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The chosen article provides an overview of proximity marketing and its benefits for improved consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Particularly, the article suggests that proximity marketing helps to personalize the consumer experience and provide a sense of connectedness with the brand they are purchasing from. Businesses that manage from a specific location may issue coupons or offer discounts applicable to the consumers within a store to enhance purchasing experiences. Proximity marketing is commonly implemented by hospitality organizations, where various on-site events are arranged or individual purchase-based rewards are offered to consumers. Similarly, restaurants engage their consumers in fun activities and games as well as introduce new discounts and promotions while they wait for food. Real-estate businesses also use proximity marketing to create high-value where need and preference-based homes, office spaces, and rentals are offered. However, advertisers need to be aware of consumer preferences to offer useful and effective personalized services. Geo-targeting is an impactful proximity advertising technique where location data is used to tailor offerings as per the identified local trends and behaviors.

This article describes 7 travel and tech trends that are shaping the hotel industry this year. With labor shortages and growing inflation, hoteliers are turning to technology to relieve some pressures like using a native-cloud-based PMS platform, using mobile and kiosk-based self check-in, and using a a more consolidated payment processer that can deliver a more secure and seamless experience for guests.

This article points out a flaw in current PMS systems that haven't been addressed by the tech world. The right or future PMS system will have an integration that continues to provide the "non-intrusive integrated technology" that still helps the BOH provide seamless real-time payment solutions. Currently, the challenge resides in the "multiple channels of payment technology" that saturate and complicate the settling of payments in BOH. Guests are "entertained for free" until that payment on the backend has actually been settled. Delays and dysfunction are at the crux of this issue. Utilizing a modern PMS with integrations that help solve complicated and often messy payment issues will help management and consumers alike. This is a topic I hadn't even thought of. But now thinking about it how does money actually get from point a to point b. It does have to be "released by one institution or another" electronically, human or ai or otherwise. I think the many ways we can now pay for things does muddy the waters when it comes to how a business can get paid. Not offering a variety of payment options is not an option and will deter people from using your services. So we have to get creative, but thankfully technology is catching up and emerging to provide for these complications that "tech" has created.

This article breaks down several methods of location-based marketing and the ways they can be applied. They provide recommendations on how hospitality businesses can implement this technology to their advantage.

Expenses relating to telecommunications in the hospitality industry have seen an increase despite a decline in returns for products offered to guests like fees for phone calls and internet. The article explains the rising costs and how operators can control costs regarding telecommunications. "Between 2015 and 2019 telecommunications costs went up faster than operating costs across the board." One reason was due to the complimentary phone and internet offered at some properties. IT Audits, consolidation of telecom providers, and technology upgrades are three ways organizations can manage costs. IT audits involve looking at an organization's current tech plan and its performance. What does it need beyond what it has? Then consolidating the vendors used. Controlling costs especially when technology is changing will benefit owners and operators as it helps them "limit disruption and use the best tech".

Coming from a culinary background controlling costs is everything especially when it comes to food. In tech, it's way more than just what the customer sees or eats. I think IT audits would be a must nowadays in the hospitality sector as it provides a clear view of what is being utilized and a road map to where we can go and how we can skim the fat to make a better product for management and customers. I suppose consolidating tech would be like using one provider for a variety of tech solutions or software that includes many BOH applications in one place. That would be handy to have and management effectiveness would increase as you wouldn't need to educate employees on multiple platforms.

Cloud computing is the delivery of services through the internet with the use of a cloud based remote database. Cloud computing helps businesses with cost savings, productivity, speed, efficiency, performance, and security. There are different types of clouds which include public clouds, private clouds, and hybrid clouds. In addition, there are also three services in cloud computing which are; software-as-a-service which provides the user with a pay as you go model, infrastructure-as-a-service, which provides the user with services via IP addresses, and platform-as-a-service which is a platform delivered via the internet. There are both pros and cons when it comes to cloud computing. Some pros include the ability to use the software from any device, cost savings, and storage utility. On the other hand, some cons include security concerns, internal bugs, and power outages.

I also read this article just for a better understanding of the cloud and to really dive deep into the good and the bad, because as we know you can't have the good without the bad. I didn't realize the many different types of cloud computing so that was interesting to read.

Hello Alejandra, This is another great article that you have posted, thank you! Although I have been doing a lot of reading this week on Cloud Computing, I was truly enlightened by some of the information in this post; for example, Cloud Computing offers both public and private services, coupled with a Hybrid option that allows more flexibility and helps optimize the user's infrastructure and security. Further, creating and testing apps, and audio and video streaming were highlighted in this article, unlike others that I have read. Moreover, it broke down the functions of the components of the system (SaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), and platform-as-a-service (PaaS). Equally, some disadvantages stood out to me, like if the encryption key is lost, the data disappears. The geographical reach of cloud computing cuts both ways: A blackout in California could paralyze users in New York, and a firm in Texas could lose its data if something causes its Maine-based provider to crash. Additionally, with many individuals accessing and manipulating information through a single portal, inadvertent mistakes can transfer across an entire system. In closing, I have noticed that overall the benefits of Cloud Computing can tremendously assist companies in many ways, but some of the disadvantages can have a catastrophic impact on businesses and their operations. Shineal

This article is about how augmented reality has made such improvements in the hospitality industry. The changes that are being made are actually for the better, not only fr the hotel but also for the customers that benefit from these augmented realities.

A great article that explains what augmented reality is and how it is being integrated into the hospitality industry.

This article relates to augmented reality and a few of the different ways it is being incorporated into hotels. Augmented reality allows the hotelier to enhance the guests environment real time in a number of different ways. Some of these ways, as described in the article are: interactive hotel rooms, gamification, augmented hotel environments, and beacon technology. At the end of the article there are a number of links to articles about other digital trends, such as robots being used in the hospitality industry!

Global distribution systems work by connecting travel companies (airlines, car rentals, cruise lines) to travel agencies (online or human) who then connect with the interested traveler. By this chain, the travel agent is able to offer real time availability from the companies to the traveller. The benefits of this system are the ability to deliver tons of information direct from the relevant companies, it is convenient for those that use them and easy to track travelling trends and interests. To me, it works like a mass marketing strategy. The content is generated by the owners and instead of enlisting their own man power, they utilize the efficiency and convenience of remote technology to mass distribute. The intended consumer receives the information without ever having to think where it's coming from, but inevitably trusts its reliability. The productivity of this system is something that those in the hospitality industry cannot ignore because this represents moments of the first interaction between the interested consumer and your operation. In order for the information to reach them in a convenient medium. In summary, GDS's help information get from the travel company to the consumer everyday in real time via global networks.

Global Distribution Systems (GDS) are largely responsible for the expansion of the travel industry. They provide the foundation for most internet-based travel services offered globally, and they link the providers of travel services in real-time. To make the travel business more complex and informatics, the GDS system provides global data, pricing, inventory, offers, and real-time availability of flights, hotel rooms, car rentals, and even bus tickets. GDS enables travel agencies and their customers to access travel information, purchase and compare options for reservations, and schedule trips. One of the most essential tools for the travel industry is the GDS system. Global Distribution Systems are server-hosted web platforms that offer worldwide discounts on the booking of travel-related goods like airfares. Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport are the three main GDSs in the market, and they are connected to more than 650,000 travel agents. Travel agencies depend on GDS's assistance to maximize their own profits because GDS is a direct seller of airline tickets. To increase their revenues and their ability to offer tickets to customers, travel agencies enter into an agreement with GDS and gain access to a listing of fares.

" Benefits of Global Distribution System Global distribution systems are widely responsible for the growth of travel industry and stepping stone of most internet based travel services. Benefits of Global Distribution System for Travel Agents and Tour Operators GDS systems deliver worldwide data, rates, inventory, offers, real-time availability of airlines, hotel rooms, car rental, bus tickets, and many more to make the travel industry more informatics and sophisticated. How Travel GDS Marketplace Is Reshaping the Travel Industry GDS stands for Global Distribution System and it's essentially a central reservation system that allows travel agencies and their clients to access travel knowledge, buy and compare reservations choices and book travel. functions across the world and connects the travel service suppliers or vendors to the travel agencies in real-time, by providing a centralized service that covers the bookings of airline tickets and more. permits travel agents to access, in real-time, availability, feature and costs for airlines and extra travel services worldwide. The leading global distribution systems are Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, and Worldspan. This permits users to buy tickets from various suppliers or completely different airlines. GDS can link services, rates, and bookings that combine a spread of products and services in travel sectors: e.g., airline bookings. Independent travel agents, travel agencies are now using an increasing sophisticated GDS system to seek out the best travel and accommodation and rates for their clients. Travel Agencies have historically relied on GDS for services, products & rates to produce travel-related services GDS system is one of the most necessary tools for the travel business the system will yield results with real-time pricing and availability comparisons There are 3 major GDS within the market- Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport here are over 650,000 and travel agents connected via a GDS system Systems enable users to bu

Hotels are definitely in a position to use green technologies to reduce their consumption and waste without compromising customer experience. In addition to environmental benefits, this approach can also improve a company's environmental performance and reduce utilities expenses. However, both external and internal factors can affect a company's decision to adopt these environmental technologies. This study explores some of the factors that might be hurdles for the industry as it tries to move towards a smarter and more sustainable future.

This article discusses the barriers to more hotels implementing green/eco-friendly technology. The main concern most hotel managers have about installing green tech is compromising the experience for the guest. For example, lowflow water heads are eco-friendly and conserve water as well as money, however guests may be displeased with the low pressure. Another large reason for lack of implementation is the little knowledge hotel staff have of green tech in both installation and usage.

Hospitality Marketing is a vital part of promoting your hotel, restaurant, theme park, resort, etc. To continue to gain more customers or keep the ones you currently have you will need to consider implementing some of these marketing strategies. There are six hospitality marketing strategies outlined in this article so look and see which one is right for your business. They include experiential marketing, personalization marketing, influencer marketing, video marketing, content marketing, and remarketing.

The positive of cloud computing have it's benefits as it helps to establish business for what they are today by maintaining by the provider, self-service through web, pay for service use only and near limitless scalability. The could computing services can be divided into 3 types: Infrastructure, Platform and Software.

This article summarizes a panel conversation about cloud functionality and how it can help in the hospitality industry. They point out that hospitality outlets can use cloud tech for operations, efficiency, guest experience, kitchen monitoring, waste reduction, sustainability, data analytics, predictive maintenance. They highlight that while 91% of hospitality leaders say that cloud is essential, only 29% would say that their company is on track, and that companies need to bring along employees for the advancements.

This article discussed the pros and cons of mobile proximity marketing and how to possibly overcome the downfalls of the type of marketing.

privacy concerns, complex management, excessive opt-ins, conversion issues

There can be many benefits and negatives to introducing new technology into your company. While it can be interesting to see new marketing methods for a company, these results can also be temporary. A company wanting to integrate these new marketing methods into their business will have to identify if their audience would react well with this new form of marketing and make their choices based on those results.

This article dives into the ways that technological innovation is disrupting the hotel industry. Hoteliers are struggling to keep up with guest needs and demands. Technological innovations, while a necessity, can never replace human touch. This rapid change represents a challenge and opportunity for the industry to overcome.

This article explains the technological advances in the hospitality industry and how this has been attributed to being a crutch for the industry and/or a burden. With the utilization of technological software such as kiosks, automated checks in's, and mobile ordering, the hospitality industry has had a disruption in the product that they are offering. The article also undergoes the understanding of taking the implementation of technology and the human interaction and combining them to work cohesively in the hospitality industry. Understanding that it is a balance that both must intertwine in order to find success in hospitality.

In this article, all the incredible sides of innovative technology within the hospitality and tourism industry are highlighted and discussed. Along with the discussion of what some of the newest technology is, it touches on how it positively and negatively affects the industry. For example, the article talks about how the average person is so much more willing to go about self-service check-ins and hotels and airports, as well as ordering from a kiosk at a restaurant. From this, while it can be super convenient for the customer, it can also cause extreme damage to the business. Because so much of the industry has transformed to just being at the will of your fingertips, it leaves customers forgetting that not everything comes with instant gratification. "Long queues to check in at the hotel become unacceptable; unresponsive or slow room service lead to negative hotel comments on TripAdvisor; and some expect 24 hours' housekeeping even in a budget hotel", a quote from the article reads. The article also talks about how while there can be many negatives, there are equally as many rewarding positives. For example, "Due to the large numbers of internet users, including mobile, online review platforms, attract lots of traffic which, in turn, means plenty of business potential for the online travel agencies (OTAs) in particular". One of the main points in the article talks about how even though many hospitality jobs are being taken over by computers and AI, the one thing a robot will never be able to grasp and give is human interaction. "A machine can cook dishes exactly to order, but it cannot experience how the guest feels; a robot might be able to deliver a pot of hot water to a hotel room, but it is unable to tell whether the guest is feeling unwell; an advanced voice control system could make it easier to order room service, but it cannot tell whether the guest enjoys the meal". In conclusion, while there are indeed many disruptive changes that have bee

This article details the increasing and already abundant role that AI technologies are playing in the day-to-day operations of hospitality companies. It goes into depth about how these advancements are using analytical data to provide a better guest experience while also taking information from outside sources to focus on aspects of the operation that need improvement or things that are being well received. The process of AI implementation has also allowed for the customization of guest experience allowing guests to be catered to 24/7 offering insights and calculated suggestions.

The major hotel chains are influencing legislation and also now requiring employee safety devices (ESDs) to make the workplace safer for employees (i.e. room service attendants or housekeepers) who find themselves alone in guest rooms with ill-intentioned guests. ESDs can also be appropriate for large resorts with beach personnel, activities personnel, or other positions that find themselves in enclosed, or remote areas with less security. Not every hotel has a security department that can constantly monitor cameras and ESDs. Will these devices present more strain on hotel wireless networks? That depends. Hoteliers need to consider whether these devices will be provided by or monitored through their keylock vendor, through their guest room entertainment vendor, or through a wireless provider. Could there be a benefit to an ESD interface with the PMS? I'm not finding an obvious answer. Hotels, varying in room count, are providing ESDs that range from whistles to wireless to BLE or RFID enabled. Hotel owners and management companies have the responsibility to research the most appropriate solution for their hotel without undermining the safety and privacy of their employees and their hotel networks.

There is often talk about how robots are replacing or eliminating hotel jobs. This article is a good balance of how human workers can co-exist with their co-bots (co-workers). ROI's on robotics are starting to pencil and this favors owners as robotics can help bridge the gap in labor shortages. Robotics can be used to do mundane and repetitive tasks (mostly cleaning and delivering items) and leave the more personal interactions up to the humans.

This article discusses proximity marketing within the hospitality industry. Proximity marketing is a growing useful tool. Hotels are among those utilizing proximity marketing. As noted in the article and highlighted in yellow, proximity marketing allows the hotel to reach there guest after they check in. Following check in your phone can be used as increased access to the hotel. Proximity marketing is an enhancement which leads to increased innovation. Per the article proximity marketing is one of the most effective advertising tools to become available for hotels. Through proximity marketing messages are transferred to the guest cell phone. The cell phone access has the ability to lead to increased revenue. The hotel and guest can interact in new ways. This form of marketing caters to guest engagement, provides a new method of communication and allows for guests to receive information. Proximity Marketing is an innovative tool that I believe will continue and grow as the years continue.

Mobile proximity marketing in my opinion will continue more vigorously in the future . This is a captive audience for the hotel to connect with its guests to upsell , inform , drive business to the brand and its affiliates as well as a great tool for guest retention . Undoubtedly , the cell phone has replaced Ipads and computers in the movement for vacation guests for example . A guest would usually not take their laptops to the pool area but will more often than not , take their cell phone. A popup Ad while walking by the boutique or an outlet can stir emotions to visit or purchase that was never planned.

This article discusses how, using proximity marketing and hotels can deliver relevant content to guests' mobile devices at moments of maximum influence, in a contextually relevant environment. With proximity marketing, hotels can advertise to a captive audience without leaving their property or hotel rooms. Messages can be tailored according to the hotel or advertising partner's needs in real-time.

This article talks about the different ways that proximity marketing enhances customer loyalty programs to increase customer trust and loyalty. Proximity marketing is a marketing technique involving the localized wireless distribution of promotional content in specific geographical proximity. One of the ways that it can benefit customer loyalty programs is through laser-focused targeting. This kind of marketing is precise because it allows you to target potential customers close to the area, which will enable it to be a more personalized communication. Another reason is that it helps improve customer experience through the use of QR code coupons for customers, resulting in improved customer engagement and experience. Another reason, this one is used by Marriott International, is utilizing beacons. The beacons transmit in-hotel discounts and offer to loyalty program members through the hotel app. The key to proximity marketing is that customers need to remain engaged, in the area, and new marketing techniques like those described above can absolutely help.