Fairmont Hotels has reduced their CO2 output significantly "Over the last few years, Fairmont has identified and implemented a number of key initiatives to help reduce its carbon footprint.  These have included the creation of an internal framework to track, monitor and report on key energy and carbon data, appointing regional champions to oversee audit and data controls, and the introduction of a new Engineer of the Year award to recognize and reward outstanding environmental performance. "  This is very exciting to read that a hotel is physically attempted to make a positive change in order to better the environment. Fairmont is advancing by promising to reduce carbon and add efficient boilers, and a waste management system that will convert waste into energy! 

Newly integrated directly into the IQware PMS, IQbanquet a new solution for properly managing sales, delivers a wide range of features designed and proven to streamline event management, from sales tracking to resource planning. "IQbanquet also serves as a contact management system - all interactions, including phone calls, office visits or emails with the client are tracked. While many systems are integrated with Outlook, much of the client contact information can be lost or misplaced when staff changes." This new system has potential to really go in today's technologically advanced world. IQbanquet really is a system that will increase a positive consumer response rate. 

This article is based on Novotel Hotels. The company has launched The Virtual Concierge last month in June 2013. I picked this article because I have never heard of a virtual option of using a Concierge before. The Virtual Concierge is located on a screen availble for guest use in the lobby of the hotel. "Guests can use it to browse through information about the brand and the hotel. They can also obtain recommendations on places of interest near the hotel (restaurants, museums, etc.); practical information such as the weather forecast and flight information, and a host of other innovative services including sending virtual postcards." The hotel has even introduced free mobile applications for smartphones that will allow guests to access the virtual concierge's services from anywhere! "The service is unanimously approved by everyone who has used it! " I could definitely see virtual concierges making a strong addition to hotels around the world. Unfortunately I predict it will eliminate several jobs in the market, as it eliminates a key position to hotel staffing.  

Sentry Hospitality company has implemented Aptech Computer Systems Inc.'s Profitvue and Webvue. This web-enabled hospitality back office solution easily handles single or multi-property and multi-company accounting, and incorporates accounts payable, general ledger, budgeting, forecasting, and financials. Profitvue is used by over 500 properties! These programs are back office accounting systems to automate several financial reports and analysis functions for businesses and hospitality companies. Managers can check on a hotel's performance from anywhere using real-time access to financials at any time, from any location! Webvue is an extension of Profitvue that supports property accounting and reporting via the Internet. Coupled with Profitvue, Webvue enables properties to quickly and easily send and access financial and statistical data and generate reports through its Internet. Both Profitvue and Webvue are protected and secure to use!

This article is short and to the point. It reflects the unattended POS and e-menu discussions from blackboard. The company ResortSuite, has created a new tablet-based food and beverage ordering app on what is called their TabletSide POS. This device provides guests the tools they need exactly when they need them. The POS synchronizes real-time with the full ResortSuite food and beverage modules for up-to-date menu and guest information and even has an offline mode if WiFi were to lose connection!

Last year a law suit was filed against Wyndham Worldwide because the company did not protect their customer credit card data efficiently on their PMS. The company caused over $10 million in fraudulent losses. In this case, Wyndham had be allegedly using weak login credentials in their property management systems. This is the key vector for data breaches. "According to the FTC, Wyndham Worldwide had many points of weakness in their security chain including; storing credit card information in plain text, storing sensitive security codes (aka CVV/CVS/CVC data), not using firewalls, not enforcing strong passwords, not using updated operating systems, and not having adequate logging.'

Green Path Transfers are a a fairly new Eco-friendly airport transfer and ground transportation network. The goal is to offer safe and professional transportation in global markets to travelers. In addition Green Path Transfers are focusing on a low carbon movement in the future. The company has partnered with companies using low-emission vehicles and these vehicles are clearly marked in the search results of the website, in order to allow the customer a completely transparent booking and check-out process with the vehicle of their choice. Their customers consist of leisure travelers, corporate travelers and their distribution partners, such as hotels and flights.