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The article revolves around new technological concepts that the main cruise lines are adding to the cruising experience. While they have heavily focused on the ships hardware, they want to implement new software that will make the experience more enjoyable and simpler for guests to enjoy. Carnival, would like to implement a "medallion" called the Ocean Compass, that is crossover between the Disney Magic Band, and the band seen at the Universal Volcano Bay water park. It fits the Disney aspect, because it holds information,can open doors, and links guest pictures to the technology. It is similar to Universal, because it informs guests of when to attend something, so that they do not have to wait in a line. Royal Caribbean, likes the band idea that Disney presented, and wants to make bands of their own, that have similar functions that the Ocean Compass from Carnival has. In addition, Royal Caribbean wants to expose their guests to Virtual Reality. They hope to create an immersive experience for their guests, from the comfort of their rooms. Norwegian and MSC are mostly developing smart phone applications, that allow guests to check-in, book excursions, and open rooms. It is obvious that Disney developed a great idea with combining a "magical" band and phone application. The concept is so successful, that other players want to utilize the same formula. Let us see how well it works in the cruising industry.

Compare WebRezPro vs Oracle vs ResNexus and more to see pricing, reviews, integrations, and other options for each

Cloud computing offers a more efficient way for hotels to keep up with data and programs for their company. When a hotel uses cloud computing, they are able to create more of a positive experience for their guests. It also is extremely helpful to use a cloud-based system because hotels could access their cloud-based application on any device. Cloud-based software also gets better with age because the updates can be made at any time so this will get rid of negative depreciation.

The article discusses the hotel industry's adoption of cloud computing. By using cloud computing, you can use programs, upload files, and access data over the internet instead of storing them locally. Cloud computing and local storage are used together in some applications. In addition to hardware, software, training, and maintenance, IBM offered an extensive range of services. Due to Cloudbeds' ability to integrate with other tools, they have experienced rapid growth. Integrations can offer upgrades and analyze reviews, among other things, so you can provide better service and increase revenue. By implementing cloud-based software, hotels can stay ahead of the competition, save time for employees, and give their guests a better experience.

This article describes what cloud computing is, and what it isn't, so people understand how it can be seen in the industry. The storing of data on the internet has been a huge innovation as it expanded storage beyond the typical storage offered on a device. By switching to this new technology, businesses may minimize future investments as the technology tends to work for many years and only requires quick updates. By researching what your business and customers need, you can make the right choices on whether this investment is worth it or not for your property.

Even though using beacon technology for proximity marketing is still in its infancy in the restaurant industry, this technology has already demonstrated some of its potential by virtue of increasing labor and overall operational efficiency while boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. Beacons can help increase restaurant and bar sales, improve customer service, and provide more value for their customers, which should lead to customer loyalty. The possibility of applying beacon technology in the restaurants and bars opens a window of opportunity to engage diners and also enables restaurants to create more tailored experiences for them. Restaurants can use beacons to send alerts to people nearby about many table/seat availability and encourage them to make reservations or walk in. Or if the restaurant is very busy, restaurants can send the menu to their phones, so they can browse it while waiting for their tables. Restaurants and bars can build profiles of returning customers and provide offers based on past preferences. Thus, returning customers can benefit from improved and personalized customer service. During quiet hours or days, restaurants and bars can efficiently manage their staff and service, because of the data they have been collecting using beacons. Diners can even pay for their meal or drinks using their mobile device without having to wait for the waiter to come over and accept their method of payment.

This articles talks about what beacon-based proximity marketing is and its usefulness in restaurants.

Beacon technology has been around for a long time - prior to 2013 - but cost kept it unpopular. Initially only real big hospitality players had this tech. Now cost is no longer a limiting factor, but companies are limited to customers/potential customers who have a compatible app or the companies own app already on their phone, so they can push the proximity messages.

The overcharge nightmare of an establishment and their quick response to guests has led Sacred Rose Festival to scramble in response to outraged customers. The festival has shared the error came with the systems configuration and are PCI compliant with no exposure to breaches or fraud, but one would venture a guess there is more to this story.

Cloud computing is proving to be the way to go. It's pros are much more than the cons, this including the financial saving any company can have by implementing cloud computing. "95% of people have used the cloud in some way or the other but are not aware of it." Cloud computing is becoming essential for hospitality, specially hotels and resorts, because of the flexibility it provides the business. Also because people are becoming used to certain services that are only possible because of cloud computing. Benefits of cloud computing can be allowing clients to check-in and out without having the need for a front desk clerk. This alone saves time and money for the business and guest alike.

In this article, there are discussions on many interesting and helpful facts about cloud computing in the hospitality industry. Cloud computing plays a very crucial role in the industry, and has changed the game for the industry in such monstrous ways. It has been extremely helpful for the hospitality industry, making the functionality of a business much simpler. An example of one of fun facts about cloud computing is that it makes taking bookings from guests a breeze. "Hotel businesses now don't need to give away most of their profit to online and offline travel agencies. They can improve their own website and start taking direct bookings". It can eliminate a hotel having to outsource or pay a third party company to take their bookings, meaning that the hotel can take home all the profit and not have to give a cut to someone else. Another fun fact touched on in the article is that by 2021, "Over 50 billion devices would be connected by Cloud". This is beneficial for hospitality companies (and in other industries as well) because data analytics that are found in cloud usage can help build a better customer experience, and that "services are seamlessly integrated". Overall, cloud computing in the hospitality industry has been increasing over the years and will further shape it into a more technologically advanced industry.

This article is showing us that cloud computing is a big innovation in the hospitality industry as well as other industries. It tells us that cloud computing is a mixture of SAAS, PAAS, and IAAS. It shows us a diagram explaining why it is a mixture and it also gives you different opportunity ideas. The article is mostly mentioning hotels and different examples like how cloud computing makes it more convenient to be able to do a faster check-in. Technology really is becoming a major driving source regarding hospitality.

Consumers generally say they want to buy products that are more environmentally sustainable or socially responsible.Effective societal marketing treats the social responsibility aspect as an extra benefit to choosing an already fine product. The company needs to give customers what they want either way by including healthier options.

This article talks about AI in hotels. For example, the article mentioned the use of chat boxes for Marriot International. Another example is Connie, the first AI powered hotel concierge robot at the Hitlon. It is a unique tool and can help decrease wait time and provide added efficiency in hotel operations.

Advertising costs were mentioned a few times within this article. With that being said, a few ad channels are becoming limited. For the most part, advertising is currently being done through Google or forms of social media. Chatbot has really become a priority for investors. What this article is trying to find out if having chats means faster/more reservations or reduces time spent with customers over the phone. Getting rid of a phone conversation seems like a plus because most consumers prefer to text or email rather than talking on the phone. China has developed ways for consumers to pay using their smartphones (like Applepay). So far it's been a success in China, being that it's cheaper for merchants and a convenience for guests. Unlike China, Applepay still hasn't been a huge success. Air BnB has been successful in marketing tactics in this generation. This is due to the fact that they change methods/tactics and increased efficiency. Although it may cost more, it is more effective when it comes to more revenue.

According to the World Economic Forum, more than 50 million tons of e-waste are produced each year. E-waste is a serious threat to our environmental viability and our public health. The toxic chemicals and heavy metals that go into developing electronics seep into the soil, pollute groundwater, and release atmosphere-warming hydrocarbons when burned Educate yourself on what gets put into your electronics. Solving the e-waste crisis is only possible if we understand the scale of its environmental impact. Consider whether or not you actually need that phone or computer upgrade. The longer you hold onto your current devices, the more electronics will be kept out of the waste stream. The way you take care of your devices on a daily basis makes a big difference in how well they work and how long they last. If the time comes to part with that old computer or phone, make sure to dispose of them responsibly by donating your e-waste

This Human-I-T article on 5 Ways You Can Reduce E-Waste is a powerful one. The simple practice of unplugging my fully charged computer and phone, and regularly cleaning them are major takeaways for me from this article, to expand the lifespan of my devices. Additionally, donating gadgets that are no longer useful to lower-income households is something that I can implement since all my older electronics are stored in a cabinet at my home which will eventually be discarded. Thank you for sharing this article!

I really enjoyed this as its helped me understand how important it is to be vigilant of your electronics and how you dispose of them. Especially with the videos watched this week, it's good to have this source to go back to. Lots of great takeaways and people should be more aware of this.

Geo-targeting is a step above geo-fencing and like that of Proximity marketing is a digital marketing technique meant to geographically target consumers within a set of parameters. The purpose of this is that while digital marketing has been around, is being used and the future of it is quite relevant it requires companies to adapt using various methods of marketing to reach the consumer. And geography is an area that is highly required. And unlike geo-fencing, geo-targeting is more generalized in the locale. It is asserted that companies need to have a better understanding of their guests at a basic level than before. "Hotels can no longer take a blanketed approach---understanding where a guest is coming from and the impact of a hotel's digital footprint" is just as important. A reason hotels might want to use geo-targeting is that direct business captures "95% more revenue than that of indirect channels". Interested enough many guests book last minute and that accounts for 72% off mobile bookings. Geo-targeting relies on revenue to determine its success. One issue noted is the use of VPNs can create miss-targeting when users are receiving messages from a location they are not in. Several things to note are prioritizing a focus on existing and prior guests because they cost less than advertising to new guests. Secondly, using CRM can create personalization through guest profiles and add an extra special factor to their experience. One example shown was Denny's and it showed an increase in visits. Geo-targeting is a marketing strategy that can help companies stay relevant.

This take on proximity marketing is interesting in that it requires a little more thought in implementation because you aren't just narrowing it down to a specific locale, you are creating a wider net to catch people in. That means you have to have a broader understanding of who you are catching which would be multiple targets that may not be alike, but have similar needs. They used the pandemic as an example of how it benefited them to use geo-location, While not marketing to a whole section of the US they targeted a more localized net ( a state away) but not too narrow as to leave out a specific target. It showed some success in that they were able to save money and help bring brand awareness to a different type of consumer. They not only target those locally but "neighbors" and I know that I as a new guest appreciate seeing local people utilizing a product or service and come back for more because it gives me an idea that the product or service or both is appealing to guests. This also helps hinge on the word of mouth of the customer. That is an additional positive aspect of this type of marketing. Seeking local rather than national or global customer-created brand devotion.

This article talked about how and why to use proximity marketing for your restaurant. They started off by talking about how many people have smart phones and how restaurants can use this to their benefit. There were a couple benefits of proximity marketing this article brought up that i thought were great ideas. The first being partnering with other business and restaurants to create combo deals. The other being just hoe in-depth you can personalize the experience using proximity marketing.

Proximity marketing can be used in many different ways in the hospitality business. For restaurants specificially it can help enhance the customer experience, increase customers, maintain loyal customers, boost sales, make customers want to keep coming and more. Proximity marketing allows restaurants and all the hospitality industry to focus more on their clientele and who they want to reach in many ways and can be a great tools for sales.

This article provides a detailed approach on the negative and positive impacts of electronic waste from a global standpoint. This article also provides statistical data to show the various types of technological gadgets that contribute to e-waste, the materials they are made from, and new initiatives put in place to recycle these items.

Cyber-attacks has become an increasing problem within the US and the lack of unfulfilled jobs regarding cyber security poses just as big, if not bigger, of a problem. All states, besides Maine, are in dire need to fulfill jobs across the private business sector and government related positions. At this point, many companies, including the government, offer free training (acquiring proper certifications) in hopes of gaining more employees to help with the fight against cyber war.

Technology has amassed influence in different and dynamic sectors of the economy. Tourism has become the following field that Artificial Intelligence and robotics seem to merge their roles and optimize service and customer experience to evade any current challenges and change the sector. Through a systematic review of AI and robotics as emerging study designs in tourism, radical complementary dimensions to the future of tourism prompt a proactive strategy to make travel arraignments simpler, customized, automated and insightful. As AI allows continuous learning for machines, the introspective field will monetize such knowledge to learn about travellers' behaviours and interests to inclined personal experience. Tourism marketing needs a positive and improved change that will undoubtedly venture into a safe world from the infective Covid-19 pandemic and enhance expertise in applying Robotics and AI. The infrastructure of tourism as a sector with destinations, hotels, and travelling will be endowing the use of AI to prompt it to surpass human performance. Through AI, a wide range of information will be collected, stored and utilized to calibrate the center of satisfaction in the experience shared. Devices such as Virtual Reality, Facial recognition, Chatbots, Google maps, robots, and language translators are set to give the first experience in regulating destinations and facilities and optimizing services within the sector.

This contribution between major event planning companies can really make a difference in the way vendors are found and managed. The new platform will address event planner's concerns and bring new innovative ideas to the sector.