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Consumers seeking a vacation are looking for rich visual content to help them understand the value. On the website, social network, everywhere, a quality visual will provide a good representation of the property, the room, and the differentiators, and help the hotel get a better business. The reason is it could let the potential customers understand the value.Technology has made it easy for travel suppliers to create spectacular, rich content at a cost that will not break the budget.

As you might know there are three learning styles - Visual, Auditory and Kinestetic. People use all three modalities to receive and learn new information and experiences. However, one of these styles is normally dominant and it defines the best way to remember new information. More then 90% of information we get by vision so visual effects are a great way to receive higher productivity in your business. Basicly, the consumer is searching for two things: an escape from routine and new experiences. So if you use more unusual, bright, vivid pictures, videos and/or 360 tours to show on your website and other visual effects which will imply on idea of new, unexpected experience the customer will be surprised and really attracted by your service. The results can be enormous. « -- Total unique visitors to the hotel website will increase an average of 13%. -- Rich content click-through (to booking engine) rates 4 to 5 times more than static images. -- Rich content generates post-impression activity (return visits) rates twice those for non-rich content and 46% more sales for those activities compared to non-rich content. -- The bounce rate (number of visitors abandoning site after viewing only one page - homepage orlanding page) improves by more than 5 percentage points.» And all of the above is not just statistics it's a power of psychology and online marketing.

I definetely agree with this article. Older advertising outlets such as as magazines and television spend insane amounts of money to create visually stimulating advertisements. Those types of media have a much more captive audience than internet source have. Super Bowl commercials have to be memorable and stimulating, or their viewers will leave the room for more chips, but they do have their thirty seconds of air time. On the internet, a company may have 3 seconds and other advertising is present on the same page at the same time. To compete in this new higher level of competition, websites have to work extremely hard and be highly innovative. Visua effects are definetely a valuable tool.

This is a really great article! Visual marketing aids and 360 tours really give the customer a sense of comfort in the product, service, and/or experience they are paying for.

This article talks about Agilysys , which is a leading provider of innovative technology and hospitality software solution and states that Valley View Casino & Hotel in Valley Center are using their Visual one system for the hotel which offers :  front office operations, guest history, housekeeping, reservation management and more. The company offers software and hardware to companies ranging from small hotel to middle size hotel. Furthermore the company else have a Visual Comp accounting module with give the employer the opportunity to code complimentary guest charges from the guest folio, including patron self-redemption and manager comps and much more.  The software that the company provides are really users-friendly and the news users have no problem whatsoever to use the program after receiving the training.

It is not only easy to use but also features drag-and-drop options in their touch screen devices which facilitates new employees to use this kind of system. Most Importantly, it is user-friendly and can save a lot of money to the company in the long run. Great investment!

RFID, event applications, wearable technology, virtual reality, and social media are upcoming popular uses for event planners. With RFID event planners are able to keep better track of the guests attending the event as well as keeping them more involved. I first heard of this a few months ago when attending an event and it described that a chip with RFID was placed inside the wristband-type ticket. For me, the most interesting thing is the wearable technology! Imagine an event where you can have directions given to you or a layout of the event right on your wrist! Also, the watch can notify you of events happening within an event or you can see order your food or see the menu. To know that soon enough it will be a norm for everyone to have some type of wearable technology and that event planners can truly get the guests involved through this use is exciting.

This article introduces four new advances to technology that help ease the process of event planning. Projection mapping, 5G, Branded multi-use apps, and event diagramming.

This article shares the technology innovation with meeting/convention operations and how these technology help offer better guest satisfaction.

Virtual events have become more and more common, and it will be essential for planers to turn to hybrid formats. The biggest two challenges of online events are engagement opportunities and pricing. By using backdrops, strong visual theme, embed speakers, and 3D booth visualizations can help planner improve their online events.

Expect the hospitality industry to capitalize on these trends in 2017. Get ready to pay for your stay with a mobile app. Also, we will see more and more digital marketing.

With the new year upon us, this article describes the biggest trends of 2017. The biggest trend is the most obvious, more people are using their mobile device/ smartphones to search for restaurants locations or make reservations. The other trend, is how advertising through digital platforms is more cost effective than traditional marketing methods such as email campaigns. Projections show that 80% of restaurant operators agree that investing in technology helps the increasing of sales and gives them a competitive edge. Another statistic shows that mobile pay transactions will be the future.

As this article mentioned, for convenient menus and faster billing, Galla Pos run a platform. It introduces how to use this technology and this device will bring down the cost of the handset. In addition, visuals and various menus will assist customers to order faster and better, especially for the foreigners. As a Chinese, if the restaurant provide visuals or more description of the menu, it will help me to understand the food better. This concept will apply in more hotels later and small food joints or grocery stores. I like this idea and I believe more and more industries will apply for it because it provides better quality of service to assist the job of employees and make everything new and effective.

Highlight of the article: Toronto, Canada & Glattbrugg, Switzerland -- January 21, 2010 -- VFM Leonardo, leader in online visual content distribution for hotels, today announced that Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, an upscale hotel management company represented through over 90 hotels in operation or under construction in 26 countries, is using the Premium edition of VFM Leonardo's VBrochure Online Merchandising System to better merchandise its properties online with photos and rich media on thousands of electronic channels and websites in the VNetwork™. My description: VFM online merchandising system has been used more and more widely in hotel digital asset management and online visual content distribution network.It is a source helping potential customers to find the visual information of a certain hotel and increase booking of this hotel.The article mentioned a successful example of using VFM in Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, an upscale hotel management company.VFM makes it possible that make advertisements for this hotel in 26 countries of four core markets, Europe , Asian, Mid West ,and Africa.Nowadays, VFM Leonardo is a technology leader in online visual content management and distribution for the hotel industry and there are 90,000 hotels worldwide currently in distribution across the VNetwork.

This articles goes about descriping about how great and productive PSAV audio visual company is; and how it benefits for both hoteliers and guests "site inspectors". Nevertheless, Hotels such as The Westin has carry on a responsibility for its guests and future guests in providing the best quality as far as visuals and audio sounds is concern. Furthermore, PSAV has been producing large amount of revenue as well as new customers especially in the hospitality industry; as it is one of the most greatest and rapid growing industry in the United States Nations.

Restaurant chains such as On the Border, Panda Express, Domino's Pizza, Wendy's and Granite City Food & Brewery are investing ways to visual appeal to the customer by creating digital menu boards and building "open kitchens" to showcase the cooking. The move to appeal visually is for appearances to stay modern with their technology. Drive thrus and inside order menus are being changed to digital, LED, displays that can easily change image. Domino's is building a "pizza theater" to display lots of "sight lines" into the kitchen during full service.

E-Marketing/ digital marketing help businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry grow and succeed. This article focuses on the importance of e-marketing/digital marketing for the restaurant industry. The article mentions that over 70% of smartphone users access restaurant information on their phone, therefore promoting the restaurant online through a website, social media or e-mail marketing can help drive business. The first way digital marketing can help restaurants would be to develop the brand's story and identity. Secondly, having the restaurant be active and engaging on social media will help build customer loyalty and interaction. Another advantage to digital marketing is sharing menu items, pictures of the restaurants and showing guests having fun online develops visual content and can entice and attract customers. Another point made in the article was to keep the restaurant information such as hours, promotions and restaurant contact info up to date. Incorrect information can lead to customer frustration and loss of business and profit. Another benefit of e-marketing is the ability to offer incentives to the customers and bring them in the door. It is especially important to reward loyal customers. Another benefit listed is to review and interact with customers on platforms such as Yelp and Facebook. All in all, digital marketing is beneficial for business growth not only restaurants, but any business in the hospitality and tourism sector.

This article on internet marketing for the tourism industry provides great tips on how businesses operating in this industry can connect with their customers and appeal to them visually to encourage them to visit their properties. Through various sources and mediums (photos, videos, online business listings, blogs and articles, social media, and email marketing) greater exposure can be achieved at a reduced price when compared to the traditional ways of marketing.

Agilysys, one of the top providers in hospitality software solutions has just announced its new version of visual one software suite. With this new software hotel properties around the world will have an easier job with property management, front office operations, guest history, housekeeping, sales and catering, reservations management as well as many others. The new software is very efficient, effective, and easy to use. With the new software guests have acces to onine shopping where they can book rooms, set up spa appointments, golf outting tee times, and much more. Also with this new software hotels will have improved statistic and tax exemption tracking within the property management system, two-way TravelClick interface that supports inventory items and service requests, and new rate and availability calculator for easier agent booking. I believe with the introduction of this new software many mid-sized hotels and resorts will jump towards it. This will make the day-to-day business operations of the hotel run more smoothly with all data and information stored right in front of the employees with easy access. Agilysys has always been a leader in making management of a hotel or resort easier through innovative software and technology, and the introductions of the latest version of the Visual One software suite their name continues to grow throughout the hospitality industry.

This article discusses how self-service POS systems are now under fire from the ADA for not being accessible to people with disabilities. Most of the lawsuits have claimed that the problems with these systems are 1) they are mounted too high or at angles that are inaccessible for people in wheelchairs, 2) they do provide captions for those with hearing disabilities, and 3) they do not provide tactile feedback for those with visual disabilities. The ADA provides guidance for different types of technology, such as ATMs and vending machines, but has not provided such guidelines for these new POS systems. Because of this, the courts are having difficulty determining how to better enable these POS devices to work for those with disabilities, having to determine what to do for each individual device. Furthermore, these lawsuits pose a big risk to these companies. Businesses need to better evaluate their POS devices in order to make them more user-friendly for all individuals.

After reading this article, it truly gave me a better sense that technology continues to grow within hospitality and customer service continues to be the focal point of every hospitality organization. The Keating hotel in San Diego, CA, invested in the RightHear app which provides visually impaired guests to navigate the property easily through the use of the RightHear app. Beacons (Bluetooth low-energy sensors) are installed throughout the property that enable playback of voice information in locations where they are installed. They contain a tiny, smart, self-powered sensor that uses Bluetooth technology to detect whenever a user is nearby. They can typically be found near entrances, restrooms, elevators, stairs or any other points of interest in the venues. The app picks up these sensors and reads the information to the user, allowing them to guide themselves throughout the hotel but also giving them the ability to call for assistance, if needed. The instructions are controlled on an online dashboard interface that is being updated by the hotel management. The Keating hotel is the first within the United States to provide such convenience for these guests, and they have been fortunate enough to receive positive feedback not only from the users but also venues who are intrigued by this implementation

Agilysys Inc., is a "leader" in hospitality software that is known for its guest-oriented innovations that increase revenue for many facets of the hospitality industry such as hotels and cruise lines. Recently they created a solution to POS and PMS that have a very accessible user interface with the ability to use tools to help the ability to capitalize on revenue.These interfaces are widely used in hospitality locations such as resorts and hotels as they have the tools needed to be functional, such as front office operations, guest history, housekeeping, reservations management, with modules for accounting, activities, guest marketing, and many more.

The article discussed the significance of hotels using the Global Distribution System and how the GDS helps promote and influence bookings.The GDS is basically the main source of booking reservations for a travel agent. The GDS shows all rates and inventory for hotels, airlines, and rental car centers. According to the article, GDS is used mainly by international travel agents, but it is used my travel agents all over the globe. When looking at the GDS, travel agents ted to focus mainly on the rate information it is advertising, usually the BAR rate is what travel agents are aiming to get for their clients. The GDS is relied on heavily by travel agents to offer the best rate to their client, which in return will help them gain more clientele. The more accurate and visually appealing the GDS is, the more the agents are willing to use it.

Since we spent time discussing both the positives and negatives of utilizing an electronic restaurant menu, this article primarily focuses on six positive things about utilizing electronic menus. One positive thing I did not even consider is that it allows for people that speak different languages to communicate what they want better since they would have a menu that is in their native language. It also makes updating the menus much easier on the restaurant owners because everything is online which makes adding and deleting items much easier overall.

This was light, I wonder why they never mentioned Chain Wide deployment as a key benefit? Imaging instantly changing all branch menus (adding/removing/editing) instantly across hundreds or thousands of stores...that is powerful.

A very straight forward article highlighting various benefits of the eMenu. Namely the: Visual Formatting (Pics easily added). Increased Order Accuracy. Easier to Update (edited in practically real time). Additional Information (ie. nutritional information etc. can be easily inserted as opposed to a traditional menu) Upsell Items Automatically (ie. recommend paired dishes automatically). Mutiple Languages ( save cost, while increasing the number of potential customers).

Technology is in the hands of nearly every person this day and age, so why not take advantage of it? When it comes to hospitality people love to see pictures to see both the venue and the experiences people are having. it lets them imagine their own personal experience and creates a ideas to set up their own personal experience. Digital Marketing also allows to build relationships with clients an is a great place to advocate. It also allows for influences. On top of that, it will allow for people to see exactly what functions, features, attributes, etc. is going on without the hassle of having to call and find out. Technology also allows for easy work for the employees. They are able to use smart watched or portable tablets so they can be mobile with assisting clients and guests with their needs and questions. Digital marketing allows for testimonials of the great place it is.

This article introduces 2017 digital marketing trends for the hospitality industry. The first trend is visual content. Instead of the explanation contents, pictures will influence more to catch customers' attention considering the characteristics of the hospitality industry. Second, social media becomes a great intermediate between potential customers and the business. The business in the hospitality industry should be involved in social media to expose their brand and build client relationship. Third, virtual reality becomes popular to demonstrate the various functions and features lively. Also, adopting wearables or using storytelling production can be a new trend as a marketing tool. It can produce ancillary revenue and get customers more engaged in brand concept. Lastly, digital marketing should be monitored and evaluated for sales trends, supplier orders and employee overtime in a real time to improve more marketing strategy.

With technology evolving and changing at a fast pace it is changing both what consumers expect and how the Hospitality industry responds to these expectations as well as how they do business themselves. The article highlights the many trends in the Hospitality industry. These trends include the improving and overhauling of a Wi-Fi network, conference rooms that offer Audio visual equipment, Smart room keys and many other different trends.

In today's world we are surrounded by technology; however, sometimes we do not realize the extreme of which we are surrounded by until we stop and look around. The Hospitality industry is quickly adapting to the technologically world we live it. I read an article written by Jeff Robinson, Technical Director for Aurecon titled "Technology in the hospitality industry - exploring the very latest trends". This article was beyond interesting because it touched on some on the way technology has already changed the hospitality industry and ways it will be changing it for the future. Robinson tells us in his article that "some of the trends in industry are leading to great improvements and savings for hospitality industry companies; while some are changing how hotel developers plan their buildings, infrastructure, management structure and staffing requirements". This means its not only about the bottom dollar, but the experience of each guest when they stay at the hotel. Robinson also states the obvious fact that travelers these days do not see Wi-Fi as a perk, but more of a must have. Full access to audio-visual is also on the must have list especially for business meetings and conferences. What I found most interesting from Robinson's article was the introduction of the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This technology give you the ability to share information from a short-range frequency wireless communication. This technology is also ideal for self check-ins by guests at hotels as well as smart room keys.(Robinson) Hotel room keys have come a long way. From an actual key, key card in which you insert, to a key card you simply pass close to the reader and now the birth of the smart key. "Smart room access system allow guests to unlock their doors by simply swiping their phones across a keyless pad on the door.". (Robinson) Now how awesome is that. Robinson also talks about other new technology just as the future of hotel in room entertainment, hotels offering

It has been well described and defined that technology impacted the hospitality industry in which it has advantage and disadvantages. The update and development of software creates a change in the business. This justifies that better software leads to better customer service. For this development has given most business opportunity to grow as they give them better tools.