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The article discussed MGM Grand new security procedures they are taking with their hotel. They will have their elevators modified to only allow guest access to the floors they are in and not other floors. MGM Grand explained no incident has occurred within the hotel as reasoning behind this but it is expected the hotel is implementing this because of past incidents in Vegas. In Vegas there has been a mass shooting in the last years and tourist have been stabbed to death by a suspect who sneaked in to their room. Due to all of these horrible incidents hotels have begun to enhance their security to ensure guest safety. I think having guest access only the floors they are in is a a good way to keep guest safe. This allows strangers from going to the floors or in to guest rooms and creates more limitation to guest floors.

The Grand Cancun eco-complex including hotels and convention centers, set to be completed in 2020, will drive ecotourism to Cancun while utilizing multiple green hotel technologies. The mega-building will have zero carbon footprint and be able to provide drinking water and energy to the city, all while helping clean the surrounding ocean water of pollution and waste. Remarkably, the entire structure is built on stilts, taking up no space from the ocean marine life. I recommend checking out the pictures in the article, the design is incredible!

Having a proper security plan is so critical for hotels. Here in Miami, just days ago, the Doubletree had a fire and everyone was evacuated. Due to proper evacuation measures and a fast responce from fire officals, no one was injured.

A leaked MGM Grand memo posted by Vital Vegas states that beginning Feb. 4, "All guest elevators at MGM Grand will be modified only to allow access to the floor to which the guest is registered.

An MGM spokesperson told KTNV, "Our processes and procedures are always evolving as part of our focus on providing the best possible service and keeping guests and employees safe." The spokesperson said that the security change is not in response to any specific incident

The MGM Grand in Law Vegas is implementing new changes into their security protocols in response to different violent events that have occurred within the last few years. Changes like this are necessary to "stay on top of the bad guys". In the past, anyone had access to most floors in the hotel. Additionally, this will allow the hotel to track and record any suspicious movement occurring and report it.

Grand Hyatt San Francisco has selected a package of VingCard Elsafe solutions for installation during renovation of its 659 guestrooms. The renovation features the addition of VingCard's Orion energy management system and Signature RFID locks powered by the VISIONLINE wireless online access management system.

Article discusses the recent large scale IT investment in green friendly security for the Grand Hyatt San Francisco. The hotel recently upgraded 659 of its hotel guestrooms to feature energy management software as well as RFID enable security features for guests. This represents a significant investment in green technology for the use of energy conservation which in the long run will lower energy costs for the hotel in addition to making the hotel a more secure atmosphere for the guests. Hotel staff can monitor all forms of these upgrades which all communicate and work together with each other one a room has been reserved.

Facebook is becoming more and more popular around the world and it is becoming a social media requirement for companies to utilize for their customers. Grand Millennium Kuula Lumpur realized this and became the first hotel in Malaysia to use Facebook as a booking engine, allowing its 30,000+ followers to book hotel accommodations comfortably and in a secure environment with a special fans only rate. Friends of the hotel's Facebook page feel confident when booking through this mechanism because the page links directly to the hotel's real-time reservations system, allowing customers to check availability and book rooms instantly. This is all done without ever leaving the Facebook page. Sabre Hospitality Solutions understands the growth of social media and is helping hotels engage guests through this new technology by providing the most comprehensive social media optimization solution available. They are helping hotels build loyalty, tap into new market segments, build buzz and grow their business through online communities. This is a very important and relevant marketing tool for Malaysia because their total number of Facebook users at the end of 2011 grew to over 12 million.

Naples Grande Beach Resort (a personal competitor for my property) has upgrades its PBX system and chosen Cloud5, a cloud based system that allows for on-going integration that does not degrade over time. As stated in the article, "With Cloud5's hosted solution, our systems are always current with the latest software functionality, without the need to purchase future expensive upgrades or interrupt hotel operations. We're always operating with the most advanced features that allow us to deliver fast, reliable guest service across our expansive resort. This upgrade has even reduced monthly telecommunications expenses which adds value directly to our bottom-line.". This very statement intrigued me as I recall when my property transitioned to HotSOS for our PBX software. Like most other softwares, integration with Opera our rooms system was a challenge and it was not without hiccup and initial challenges. Because it is not cloud based, the property does need to purchase upgrades and re-install in individual areas throughout the property. Our Sales team does however, work off an internet based software - Salesforce - and it allows not only for easier and seamless integration, but it also allows us to access it from home. It will be interesting to see how Cloud5 changes the guest experience for those at Naples Grande and how many other companies will begin moving towards this format of system.

The Hilton Family of hotels has launched a new feature for event planners to create their own custom web pages for groups of 25 or more. The feature will be called e-Events and will be available at the following brands: Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy suites, Hampton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood suites by Hilton, and the Waldorf Astoria Collection. The service is customizable for business groups, special events and sports trips at hotels in North America. Bob Brooks, vice president of eSales feels the service will give more choice and better control to a meeting planner because the service will be available 24/7. One of the features for planners is the Guest List Manager. This feature will give planners real time access to their group's reservation details.

StayNTouch and SnapShot have actually joined forces and together they have 75,000+ hotel rooms globally.

This article talks about the new bedside controller, TBL-70 tabletop controller, designed by INNCOM for Grand Hyatt Dfw hotel rooms. The TBL-70 controller is a multi-purpose device, it enable guests to control the room lighting, temperate, drapes, sheers, privacy, make-up room and other service requests. This controller enhances the room security, all services requires guests' fingerprint. This controller is also eco-freindly, its glass touch surface is availbale in standard designs or as a blank canvas for the designer wishing to customize a look with colors, fonts, images and functionality, it is also equipted with an on-board photo sensor which detectes the light level in the room and automatically adjusts the intensity of the backlighting.

This article focuses on sustainability and methods in which technology is utilized to conserve energy and waste, while also not hindering the guest experience. Hotels, similar to the Salvatore Grand Hotel, have began implementing systems such as the Verve Living System, by Zeno Controls, LLC, that provide wireless connections to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, as well as the lighting in the guest room. It utilizes sensors to activate such amenities, and enables the guest to enter the room, place their key card into a slot, and it will begin to adjust to the preferred temperature and the preferred lighting levels. Once the key card is removed, such as when the guest is leaving the room, after a very short delay, it sends a signal that verifies the room is unoccupied, and turns off these energy-consuming items in the room. Many guests, when staying in hotels, do not consider turning off their lights or air conditioning when they leave the room, and simply leave everything running. They do not realize the impact this has not only on costs for the hotel itself, but also the impact that it has on energy consumption and sustainability. With the growing awareness of being "green", guests are focusing more and more on conservation, however, they may still be slacking in these areas, leaving things on, being absent minded. This system will allow guests to not have to worry about such tasks, and controls the system of turning these items off for them, adding convenience for the guest who is environmentally conscious. I have personally seen a similar system being used in a hotel room, and thought it was a great idea, and an amazing way to control costs and eliminate waste of resources. It is also very surprising to read that the Verve Living System detects low battery levels, constant occupancy, problems with room connectivity, and rooms that are not communicating with the hotel PMS or other systems. This enables the maintenance team of a hotel to fun

This article talks about a group of New York City hotels that have pledged to become greener. Seventeen hotels have joined the NYC Carbon Challenge, an initiative originally created to get the city's universities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. These hotels have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% in the next ten years, which can significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced by the city's buildings. This is all in an effort to reduce the city's overall greenhouse gas emissions 80% by the year 2050. The Office of Sustainability worked with the Hotel Association of New York City, a coalition of hotels in the city, to get this first group of hotels involved with this green initiative. The hotels that have already started working towards making their property greener are already on the right track to meeting their goals and these implementations will involve minor construction and little hindrance to guests. The article talks about some of the changes that these hotels are making, such as changing to LED light bulbs, installing more energy-efficient elevators, implementing sensors that turn off bathroom lights after a certain period of inactivity, and using an energy-conserving air-conditioning system. Although these changes will cost the hotels a hefty sum of front, they also know that these changes will save them money in the long run. Most of these changes will not be visible or known to guests, but people who want to stay someplace that is environmentally-conscious can educate themselves about what these hotels are doing.

As an industry leader in locking system, electronic in-room safety and energy management company, VingCard Elsafe just have their new product come out. And early this month, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco finished their renewal and started to use the complete package of hotel PMS and other related systems from this company. The biggest difference of this system from others is that this property management system not only provides automatic convenient service but also does a good job in energy saving. The whole package also include the in room control dashboard, which can automatically control the temperature and other electrical devices when the room is occupied. I think this is a great idea, it not only helps the hotel to provide service better or save the utility cost, but also bring a good reputation to the hotel as being green.

InvoTech system has recently been put in the luxury Canouan Resort for its UHF-RFID system to manage the resort's uniforms, linens, and laundry operations. And InvoTech is one of the top provider for the RFID technology, this can increase profitability for hospitality and tourism business. It is not only reducing not only the labor cost but also increasing the tracking system for all the valuable designers linens of more than 9,000 items with automatic system without sorting or hand couting.  All new technology has been put in this automated system including touch screen, remote access, reading stations. All of this system has been installed prior to the grand opening of the resort, and until now InvoTech has helped the Canouan Resort saving its cost and protect its valuable uniforms and linens efficiently and effectively and become one of a great example in the industry.

The Grand Cancun has been designed to anticipate natural disasters climate change, as well as incorporated amenities that will make it self-sustaining and even beneficial to the city in which it resides. Including a wind and underwater energy farm, desalination plant, ocean waste facility, wind turbines and solar panels. Not only this but its design will avoid destruction of the underwater ecosystem during development and construction. This is not only a hotel but also it incorporates a facility for marine research. The design appears expensive but it has the opportunity to recapture its investment through the building's own energy savings, the sale of the energy it generates to external users, its ability to remain largely unaffected by rising sea levels or other climate change and the incremental business related to the research laboratories.

According to this article, there is a common misconception that Travel Agents always book through GDS's and that they are the reason for increase in GDS bookings. This is false. As years pass, Travel Agents are losing their value over the online world that now consumes everyone's time. According to the article, in 1995 there were approximately 35,000 accredited travel agencies and last reported, in 2015, that number dropped to 12,780! I personally thought that Travel Agents were the main reason for the grand majority of these GDS bookings, but in the article they mention a fair point - Travel Agents have access to GDS, but if rates are lower elsewhere, they will not book through the GDS. It is important for a hotel property to track what rates they are showing on all channels.

This is one of the topics that has greatly affected the hotel industry. When guests seek the lowest rate possible, we are losing potential revenue and considering a travel agent seeks commissionable rates, our net profit is much less than the displayed rate.

This article focuses on the implementation of the Uniform Systems software, developed by InvoTech Systems Inc., the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa in the Cayman Islands. The Uniform Systems software is designed to streamline the management of employee uniforms, which are an extremely necessary commodity at any property, especially luxury products which strive for exceptional appearances. The system both monitors and maintains employee uniform assignments while simultaneously easing uniform purchasing. All of this is achievable by the grand opening of the property, which requires mass assignment and disbursement of employee uniforms. InvoTech prides itself on the expertise, professionalism, and courtesy with which its Installation and Training Team operates. Uniform Systems also follows the trend of environmental consciousness in hospitality by being paperless. Aside from the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, InvoTech's clients include some of the largest names in hospitality, including but not limited to MGM, Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott.

Technology has a grand impact on the hospitality industry. Some of these trends include online travel agent bookings and social media influencers. Millennials are the largest demographic traveling and the focus must be on them.

This was a very interesting article about how Salvatore's Grand Hotel will be the first to benefit from the integration of Zeno Control, LLC and Verve Living Systems. The hotel will immediately begin installing Verve Keycard Switch, which is controlled wirelessly and uses sensors and control products to control HVAC, lighting, and other electric loads in guestrooms. Verve Keycard Switch doesn't require batteries. When a guest enters their room, they place the card into the Keycard Switch and then have complete control over all the electric devises in the room. Once the card is removed, the electronic devices in the room turn off or go into eco set back mode. The system can not only turn things on and off, but can defect problems in the room and track energy usage. The hotel expects to see a return on investment within two years. I thought this article was right on target with this week's module, and it seems this system would definitely help facilities be more energy efficient. I think it also supports preventative maintenance. Since it tracks problem areas, the facility manager should be able to address them before guests have to point them out. One possible problem I see is if guests forget to remove the card when they leave the room.

Verve Living System by ZENO Controls LLC has a new guest room energy control system. The system concludes guestroom swithches, sensors, thermostats, and lighting control. The system will turn off all electronic facilities when the room is un-occupied. So the system can get immediately financial benefits to hotel from the saving on energy expense, which is a big spender of entire expense.

As a frequent visitor of Las Vegas, this article caught my attention. The article discusses the collaboration between MGM Resorts International and Cisco Systems and the development of a "high-density WI-FI system designed to enhance the guest experience". According to the article, MGM Resorts and Cisco have developed the highest-performing wireless LAN in the industry. Since Las Vegas is a top destination for tourists and business travelers, this technology will enhance the overall experience for a guest who is in town for either business or pleasure (or both!). Not only is the connectivity within this system is 30 percent faster, but it offers new programs and apps. There is a "state-of-the art wayfinding resort map" which offers point-by-point directions to various locations within the resort such as, restrooms, restaurants, and retail stores. I think this is a great idea. Las Vegas hotel/casino resorts can be quite overwhelming, especially for first-time guests.

. For example, it can be difficult to locate the "all mighty" restroom among the bright lights of the slot machines and crowds of anxious gamblers. With this new WI-FI system in place, any MGM Resorts' guest with a wireless device has access to a quick reference guide right in the palm of their hand. Another interesting feature of this system is the assortment of restaurant wine, beer, cocktail, and dessert apps. These apps are designed to cater to food and wine enthusiasts. For example, wine lovers can "discover new wines, read reviews, rate the wine themselves, and even email wine labels". As a wine lover myself, I think this is a fantastic idea! On numerous occasions, I have found myself desperately searching for a pen and paper to write down the wine information or taking pictures of wine labels for future reference.

Las Vegas is host to numerous conventions year-round. MGM Resorts' new WI-FI system also caters to convention attendees. Previously, their WI-FI system was only able to support roughly 4,000 concurrent users. Today, with the new and improved WI-FI, MGM Resorts now has the capability to support up to 120,000 concurrent users in Las Vegas. In addition, convention groups will find that the system is user-friendly and allows for network customization. It also includes location-based services and fast download/streaming speeds (for video presentations). MGM Resorts is clearly an industry leader. Most of their resorts, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and The Mirage already have this enhanced WI-FI in place. Final installations to additional resorts will be complete in 2013.