraced by Hotels - 2 views

  • Many hotels, from the budget-friendly to the luxurious, are taking steps to make their practices more sustainable.
  • Whether in central operations such as boilers, or with lighting systems, kitchen equipment, and automated energy management systems, hotels globally are working to reduce energy use while sustaining—and, whenever possible, enhancing—the guest experience.
  • Efforts range from the linen and towel reuse programs that are now an industry standard to the installation of low-flow faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • In support of waste reduction and a higher-quality experience, many hotels are moving away from bottled water as the standard and offering unique hydration options for meeting attendees and independent travelers
  • From property-wide initiatives to guest rooms, food and beverage, or spas, event planners should be asking their hotels about what specific efforts are being made to be more sustainable.
  •  
    It's important to build sustainability facility in the hotel. It's a future trend to build a green hotel and sustain the eco-friendly environment. There are many ways to do physical plants. Water consumption Within guest rooms, laundries, kitchens, pools, and spas, hotels continue to phase inefficiencies that reduce water and, in many cases, chemicals that are used to treat water systems and clean facilities. Efforts include the linen and towel reuse programs that are now an industry standard to the installation of low-flow faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. Hotel Recycling and Waste Reduction With the limited exception for domestic hotels, recycling programs for the basics such as newspapers and beverage containers are becoming a basic expectation. In combination with the recycling efforts, hotels are looking for opportunities to reduce the use of paper and other disposables. Hotels and resorts that can go beyond to implement food waste composting programs can demonstrate waste diverted from the landfill upwards of 40-50%. Hotel Bath Amenities Many hotels are making a statement by offering guests custom formulated amenities. Resort companies such as RockResorts have taken it one step further with an all-natural, essential oil-based custom formulated product made without preservatives and artificial ingredients that are packaged in recyclable containers. Other midrange hotel brands are experimenting with bulk dispenser presentations.
  •  
    This article discusses that as time continues to progress, more and more hotels, as well as other hospitality/tourism places are starting to implement more "eco-friendly initiatives" into their businesses for the satisfaction of the customers. It is important for the hospitality to be able to adapt in the sense of increasing their "green initiatives." Some hotels have begun doing so by, linen and towel reuse programs, low-flow faucets and shower heads, recycling programs, and much more. Implementing these actions can only benefit the industry/businesses in the long run.
  •  
    This is a great summary of what event planners are looking for in hotels - "Green Initiatives" that include energy use, water bottle reduction, menu planning, waste management, recycle programs, etc. Very easy to read and recommend for green topic areas for research papers.
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
Andrea Ruiz

Google Beacons: Is proximity marketing ready to take off in 2020? - 0 views

  • beacon technology needed time to mature and there were a number of integration issues that had to be addressed before it could be widely adopted
  • This means proximity marketing will be a priority for a lot of brands in 2020.
  • Imagine tourists receiving notifications about the nearest landmarks as they travel around London or shoppers seeing a list of a shop’s best offers as they walk past the store. These are the kind of opportunities beacons make possible and there’s a lot of reason to be excited about this technology.
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • Unfortunately, the first generation of beacons had a number of practical integration problems.
  • One of the most ambitious use cases of beacons has got to be Amazon’s cashierless convenience stores, which have opened up across Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Amazon Go stores use beacons to remove the queues and checkouts from every day in-store purchases.
  • sports brand uses more than 40 beacons across a 41,150 square-feet space in the famous Nanjing East Road shopping district to create a seamless shopping experience. The beacons allow customers to pay for goods using Instant Checkout spaces and collect reserved items from lockers at multiple locations.
  • In a practical sense, this means developing apps with beacon integration quickly becomes unmanageable and this is one of the most important solutions Google Beacon Platform provides.
  • As with any kind of marketing strategy, define what your goals are and then determine how you can use the tools at your disposal to achieve them.
tredunbar

New Waste Management Technologies for Cruise Ship Industry Promoting Sustainability - 0 views

  • he industry's $22 billion investment in the development of new energy efficient technologies, partnerships with local governments in key destinations, and a commitment to reducing its rate of carbon emissions by 40% by 2030
  • Revolution Series Digesters as well as ongoing cloud-based data analytics and supplies
  • will help reduce the environmental impact of Carnival's operations by safely disposing of food waste on-site, limiting the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from conventional processing systems
  •  
    The initial focus of this article is on the cruise line industry's multi-billion undertaking in developing new energy efficient technology. The technology that will be deployed will be integrated with the cruise system in order to assist in reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. BioHiTech Global, Inc has taken a leading role with the development of their new system - Revolution Series Digesters. This system provides both supplies and continuous cloud-based analytics that will help its inaugural client, Carnival Corporation, to reduce their environmental footprint.
teresastas

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

  • The major search sites routinely leave out flights (lots of them) and even entire airlines. A lot of the flights they do show are ones you don’t want, starting with “basic economy” fares that hit you with tons of restrictions and fees, so the price you see isn’t the one you end up paying, along with connections way too short or way too long, ones that no responsible travel agent would let you book.
    • teresastas
       
      This is a very good point that is often overlooked. Southwest Airlines is one of those who do not publish their fairs on most of these OTA searches.
  • 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.
  • “They can find crazy deals”; “They will be your advocate”; “They’ll take care of the little things”; “They’re true experts” and “They don’t usually cost extra.”
    • teresastas
       
      I think that the general public believe that TA's cost extra to use. For the most part that isn't true...unless it's a cooperate travel.
  • ...15 more annotations...
  • 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.
  • Anything that causes cancelled flights (or cruises, etc.) means hassles, but the people who get through this process the most smoothly and the ones who get rebooked first and get the few available seats out of Dodge are usually the ones who used a travel agent. It’s that simple. First off, you actually have someone to call, versus long lines at banks of airport phones masquerading as “help desks.” But good agencies are constantly monitoring their clients’ flights and they usually know about your problem before you do - and often have a resolution before you even call them.
    • teresastas
       
      They make a good point about having someone to call.
  • Expertise: No one knows everything about travel, no matter how deeply they are involved in the industry.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason #2: Expertise
  • Emergencies: This is the one most applicable to the average occasional travel.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason #2: Expertise
  • It is important to remember that these advantages are not just for luxury travelers. Good travel advisors do not just know what the best hotel is, they know what the best hotel is for you and your budget and can help you find the right fit.
  • Connections: Whether you are trying to book space at a coveted 8-villa safari lodge in Africa or get a room in a top Paris hotel during Fashion Week, most hoteliers keep emergency inventory and guess who gets it? The travel advisors they have known for years who book a lot of guests and send them a lot of business.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason #3: Connections
  • “Travel advisors provide our clients with access: access to people, places, and experiences that could never be replicated, much less imagined. A great travel advisor has invested time and relationships in creating their ‘black book’ of contacts and relationships, so that when their clients travel, they are treated as a VIPs, not just a credit card number.” In my experience, everyone likes being treated like a VIP.
    • teresastas
       
      I think this lends itself to who your travel agent is and what they are most experienced in. I couldn't agree that all travel agents are going to give their clients VIP experiences.
  • “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!
  • Extras: When you get more than you expected for the same price, that’s a great deal, and with travel advisors this happens all the time.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason #4: Extras
  • “The millennial generation specifically may have seen their parents use a travel advisor, but don’t feel like they need one - until they are deep in the spiral of research. By shifting gears to planning with an expert, they feel liberated from the immense pressure of choosing the ‘best’ resort - because we’re cutting through the noise of all the conflicting opinions they’re seeing online.
    • teresastas
       
      This is a great point. I know first hand that when booking an actual vacation it can be so much easier to have an expert weed out the options they know won't work for you.
  • Air: If you are trying to buy the cheapest round-trip economy ticket from New York to Dallas, even the best advisors probably can’t get it for less than you can buy it online, though you still have to deal with all the pitfalls of the online travel sites and you will lose the safety net advisors provide when things go wrong. But in a couple of other cases, buying your air through an agent can actually save you money, or miles, or both.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason 5: Air Fare You will usually be able to find the cheapest economy online but there are times when a travel agent might be able to save you fees on airlines.
  • It just doesn’t seem possible, but it is, real tickets, same airline, better seats, less money. I don’t know how they do it, and frankly I don’t care, but if you know who to call this happens all the time (if you are not a client of SmartFlyer booking your vacation or business trip, they will charge you a fee to do the legwork and find you great deals on premium and mileage tickets, but in almost every case I’ve seen, it still saves you money).
    • teresastas
       
      This is a great travel tip!
  • Better Trips! At the end of the day this is the bottom line, the big win you get with a good travel advisor. They know more than you do, they are better connected, they have access to benefits you can’t get yourself, and they can match and often beat any prices you find. They plan a better trip and then provide a safety net.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason number 6: Better Trips Your trip is better all around when you use a good travel advisor!
  • Travel advisors take the overwhelming amount of information out there and distill it into the key points that apply to you - the best hotel/destination/tour for your interests, your budget, and your time frame.
  • 5 Reasons Why You Need A Travel Agent - More Than Ever
    • teresastas
       
      We have been discussing a lot about the role of GDS's and OTA's it has become clear that the role of the traditional travel agent has evolved. The question of what is the role of a travel agent and why should we still use them has come up a lot and this article breaks down the answer giving 5 reasons why we still need travel agents. The reasons are listed as emergencies, expertise, connections, airfare and extras. All of these reason collectively make a better trip all around. After reading this it makes me want to book my next vacation through a travel agent!
sdavi111

Proximity Marketing: 6 Sectors that Deploy Beacon Technology | by Henote Technologies |... - 0 views

  • Beacon technology has been generating buzz since Apple unveiled iBeacon in 2013.
  • Beacons allow brands to push messages to their customers who have consented to them, and engage with them in a more personalized manner. The customer effort here in driving the engagement is minimal as brands could communicate without them having to do anything at all.
  • Beacons are championing a new paradigm for communications between brands and customers.
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • From the brand’s standpoint, beacons help collect data which could help them improve their operations, marketing, sponsorship, and more. This helps track the movements of customers in a crowded place and engage with them person
  • locale and sends timely messages to their smartphone or tablet.The travel industry uses this to add value to tourists visiting a new place. To help retain the spontaneity of travel, beacons could alert travelers about different events an
  • Some industries have implemented beacon technology to target customers
  • disposable income during their commute. Cabs in the United Kingdom are using beacons so customers receive personalized marketing messages during the com
  • In the food industry, beacons could be used for everything from processing grocery orders, to notifying a passerby about promotional offers, to creating a pleasant dining experience for the customers. Beacons allow customers to book their table, reduce the waiting time, collect bill payments directly through the app. Restaurants in Tokyo have gone a step further in making the menu and the user reviews visible to the customer through their apps.
  •  
    Beacon market is an ingenious way for companies to spread their brand and also learn about the market and how to hone in on the target market. It can also help make one company stand out over another when a customer is searching the internet for their next trip or outing.
dlevine4195

Has COVID-19 Made Hotels More Sustainable? | The Manual - 0 views

  • These changes have largely been in the form of eliminating that most universal embodiment of hotel amenities, single-use plastic bottles for things like shampoo and soap, and reducing water usage.
  • hotels are also being savvier with energy usage, like using LED light bulbs and taking steps to gain environmental certifications like the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the US Green Building Council.
  • But the pandemic boosted the necessity of being able to do things while having limited contact with other people, and many hotels implemented remote, contactless check-in, room entry, and even food or amenities access.
  • ...10 more annotations...
  • Among its benefits, touchless tech is more energy-efficient and can eliminate the need for paper or the increased usage of non-ecofriendly cleaners. 
  • due to the lack of guests, there was a decline in the use of chemicals from cleaners and a reduction in carbon emissions.
  • This included a “dramatic increase in the use of disposable utensils, packaging, etc.”, that some sustainability initiatives were canceled or put on hold, and that “stronger, more toxic” chemicals were being used for cleaning and sanitizing.
  • Some hotels, though, took the pandemic as an opportunity to switch to more eco-friendly cleaning options
  • 2018, Hilton announced a whole host of environmental and social responsibility goals as part of its Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals
  • setting carbon reduction goals in line with the Paris Climate Accord, reducing water use by half, sending no leftover soap to landfills, and overall cutting its environmental impact in half by 2030.
  • However, that lack of guests allowed Hilton to start implementing other parts of their impact reduction plan, like having some of their hotels switch to using renewable energy. 
  • heir guests. Sustainability and eco-friendliness are more important for travelers and hotel guests than ever.
  • global travelers want to “travel more sustainably in the future,” and their 2019 Sustainable Travel Report highlighted that 70% of travelers are more likely to choose and book accommodations that are eco-friendly. 
  • Although current practices like using non-eco-friendly cleaning products and getting rid of unwanted waste may be cost-effective and save hotels money now, these and other findings show that travelers are willing to pay for hotels that go the extra mile for the planet, which will earn hotels loyalty.
  •  
    This article discusses how the pandemic has strongly impacted many hospitality companies to be more "green" for the future.. From contactless key options, to minimizing food waste, to using technology to reduce unwanted waste like paper, it is helping set new green goals for the our planet and future of the industry.
peacejj22

Hotel Recycling Programs Make a Major Contribution to our Environment - 0 views

  • Hotel waste management can be an issue, especially when it comes to recycling. How can hotels increase recycling to improve the environment? There are a lot of questions about how hotel recycling programs can help the environment; here are a few.
  • hotels are far more likely to be replacing their equipment and electronics than many other types of businesses.
  • Some hotels managers might assume it’s too difficult to successfully launch and operate an in-house recycling program. They have very large staffs, operate 24 hours a day, and have the challenge of providing immediate and reliable service to their guests.
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • By recycling their used equipment in bulk, the managers and operators of hotels across the country will help keep those products out of landfills, where the toxins and chemicals inside electronics can pose significant environmental risks to our soil, water, wildlife and even our personal health. The risks are real and well-documented.
  • Waste Management in the Hotel Industry
  • If guests arrive expecting the highest standards, it can make a bad impression to have computers that don’t work or furniture that looks run down.
  • a number of hotels have already proven they can establish successful recycling programs.
  • Cost savings alone should be a top concern for the hotel industry. It’s been estimated that hotel guests generate up to two pounds of waste per night. Because of the prohibitive cost of waste disposal services in New York City, for example, a hotel can spend up to $100,000 annually to get rid of their waste. If recycling can cut that down significantly, that can amount to significant cost savings. And a growing number of hotels are recognizing that they can manage their waste in a sustainable manner, including by recycling.
  • A smart approach would be to offer incentives for workers who provide waste-saving ideas that can be implemented and to educate guests about the hotel’s recycling and environmental policies.
  • The creation of a successful hotel recycling project offers a lot of long-term rewards that include: • cost savings; • strong public relations to their guests; • an engaging program for employees and even guests to become part of.
  •  
    this article goes through the importance of recycling within the Hospitality industry as well as the benefits associated with doing so.
anaferia

How E-Waste Affects the Environment - Human-I-T - 1 views

  • As the world’s fastest-growing waste stream for almost a decade now, e-waste affects the environment in truly detrimental ways. And it’s not slowing down
  • e-waste generated annually has grown by over 7% since 2020
  • 59.4 million metric tons projected by the end of 2022
  • ...18 more annotations...
  • expected to grow 26% by 2030 and double by 2050
  • two big factors contributing to its current acceleration.
  • first is growing incomes in low- and middle-income countries which allow more people than ever to access consumer electronics
  • second is the increasing availability of previously unthought-of electronic products to consumers in middle- and high-income countries
  • Products like e-cigarettes and electric vehicles are just two examples of products that, due to their increased popularity, have begun contributing more e-waste to landfills over the past decade.
  • electronics which power our lives are composed of substances which are harmful to the environment and our health.
  • e-waste negatively impacts the environment: air, water, and soil.
  • E-waste pollutes the air primarily as a consequence of improper recycling processes that are typical at informal e-waste processing plants located in developing economies
  • E-waste workers dismantle and shred electronics at these plants, which flings large amounts of dust and other particulates into the air.
  • e-waste workers use acids, desoldering materials, and other chemicals to dissolve e-waste with high-value materials like gold and silver . These techniques then release additional damaging fumes into local communities.
  • Recyclers dispose of acids and other chemicals they rely on to strip precious metals from e-waste into streams, ponds, and rivers. Then, the heavy metals inside of e-waste – like lead, arsenic, and cadmium – then compound this damage by seeping into water tables from landfills and e-waste dumps.
  • Increased acidification of waterways leads to more marine life and fish dying.
  • The heavy metals that are present then leach into those same waterways where they damage fishes’ tissues and gills.
  • two contaminants – acid and heavy metals – decimate biodiversity. This creates a domino effect where some organisms – previously constrained by predators – are then able to flourish and dominate the area
  • increased exposure to e-waste leads to ecosystem collapse in and around our waterways.
  • the dismantling, shredding, or burning of e-waste can also release large, coarse particles into the air.
  • due to their size and weight, these particles then quickly fall back to Earth where they subsequently contaminate soil. Shredding and burning of e-waste also produces toxic ash containing heavy metals and flame retardants which then leach into soil.
  • If we want to protect our planet from scourge e-waste, we’re going to have to start prioritizing reuse above all. By embracing this central principle of the circular economy, we can begin diverting valuable electronics away from landfills and back into the hands of people who need them
  •  
    To summarize, E-waste has been the fastest-growing waste stream in the world for nearly a decade, and it has a really negative impact on the environment. And the pace is not decreasing. E-waste is made of the materials that make up the electronics that run our life which are bad for the environment and for our health. Additionally, the three primary impacts are air, water, and soil that negatively affects the environment. Finally, to protect our planet from e-waste is prioritizing reuse of products.
slain006

What Is Green Computing? | IBM - 0 views

  • Green computing (also known as green IT or sustainable IT) is the design, manufacture, use and disposal of computers, chips, other technology components and peripherals in a way that limits the harmful impact on the environment, including reducing carbon emissions and the energy consumed by manufacturers, data centers and end-users
  • reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainability
  • The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is responsible for between 1.8% and 3.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions
  • ...4 more annotations...
  • Cost savings from reducing energy use may eventually be realized, as well.
  • setting up hot and cold aisles is an important step toward greener computing because it reduces energy consumption and optimizes heating, ventilation and cooling.
  • 3% of annual total energy consumption
  • employing the power management features reduces energy consumption, as does adjusting the screen brightness.
  •  
    This article explains what green computing is and how it is impacting businesses in order to reduce energy consumption. Provides us the evolution of green computing and how the Environment Protection Agency decided to promote and recognize energy consumption.
llibe010

Benefits of Point of Sale Software for Hotels - 0 views

  • Point of sale software, or POS software, is used as part of a wider POS system and is primarily designed to allow users to process payments from customers. However, at the same time, POS software can be used to automate various parts of the sales process, such as updating inventory information and sales data.
  • For those in the hotel industry, point of sale software can be one of the most important investments, because it can provide staff with a range of tools that can be of benefit to them, and to the business.
  • One of the biggest benefits of using point of sale software within the hotel and hospitality industry is the ability to process payments easily. This includes processing payments of a variety of types, including cash payments, debit card payments, credit card payments, mobile wallet payments, and more.
  • ...6 more annotations...
  • Point of sale software within the hotel industry is also invaluable for the role it can play in terms of improving inventory management. As an example of this, stock levels on products can be automatically updated as and when sales are processed, meaning employees will always have the most accurate data at their disposal.
  • Another major plus point associated with the use of point of sale software within hotels is centred around the opportunities it provides for upselling, cross selling, and marketing. Upselling and cross selling are strategies for maximising revenue per customer and in hotels, this can mean selling room upgrades or extras.
  • POS software and systems can also help hotels when it comes to employee management and there are a number of ways this can be achieved. For instance, employees connecting to the POS system can be used to monitor when they were in work, when they left, and the amount of hours they worked, potentially making payroll easier.
  • The data gathered by point of sale software can be extremely useful for reporting purposes, making it one of the most vital pieces of hotel technology. Generally, a POS system will automatically track basic performance indicators related to sales and revenue, and hotels can configure software to track RevPAR and similar metrics too.
  • Finally, point of sale software also offers excellent compatibility and integration with other examples of hotel software, with property management systems (PMS) among the most significant examples of this.
  • Point of sale software can be especially useful within hotel restaurants, and within the restaurant industry as a whole, because it allows for smoother transactions, while also automatically feeding back which meals have been ordered. Of course it is also important to stay up-to-date with the various other ways the software is being used.
  •  
    The article discusses the benefits of using POS software in hotels and how POS software can improve revenue generation over time. Some of the key benefits discussed include ease of processing payments, better management of inventory, opportunities to upsell and market different products, improved employee management and more analytical insights. The article further highlights a POS system's ability to integrate with the hotel PMS to further increase efficiency. Current and future trends have also been covered.
« First ‹ Previous 101 - 120 of 124 Next ›
Showing 20 items per page