Group items matching

in title, tags, annotations or url

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.

This article talks about the future trend of the hospitality security, which is technology is opening new doors to hotel safety.  The author introduces some different technologies such as Contact-less Smartcards and RFID that hotels like New York's Plaza Hotel are currently using. Finger print or cellphone wipe technology is also used instead of card, which should be more safe. Some hotels even use video-capture systems to make sure the security is perfect. After introducing these technologies, the author also talks about the privacy issues. Because some customers are not willing to be on cameras. However, though some of them are concerning about this issue, an expert predicts that new security measures will eventually become such a part of everyone's everyday lives that he or she will become the norm. All in all, this article gives us the trend that more and more technologies will be used for hotel security in the future.

this article talks about new technology that is being implemented throughout out US and the world. Old key cards are now going to be replaced with even older standard keys or the radio frequency identification card that can be waived in front of the door to gain access. Also, there is a technology that will sent an encrypted sound text to guest;s cell phone, which when played back will open the door.  It talks about technology that tracks all employees, guests and their luggage.  There are several concerned that travelers have about their privacy, but article stated that it all depends on the type of the traveler.  Also, the face recognition technology used in Houston's largest hotel remembers guests names and when they return, guests are greeted by name.  Article concludes that even with all this technology, the best security is provided through interdependence of travelers and employees.  

Technology in the hotel travel and tourism industry will be changing drastically in the near future, from the swipe of a cell phone, print of a finger, facial recognition, iris scanners, security is going to be taken to the next level. the plastic key cards will soon no longer exist. Radio frequency I'd cards are the new thing, where guest will use this for preferences for everything, from charging things to your room, preference of floor type to pillow choice, chick in and out etc. systems that track the other qualities of a person instead of using a key or card are in development as well. There are research going on how to open the door and. Lose wi just the persons walk and movements. Some people think these new security technologies are awesome, while some think they are not, people dont want to be watched 24/7while on vacation they just want to enjoy there stay. But in today's society all travelers are becoming interdependent on each other for safety and security.

After years of struggling in negative business environment, according to a study conducted by Hospitality Technology, restaurants report that technology investment is back. Survey reveals 25% of respondents will replace POS System in next 5 years. 

This article explains the company, Ruskus Wireless, which has introduced a powerful Wi-Fi Wall switch, called ZoneFlex 7025, with elevated speeds of 802.11n, available for the United States' and European market. This product can offer hotels with the feature of multiple IP service over a single wireless at a minimal cost per room. According to Douglas Rice, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Hotel Technology Next Generation: "the hospitality market sees enormous benefits that an IP-based network brings in delivering a better guest experience, new services that will lead to drive customer loyalty". This type of technology will allow for hotels to integrate their Internet enabled devices to connect to a single wireless network. Eliminating the limitations of Ethernet cables will improve the areas of guest services, and conference rooms enhancing the experience for guests. Multiple hotels do not have the infrastructure to provide the feature of wireless access throughout their facility, considering the current technological revolution; it has become more of a necessity for hotels to provide this option for their guests. This type of Wi-Fi wall switch will help reduce the cost and complications associated with implementing network services. Fundamentally, Wi-Fi is a common amenity that multiple guests request in every level of travel purpose, which many hotels should implement if their benefit will outweigh the cost.

According to Meru Networks Inc, US wireless network provider, a wireless network market in the Asia Pacific region, especially Chinese, will be doubled in the next few years. The rapidly growing hospitality industry in China is part of the reason why the wireless network market has a need to grow. There are 651 five-star luxury hotels in the country as of now and 500 luxury hotels are waiting to be opened in the near future.  What we need to focus on are the customers who go to these luxury hotels. Nowadays, Wi-Fi is not just one of services that the guest enjoys. It is a part of life and a necessity. Providing high quality Wi-Fi service is a big portion of showing the quality of hotel. Therefore hotels strive to have a system that could offer the most reliable product with the lowest price. 

This article discusses the use of electronic badges to analyze employee behavior. Over all it found that employees that spent time together were more productive. Other options to track and analyze employee behavior are with cell phones. The use of technology in badges to track and analyze employees was developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab. The article discusses the next challenge is to learn from the data collected and then influence how people work together. The badges do not collect actual voice discussions of the employee. The data collected is limited to employee movement, the tone of their voice and with whom they are talking. Office design is one area that the data is being used. For example, a water cooler may be placed is a specific location to make sure certain employees come in contact with each other. Other studies have shown that employees, such as programmers, who work in groups, are 8% more efficient when collaboration on a project is needed then working remotely. Overall the general consensus of the article is that creativity and productivity are better when people work together on site.

This was a very interesting article, it discussed how virtual reality and augmented reality are reshaping the event industry. Many high end brands are using it in their events to immerse the attendees. Additionally it is being used pre-event by both the attendee and organizer. The attendee can use it to pick their seats at a show and the organizer can use it to inspect a remote location without having to physically be there. I believe in the next few years we will see more events take advantage of VR & AR technology.

This article speaks about the importance of upgrading to a next generation PMS if you're a hotelier. They describe the important benefits and whether or not it is a good investment.

Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed the insights and ROI discussion.

This article is about upgrading and renovation for upcoming evolution. It uses some industry example to point out people pursue the personalization, mobile-first experience. More and more companies need to use digital tool or upgrade their distribution systems to cater to people needs. Local distribution, global distribution, technology innovation are the sensitive topic related to the business development.

With the demand for sustainability initiatives by consumers, hotel are having to make major changes in order to oblige. Sustainability has become a major concern for many consumers and businesses have taken notice. As a result, major hotel chains across country have begun to put in order plans to make changes to their daily operations. As noted in the article by L.A. Times, changes have been made to features such as water usage, machinery operations and even landscaping design . These changes and updates are in the hopes to attract a wider consumer market which now includes Eco-friendly travelers.

The LA Times article, "More hotels are going green, and not just to save water or money" highlights how an "earth-friendly image" is important to many corporate travel managers. Research suggests that having an environmentally friendly hotel not only aids in decreasing operational cost and avoiding city or county fines but may also be a way to differentiate a firm's brand and compete more effectively in the market. With travelers specifically seeking out eco-friendly choices and demonstrating a willingness to pay extra to accommodate a hotels ability to provide these services; going green could be a strategic solution implemented in a manner that allows for increasing market share while reducing operational cost.

Good Afternoon, It good to see hotels are being proactive about being environmentally friendly. It also great they mentioned that corporate travelers are looking for Eco-friendly hotels. I know a lot of companies require corporate travelers to seek out hotels that meet certain green levels and along with there corporate rates. Hotels are demonstrating that they are willing to invest in green technology not only for money but because it the right thing to.

This article is an industry update in which readers learn that the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association has joined partnership with Hospitality Next Generation and The OpenTravel Alliance with the goals to improve and advance technology distribution technology in the hospitality industry! This awesome partnership will leverage the strength of HEDNA's business focus. This article gives information on HEDNA as well as OpenTravel Alliance as well.

This article discusses how to stay ahead in the hospitality industry. During a hospitality conference in Las Vegas, leaders in the industry discussed where the industry is going and the power of foresight. Being great at your job is not good enough anymore. Hotels needs to stay ahead of trends and find ways to innovated before guests do. Here are a few ways hotels and hospitality companies could be proactive to stay ahead of the curve. 1) Embrace Innovation: Using Marriott International as an example, they are always thinking outside the box. At their headquarters, they have an innovation lab that constantly manufactures new ideas. Some of their designs features are looking to implement communal rooms. Where guest will share a kitchen, dining room, and lounge areas. 2) Make Technology Your Friend: Whey a company embraces technology, it has the power to take a company to the next level. The issue is that most people don't normally like change and have trouble adapting to new ways. To be ahead of the curve, it is important for hotels to use technology to their advantage. 3) Personalize Employee Communication: Communication is the key to success in any company and in hospitality, it is very important to personalize employee communication. The staff is the backbone to all hotels and communications between management and staff need to stay constant. In today's society, the guests expect to communicate anywhere, anytime and employees are now expecting the same.

This article discusses the use of data mining and analytic techniques to create a competitive edge for companies in the hotel industry. Hotel companies are a customer centered business which accumulate large amounts of data on customers from various databases. Implementing a data mining system will improve profits, loyalty and retention and enhance guest experiences by helping the marketing and management teams create focused policies. The article discusses seven guidelines that create appropriate use of data mining technology. These guidelines include synching your IT infrastructure with the right data experts. Also, creating accurate segmentation and predictive models of the customers information or profile. As well as gathering the correct data for use in the system's models. Also utilizing the proper methods to collect and sort relevant data. Another important guideline is to have a speedy turnaround of the data. Also, continuous improvement is important find better ways to implement the processes. The final guideline mentioned is to find the proper IT employees to manage the data. The article proceeds to discuss five categories to utilize the information. These are classification, clustering, deviation detection, association and forecasting. The article predicts that over the next ten years there will be more attention paid to data mining to improve the guest experience and focus marketing initiatives. Data mining will be a critical tool to understand and utilize customers behaviors and patterns.

TPG Hotels & Resorts operates over 50 hotels nationwide. They are using software from Aptech Execuvue which delivers them day portfolios for their multiproperty operations the next day. The system also allows them to generate a variety of reports with detailed expenses and revenue sources, by brand as well as by property. They are also able to receive ad hoc reports that allow them to see 10 key metrics for the past five years compared to revenue.

The article describes how the pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology for many people and how it shifted the needs of people looking for short-term/hotel stays. Companies that thrived during the pandemic were the ones that offered things that began trending as people needed to stay away from others and inside for large periods of time: contact-less experiences and apartment settings rather than traditional hotel rooms. As we move forward from the pandemic and travel begins again, hoteliers will need to re-evaluate their technology and invest in guest experience software tools so their hotels can compete with the new trends in hospitality spaces.

This article speaks on how cloud systems are changing the hospitality system in a BIG way. Listed below, are how it is doing so successfully: Due to Cloud-based applications being offered by a vendor, there is no expensive hardware to install which makes it a reoccurring system for smaller hotels to be able to use such an advanced system. They allow guests to maneuver through their stay stress-free and giving them the convenience of not having to go down to the front desk to ask questions or make any food orders and these cloud systems record their behavior which allows the hotels to give them suggestions on where to go, what spa treatments to get and of course, what food to order. It also allows hotels to integrate software with various vendors unlike the traditional ones being used. With this, hoteliers can now have a customized management suite to meet all of their needs.

This article summarizes the benefits of switching from a traditional software system to a cloud based system. Some of the benefits the article mentions are low costs, better guest experience, and more flexibility. The article highly suggests that in the next few years most hoteliers will be switching to a cloud based software system.

This article gives an in depth look at how cloud computing is enhancing the hospitality industry. It gives a variety of pros to cloud computing and compares cloud computing to traditional or older ways of using servers.

This is a very interesting articles about the technology trends we are seeing in the restaurant industry such as the emenu or the robotic bartender. This article discusses the pro's and con's of these specific technological trends and also discusses how the evolution of technology is a great thing for the industry! It makes you wonder... what's next?

Google is indeed joining the online travel business, this will allow the largest search engine to become one of the largest travel intermediaries. Why is this important? Google has been experimenting and working with the world largest hotel company. The data they exchanged with Marriott has moved Google Travel along so much. This one stop shop is something Marriott is also experimenting with.

Great article. When I heard about this next big step that Google is making I was intrigued because I travel about 2-3 times a year and my go to site to book flights is Google flights. I always found that it was simpler to use Google Flights than to use Expedia or Orbit. Although Expedia and Orbit offered the hotels and flights in one page, I always deemed them to be too busy and more complicate to navigate. Looking at Google Travel, Google have kept it clean, direct and simpler and no pop up ads than what we are used to from the other OTA sites. It is interesting to know how relations with Google and Expedia will be after this. Although as the article states, Expedia CEO Mark Okerstrom saw this coming and he states "we have to be watchful about what they are doing" because Google have obtained a tremendous amount of data collected from marketing that Expedia does through Google.

True, Marriott is transitioning into a one stop shop and google has started but they haven't gotten on part with the other platforms as of yet. But it won't be long before they integrate and take over especially with all the information they have.

This article is about technology trends in the event industry. It talks about what event planners are doing to implement more technology in their events; it gives examples such as audience using smartphones to interact during the meeting, events, conference, etc. Now event planners use technology to collect information in real time, which helps them to adjust their event at the moment, this is a very smart strategy.

This article contains information about the expected event trends this year that will possibly increase ROI. The list of expected trends all surrounded the technological advancements that are enhancing event planning. The advancements include the increased use of smartphones to conduct business. This technological increase will also reduce company costs. It is also expected to improve company value. I agree with technology improving company value. Technology is advancing majorly throughout the world. It is also making it easier for companies and consumers to interact. Smartphones, alone, are very popular in today's economy and are a great example of technological advancement. Being that people already use their smartphones to check emails, save event dates and contact other people (whether over the phone or by video), conducting business will be somewhat simple to adapt to. Increasing company technology to reduce costs is a good move. However, the companies should keep in mind that losing one cost will only open the door for another one. When dealing with technology, there are always risks (usually malfunction risks). So, companies should keep in mind that there is a possibility that expenses will incur for the technological maintenance that will be needed to keep the technology operating.

The Great Recession has been come to end point; therefore, expected corporate and event spend will begin to rise from 9 to 20 percents in next two years. The author has scooped out 5 major trends that will rapidly increase Return on Investment (ROI) for 2013 and future. 1. Smart Events will take center stage: in 2011, 205 million people attended 1.8 million events cost more than $263 billion in direct spending in the U.S alone. But only 25 percent of organizations see its effective, in 2013 organizations will choose smart event technology to help them operate more effectively 2. Automation will help event planners reduce expenses: Strategic meeting management ( SMM) technology can help event planners adapt to new methods to identify event-related functions and reduce costs. 3. Planners will achieve greater efficiency through solution consolidation: In the future, organizers will lay out their workloads by choosing consolidated solution, saving time and freeing up event planners to focus on making event better and well organized. 4. Event  organizers will engage audiences with smartphones: New all-in one apps will help organizer to provide all the information needed for attendee about the event. 5. Meeting planners will leverage technology to gather in-dept attendee information: focusing on the need of attendee is a crucial part of event planner, to be able to get requirement of attendee in real time will help organizer to adjust their plan, strategies on the fly and increase ROI. Increasing the need for events in 2013 and future requires event planner to be able to get familiarize with new event trend and technology to minimize the cost and maximize the ROI for an organization.

The event today is not only between planner and organization; it's more like the communication and interaction among attendees. The technology assists the needs and expectation of attendees, which allows them to engage more during meetings and events. Besides, App or other online software facilitates attendees to get full knowledge of location, content and activity in one event. In addition, Audio-Video equipment mentioned in article also emphasized that lighting plays an important role to make one event stand out. In another words, creating great experience is definitely what technology is for.

This article talks about how technology has changed the world completely, especially Event Management. For example, the FiFa world cup puts out cool application so people could know the highlight, real time schedule of the games and result. Some other example are the stage show, this drastic change improved in the Audio - video equipment, stage and lighting. Technology has change in Live Meeting. Live Meeting webinar and live meeting are use halfway around the world. Also, the Social Explosion like facebook and Twitter is the big thing around the world. Even the Mobile Application are used now in iPhones, Androids, and Blackberrys has become the next -gem platform for Event Management

Now the event attendees can ask questions to the speaker via tweets or Facebook comments real time during an event. With the world tweeting away night and day, there is no doubt that technology has changed our life completely.