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A hotel workforce communications platform named Quora is helping operators ensure that all their pools, hot tubs, and spas meet water safety standards within a Pool Readings module. The recurring app enables hotel engineers to test a pool/s chlorine, PH, alkalinity, and calcium levels as well as water temperature and PSI flow rates identifying if the pool water is safe for hotel guests. 

Gaylords Hotels has added the POS system for their customers to experience. POS stands for Point Of Sale. Its a small devices that allows an employee to charge the customers credit card right then and there. No cashier, no register. The article elaborates on how the hotel has implemented this systemin their pool area. It discusses how pool attendants spend so much time walking back and forth which eventually makes the order longer. This system allows the employee to charge the credit card and print the receipt right then and there, saving a few trips. This should be implemented in most places saving time and preventing a slick employee to steal someones credit card information

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.

This is an interesting article that teaches us eleven useful methods to be energy efficient in running hotels. According to authors' experience, it is not unusual for hotels to save $10,000 to above $30,000 per year, per property, by employing the right measures. For me, I like the lights saving part which can be simple and effective. For instance if we install a motion sensor in the bathroom per suit, it can help to keep the lights off when no one uses it and this can save at least $50 per room per year. For the decorative using lights, like the night pool lights, if we turn it off, we can save at least $250 per year. We can also install motion or occupancy sensors to light hallways and stairwells. Besides we can control the parking lot lights to a saving of $250 per year.  Energy saving methods can be everywhere and if we pay much attention to details of energy usage, it puts money in hotels' pockets.

This is an awesome article. I think that if people would just think a little more when they are using electricity it can save money but when people are staying in hotels the mind set is that they are not the ones paying for the electricity so who cares -- leave lights on all day and leave the TV on all day. There are so many ways to help save money in hotels by putting up lights with sensors in so many locations that really will help the planet as well as help the property save money. Great article!!

This article lists pros and cons of Cloud Computing for Hotels. What is surprising is that Cloud Computing can be costly as opposed to the common belief that Cloud Computing is a great cost saver. According to this article, if your IT resource pool is too big, it is less likely that you'll see any enormous financial advantage in outsourcing to the cloud. In addition, there is a method being used by hackers to increase your Cloud usage significantly and make you end up paying a lot for it. The method is called DDoS(Distributed Denial of Service). Even a low-level of this can keep your server busy and give you an enormous bill. Sure, these problems can be prevented and benefits of Cloud Computing can outweigh them. However, this technology is quite new, you need to think strategically before you pounce on  it.

This article introduced the result of a survey for the adaptation of cloud computing global wise. 68% of the global organizations want to adapt this new tech but 51% have concerns that their old system may not be enough for the adaptation.  Then the article describes the pros and cons with cloud computing and solutions for hoteliers.  The pros are : no need to buy many expensive hardware, lower maintenance expense and software installing and updating fee, Cons: security, which is the biggest concern, redundancy, and other things. 

New technologies are helping hotels with ways to open up after Covid-19: Tablets with thermal imaging cameras, UV light sanitizers that guests walk-through, touchless F & B ordering & touchless tipping apps, and social distancing for pools & beaches. All of these innovative ideas and many more will be needed if there is to be a reopening of hotels and if the reopenings will lead to a sustained resurgence in room occupancy. Guests will expect hotels to offer them reasonable health safety measures and hopefully, these new technologies will help them do just that.

I decided to do further research on Biometrics software in hospitality because we use it at the Four Seasons where I work in the Residences department. Biometrics is a technology that scans your fingerprint and grants you access to areas designated by management. This is useful in residences and hotels because as an owner or guests, only you will have access to your apartment or room. The article mentioned how as technology evolves, there is a debate as to whether guests will want to give their fingerprint. Too much security could be seen as a nuisance but too little security puts guests at risk. Having a Biometrics system in place at a hotel ensures that only hotel guests are patrolling the property or floors with rooms. Another interesting aspect is using Biometrics to remember returning guest preferences such as floor height, food choices, allergies, etc. This system could be put into place at check-in so that right away the front desk knows the guest is returning and can be made aware of their past preferences. Benefits of Biometrics mentioned in the article is not having to deal with room key cards, added security on property, seamless check-ins as well as even paying for items on property. A guest might not even need to take their credit card around because they can just use their fingerprint to pay at the pool, gift shop, etc. Behind the scenes, Biometrics is important as well. A hotel can use Biometrics to track employee attendance, clocking out for meals and to ensure only employees are accessing closed off areas of the property.

Biometrics can be used by companies for employees to clock in and clock out to ensure timesheet accuracy. It can be used by companies as a security measure so that guests are where they are permitted to be. It can be used for easy check in and billing and payment verification if there are issues. Biometrics can also be used as a way to collect guest information for example their preferences.

Biometrics usage in the hotel sector have been ramping up. Biometrics links a user's I.D. and credit card information with biometrics like a photo or fingerprint and this tech can be used throughout the hotel for things like in-room purchases and access to the gym and pool. Using biometrics allows the hotel staff to focus on being hosts.

This article is a research paper did by Amir and Beer-Sheva. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of technology on the human resources function in organizations, in general, and in hospitality firms, in particular. At the beginning, it introduced the role of human resources department in organizations for decades. And the trend or changes in contemporary human resources. Then it came out that we cannot skipped the effect of technology on the HR function, especially in tourism and hospitality industry. So, next it gave the definitions of HRIS by introducing technology. And list some advantages and challenges of using HRIS. In the end, it listed how technology put infusion across HR function, including recruitment, selection, training, performance evaluation and compensation, payroll, benefits and pension administration, labor relations and outplacement.

For hotel, the benefits of reducing the carbon footprint are both social and economic. The green hotel can attract more guests. Studies have shown that guests prefer staying at properties that are actively involved in providing a green environment. A hotel can implement an effective green plan since it is built from ground up. The developer should think about that make use of natural light, how to save water such as rainwater capture or reuse grey water, how to use solar heating for the pool or hot tub, etc.

"When you go to SignUpGenius.com, you'll find services catering to the needs of eight different groups. There are schools, looking for help with organizing parent-teacher conferences, class volunteers, and events such as book fairs. Churches and temples can get help with scheduling nursery workers and greeters. Nonprofits can organize donations and fundraisers. Other groups are clubs and groups, sports, business, family and college. The idea is to attract a range of users, from parents organizing car pools to businesses coordinating employee training schedules. "By going broad, we still haven't scratched the surface," said Angel Rutledge, who is married to Dan and is the chief marketing officer. SignUpGenius' users are 78 percent female, and 80 percent are between the ages of 25 and 54. "Our primary user is a mom with kids," says marketing strategist Kate White. "Most people tend to find us through their kids' activities." Monthly fees range from free to $49.99, where users can get additional features such as cloud file storage and access by multiple administrators. These subscription services were significant, Dan Rutledge says, "because we jumped into the organizational level, from coach to league, from teacher to school." While the Rutledges don't disclose specific financial information of the private company, other numbers illustrate its growth. Revenue in August 2015 increased 225 percent over August 2014, according to the company. Between 120,000 and 190,000 events are organized per month, with a groundswell in August and September, when the school year begins. In 2014, SignUpGenius says 1.4 million new sign-up pages were created. Traffic rose 35 percent last year, to 39.9 million visitors. And the company has grown from 13 employees this spring, to 20 now." This article illustrates the idea of on the event planning and I.T. programs working handing in handing. As an example, the article uses the company SignUpGenius wh

This article highlight what different hotel chains are doing in order to "go green" It looks at different sections of the hotel and explains what the hotel chosen is doing to go green in the different areas. The first are is the Guest Room. The article explains the the Kimton Hotels have recycling bins for bottles, cans and paper and this increase there recycling rate to 75% over 3 years. The second area the article touches on is the Kitchen. It explains how the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts are encouraging their kitchens all over the world to use organic foods. The third area the article explains in the Bathroom. Apparently, the Aloft group has installed refillable shampoo and body wash dispenser at its locations and plan to do it for the future locations they are opening. As it relates to the outdoors, Asia's Six Senses is protecting the seascapes with chlorine fee pool sanitation system in order to protect the coral and marine life. The article also explained that the RockResorts have changed chemical cleaners to cleaners that were more natural. The article also states that changes are being made in shops and boutiques. The Swedish Scandic hotels stopped selling bottle water at 147 of their hotels and Banyan Tree resorts has partnered with local vendors to sell in their boutiques. I feel that all of these hotels and resorts are going in the right direction in order to save the environment in which they operate.

This article talks about the growth and development of mobile technology has had positive effects on society. There are many advantages that are experienced from the implementation and use of mobile technology. It is obvious that mobile devices are intended to play and gradually more important role in the distribution and sale of travel services in years ahead. Hotel companies should capitalize on this technology and make the process of booking travel using smartphone. It will be a more intuitive process for guests. Mobile technology enables you to get real time hotel information and enable you to make speedy and informed decisions. With a big number of people using mobile technology growing each day, businesses are adopting the use of commerce to reach a larger pool of possible clients. By doing so, hotel businesses are able to increase their revenues and client base.

I agree with you, eventually more hotels will start using smartphones which will also give a more personalized service to consumers. For example if a guest has a request he can just send a text to a concierge or someone at the front desk who will meet and exceed his expectations.

The growth and development of mobile technology has had positive effects on society. There are many advantages that are experienced from the implementation and use of mobile technology. It is obvious that mobile devices are intended to play and gradually more important role in the distribution and sale of travel services in years ahead. Hotel companies should capitalize on this technology and make the process of booking travel using smartphone. It will be a more intuitive process for guests. Mobile technology enables you to get real time hotel information and enable you to make speedy and informed decisions. With a big number of people using mobile technology growing each day, businesses are adopting the use of commerce to reach a larger pool of possible clients. By doing so, hotel businesses are able to increase their revenues and client base.

This article is all about hotels going green and trying to get LEED certified. The one Boston hotel is doing things like having dual flush toilets, low flow showers, shampoo and conditioner in bulk dispensers, and a roofing material that reflects the sun to save energy costs. Another thing involved with getting LEED certified is getting energy from abouther source, this particular hotel is using the wind. It is expensive to do and doesnt appeal to everyone, hotel managers must figure out whats in the best interest for them and getting people in and out of their hotel.

To add onto Marilyns comment, not only are hotels doing the basics to go green, but a lot of hotels in california are taking the extra step, such as The Kimpton Hotels, and The orchard. They have changed the carpets and wallpaper for lower emission. They added recycle bins in every room in all 40 of their hotels across the country. Lastly, and one of the the additions I find most beneficial is their implementation of key card energy control, where a room key will be needed to activate the electricity in each room, and also shutting all electricity off when they leave.

This article is about how starwood hotels are trying to become fullscale eco-friendly but some are hotels are only greenwashing. This article is stating that it is not enough to use one green practice and call yourself an eco-friendly hotel.

This article is written by a publisher and editor. It is based on what he saw and heard. The main contents are around the LEED Volume Program. The leadership in energy and environmental design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods. Marriott group opened their first hotel as part of Marriott's LEED Volume Program. The senior design manager indicates the program saves owners about $100,000 in upfront costs and six months of construction time. And it provides a competitive advantage for Marriott. Depending on his article, it is easy to know what is unique about the hotel from a green design and operations perspective. For example, the pool uses salt water to reduce the need for chlorine. Or the windows are high performance and reflect heat. Especially, the shower facility is for employees who ride their bicycles to work. Hoteliers pay much attention to the green development will help them to reduce the cost and pollution. Moreover, the staff prefer working in a green hotel because it helps motivate them daily. The following link is about the detailed of Marriott's LEED Volume Program. http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=8146

With the success of having mobile locks for our homes and even our cars, it's no wonder hotels are adopting the technology as well. Technology advances quickly, and like any business hotels must do the same, they're constantly refurbishing rooms and implementing new things to better serve their guests and a mobile lock would be no different. Having keys on a guest's phone would improve efficiency for hotel management because they wouldn't need to replace a lost key, and guests would no longer need to wait in a line to check in, just head up to their room as soon as they get there. This allows hotel staff to use that extra time to ensure guests get even better customer service. Mobile keys do possess a few problems in that, unless a guest is loyal to a particular hotel chain or unless they travel a lot, they might be unwilling to download an app just to be able to get into their room. This can be circumvented by designing an app that can do more than just open their room door such as making/changing reservations, making spa appointments, allowing gym/pool access, and being able to call for a bellboy, and getting help from the concierge. While not quite there yet, mobile door locks will let hotels know more about their guests and how to "better manage assets and the workforce with predictive analytics" that could be used to make guests experiences better and more likely to turn them into repeat guests.

The travel marketplace is a global arena where millions of buyers (travel agents and the public) and sellers (hotels, airlines, car rental companies, etc.) work together to exchange travel services. Among the "shelves" on which buyers search for travel services are world's global distribution systems and the Internet distribution systems. There are currently four major GDS systems: Amadeus As the youngest of the four GDS companies, Amadeus has done remarkably well during its short tenure. Yet, in many ways, the company remains an anomaly. Amadeus has the greatest number of travel agency locations with the highest productivity per terminal in the world, yet its booking share is Number 3, and its revenues are dwarfed by Sabre and, to a lesser degree, by Galileo. Galileo Galileo's competitive strengths include market share, well-balanced and global presence, relationships with diverse groups of travel vendors, technologically advanced information systems, highly skilled personnel, and a stable product line. Compared to other GDS companies, Galileo is a cautious follower when it comes to technology. Sabre Sabre's competitive strengths include market position, global reach, stable product line, diversification of revenue streams, and intellectual capital. The Sabre business model is a strong one, and continues to make significant progress in advancing both its electronic travel distribution and its information technology solutions businesses. Worldspan Worldspan has a legacy of industry firsts that are not well known. The company therefore has an opportunity to raise the industry's awareness of its accomplishments and more importantly, its future strategy. Worldspan continues to look at benefits of creating its own consumer brand and has been partnering with different companies to expand the services that it can provide to its customer base.

This article is very interesting because it talks about how establishments like Sports Authority and Toys 'R' Us are out of business due to e-commerce sites like amazon, ebay, Jet.com and others. It explains how businesses can adapt to an era of e-commerce. The first thing a business can do is to consolidate inventory, in other words have all the inventory in one single pool instead of different channels like brands have done before. The second thing is to establish a two-day shipping network, here the article explains how consumers expect immediate gratification with online orders. We see grocery stores doing this but with faster shipping within hours. The third thing one can do is leverage from an existing e-commerce channels for visibility. A business can sell its products on networks that are already established such as amazon, Jet.com and ebay. The fourth thing a business can do is use brick-and-mortar channels to increase exposure, meaning using physical stores such as Sports Authority and Toys 'R' Us to help increase exposure. It explains that drop shipping to these companies will help sales, 0% of all retail purchases still happen in physical stores. The final thing a business can do is use its resources. It is important to have an e-commerce expert on your payroll to grow the business online which will help in sales and stay on top of the this era. The article finishes by explaining that adaptability is the future of retail, which I believe adaptability is the future for any business. It is important to adapt and keep making things easier and more convenient for consumers.

This article shows five easy ways in which a hotelier would be able to improve their guest experience with 5 technological connectivity considerations. Interestingly enough it shows the importance to having a high tech hotel as 91% of guests choose their hotel based off the hotel offering free wifi. Therefore, these 5 considerations are a great opportunity for any hotel in order to ensure guest satisfaction. Firstly, the hotel should upgrade the small details, such as the outlets throughout the hotel and integrating them into a sleek design in the hotel as to not stand out. Secondly, it would be important to increase the connection points and power access in the room, making it most convenient for guest to charge multiple devices in convenient locations. The next point would be to ensure a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, this not only means having wifi in the outdoor areas of the hotel, but to also offer connection spots for charging (eg. by the pool) and this ties into the next point, being to take advantage of the common spaces as these areas are becoming a place for people to socialize and work, therefore the areas should be designed in a way for the guests use. Lastly, the hotel also must take into consideration the sustainability, not only because of the guests growing concerns but with investing in new technological products they could save on cost and be more efficient, especially in the long run.