The RDP system is designed for short term and long term reservations for hotel
rooms, condominiums, homes, campsites, boat slips, parking places,
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Reservation Software system by Michael Anthony - 0 views
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The system displays availability up to four years in the future, checks the past guest file, and calculates rates and packages, all within
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is also possible to sell and reserve other additional items that are in time periods shorter than one day using the activity scheduling module
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Long Term Reservation Features Long term reservations can be created for guests staying between 30 days - 4 years. The long term reservations can calculate monthly rent with the ability to override and pro-rate rent. Each property can define rules for which reservations constitute as long term based on the length of stay or tax status.
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The system can calculate various additional charges, such as a booking fee, resort fee, gratuity, pet charge, housekeeping fee, etc. Many customers have used this ability to increase the total revenue. These charges can be calculated as a flat fee, a percentage of total room charges, or based on the room type or room number. A sample screen is below:
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A reservationist only enters the arrival date, departure date, and number of guests. The system calculates the correct package charge for all possible seasons, unit types, and components
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Rate plan patterns can be used to offer a free night periodically during the stay, or a discounted rate after a number of days.
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several customers in the Myrtle Beach area have reservation packages that include golf at over 100 golf courses in the area. The package includes one round per person per day at any medium quality golf course in the area
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With this system you not only can you tailor a package to specifically meet a guests needs, but you can have all the charges appear one bill with one flat rate. This would eliminate human errors such as double billing, tand he need to have 10 seperate bills. This would also make the night auditors life easier because they would have less charges to track. It would all be on one sheet of paper.
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Most hotel customers assign a room type during the reservation process, and then assign the room number closer to or at check-in, based on which rooms are clean and available. However, customers using the owner accounting system often assign the room number during the reservation process. You can assign room numbers during the reservation process, anytime prior to arrival, or upon arrival. Guests can also switch rooms after arrival, and the owner accounting module will pay the owner of each unit the correct amount.
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The RDP system guarantees availability of adjoining rooms. For example, assume there are two rooms with an adjoining door. The system allows one reservation to hold these two specific rooms.
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a deposit is required to hold the room, the reservationist enters the guest's credit card number, and the system obtains an authorization immediately and automatically.
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which allows reservationists to determine why a guest did not book a room. Perhaps the rate was too high or there was not enough conference space. Proper analysis of denied reservations can lead to changing rates or policies to increase future bookings
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GDSs are still strong in the US hotel market | Tnooz - 0 views
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In the US hotel market, global distribution systems (GDSs) are as strong as ever, when the data is looked at in a certain light.
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The resilience of GDSs flies in the face of a decade’s worth of industry chatter that GDSs are experiencing rapid decline
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GDSs have a cost advantage over OTAs. That’s partly because of the higher value of the transactions they typically process at volume, compared with the typical bookings that come through central reservation offices
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The major GDSs are racing with each other to become more dynamic and allow hoteliers to connect to travel agents at the point of sale and increase upsells of guests on amenities
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This article discusses how GDS's are still going strong in US Hotel industry. 55 million hotel reservations made last year through GDS according to Travelclick in e-commerce service provider. PhoCusWright estimates that GDS is represent 10% of all hotel revenue. Furthermore according to a study by the American Hotel and lodging Association 1.3 billion in fees were paid by hotels on base revenue of about 100 billion. The article states that these fees are usually passed on to the travel agents. Comparably bookings made through online travel agencies is nearly double that figure at approximately 2.5 billion on the same 100 billion of base revenue. The article concludes by saying that business travelers tend to stay at properties with higher average daily rates pushing up the average chance action on the GDS bookings.
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shared by hectorpachon on 28 Jan 19
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A viewpoint on GDS surcharges and the evolving airline distribution landscape | PhocusWire - 0 views
www.phocuswire.com/airline-distribution-landscape
A view point on GDS surcharges and the evolving airline distribution
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The fact is that the current system is old. It’s been around since the 60s and it has serious flaws baked into its older mainframe approach. Not so long ago, research revealed security flaws in PNRs as used by the GDS, which meant they could be easily hacked.
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This means that travel agents’ bookings are swayed by the airlines they have preferred agreements with. It earns them bonus payments if they reach a certain volume each year. This can skew the equation away from the traveler's best interests.
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Tensions between airlines and GDSs have been further exacerbated with carriers making more from unbundling their fares and then offering services like luggage, food and drink as add-ons. This move has been hugely profitable for airlines -- and has increased airline revenues by shielding these add-ons from middlemen.
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The fact is that it’s new technology that will guide and change the travel distribution system. Smaller players have more of an opportunity to create innovative solutions that do not involve the big three.
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They have direct access to consumers and are pushing hard into selling travel. If Facebook opens up its user base of more than one billion people to travel companies you can imagine that many will jump on board.
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Airlines have been heading towards a merchandising strategy for some time now, increasing profits and shifting from a service provider to a retailer.
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The fact is, in order to make these changes successfully they cannot be restricted by financial burdens, outdated systems and old technology. New platforms and systems need to be continuously developed to support them as the airlines’ business model evolves and passengers demand more from their carrier wherever they book their tickets.
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Some argue that the GDS is a fair system. It it does enable travel agents and clients to access travel data, make price comparisons, access special rates and book travel. The big 3 Travelport, Amaadeus, and Sabre do generate billions of dollars of global travel sales for travel providers. The fact is though that the current system is old, dating back to the 60's, has serious flaws, and can be hacked. It is also biased as travel agents bookings are swayed by the airlines they have preferred agreements with, which can skew the equation away from the traveler's best interests. Having 3 Big players with a virtual travel monopoly is not an ideal situation. Carriers are fighting back and airlines are changing strategy. Tension between airlines and the GDS caused by disputes has European airlines exploring models outside the GDS. To make the changes successful they cannot be restricted by outdated systems, old technology or financial burdens.
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It discusses the high fees of the GDS and the fact that their system needs to be upgraded. Also, the challenges airlines face with paying those fees and ways the airlines are making additional revenue without having to pay fees to the GDS.
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Due to the high fees some airlines were or are paying to the GDS companies, they are re-thinking their strategy to get more revenue out of the passengers, in order to mitigate the lost of revenue for not being anymore in an open GDS market like Amadeus. Amadeus knows they are the big gorilla in the market with a 44% of the share, compared to Sabre or Travelport, the other two leaders in the GDS market.
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The Complete Guide To Finding A POS System For Restaurants - 0 views
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he good news when it comes to cost is that restaurant POS systems have increasingly moved into the cloud in recent years, adopting a monthly subscription-based pricing model.
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By contrast, you can get started with one of the popular cloud-based POS systems for $1,500 or less.
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you’ll need to keep the following costs in mind: license fees, monthly support fees, and the cost of any hardware bundles you may need to purchase. Below is a breakdown of the average costs.
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Do your best to avoid long-term contracts and cancellation fees, as these can add to your overall cost and convenience
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Restaurant POS systems have been increasingly moving towards cloud based POS. The total cost of a restaurant POS system is deciding if your it is better to have locally installed POS system or web-based POS system. When making contracts for POS systems its best to avoid long term contracts and cancellation fess
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British Airways Adds a Fee That Could Weaken Airline-Ticket Middlemen - Skift - 0 views
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On Friday, International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), parent company of British Airways and Iberia, said that it will add a fee of £8 (about $10.63) per leg of a trip on tickets that are booked through the three largest middlemen for distributing tickets to travel agencies: Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport.
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In their attempt to cease the use of "middlemen", British Airways and Iberia will attempt something so bold that not many other airlines have done. The airline plans to add surcharges to the tickets consumers purchase through GDS's in hopes that they will book directly through them. Although many predict that they will fail, they originally got the idea from the airline Lufthansa, which implemented this approach back in the summer of 2015 and have not seen a loss in revenue since. Sabre did try to sue the airline for this however the case remains in limbo.
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shared by snesbeth on 21 Oct 19
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How The Internet Has Changed Investing - 0 views
www.investopedia.com/...net-has-changed-investing.aspx
internet investing information technology computer broker stocks
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wide availability of information is perhaps the biggest benefit that the Internet has had on investing.
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contact a company directly for the latest financial report, which could prove costly in terms of postage for large financial reports,
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With the Internet, an investor can find an online company report from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website immediately after it is posted.
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These days, many free websites provide financial information while others charge nominal annual fees for more specialized data.
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primary benefit that the Internet has had on investing is the affect it has on lowering fees for investors.
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Internet has placed considerable power in the hands of individuals, and this has had a profound effect on how the investor obtains financial information.
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The article basically discusses the differences between investing before and investing now since the internet has been born. Previously, people had to try and gather as much information about the company they were interested in investing in by going to the library and reading as much as possible but now it is easier for investors to search a company up and gain all the information they need and more to invest in that company just by entering keywords. Therefore, the internet has changed the investing game completely and even lowered the amount in fees that brokers pay immensely.
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Is Google Making Sabre and Global Distribution Systems Obsolete? - 2 views
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Finnair wanted to move “…to our desired state of pricing and distribution freedom in direct channels and content differentiation in indirect channels.” Effectively, the airline saw more value in flyers purchasing fares directly from them, or through indirect channels including online travel agencies and Google Flights.
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While Sabre handles a number of tickets every year, it also comes with hidden costs that are ultimately passed down to flyers. In 2011, American Airlines accused its former child company of exorbitantly raising fees for using the global distribution system to publish fares.
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While Sabre was doing battle with airlines over fees, a smaller player in the travel space with a big name would begin building their pathway to dominance. In 2010, Google quietly purchased a flight information software company called ITA Travel.
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Google Flights, along with other global distribution systems, provided a new direction for airlines. Instead of being dependent on a legacy technology service, they could market fares directly to travelers, and keep more of the fare through direct booking with the airline.
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As a result, the tables turned against Sabre – allowing airlines to be bolder in their relationship with the global distribution system.
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As technology makes data accessibility easier for both companies and consumers, more decisions could be made outside of global distribution systems and through consumer-focused technology.
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This article discusses how Google Flights has become a threat to global distribution systems, such as Sabre. Google Flights allows airlines to market directly to travelers and keep more of the fare. Sabre, on the other hand, has been charging airlines fees for their services. This contrast has changed how airlines utilize global distribution systems, and Google Flights could ultimately replace GDS's like Sabre.
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Life House launches management company for independents | Hotel Management - 1 views
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To support owners in particular need of support following COVID-19 impact, Life Hospitality is offering no transition fees and no management fees until 2021.
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The company plans to continue hiring staff at the corporate level as its managed pipeline of both independent and Life House-branded hotels continues to grow across the U.S., and soon beyond, Dunn said.
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Life Hospitality is able to take over existing hotels in as little as one week and train staff on its intuitive software in a single day, materially decreasing transition costs and preopening costs for owners
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Expert Shares 5 Consumer Trends That Hotel Marketing Cannot Ignore - 0 views
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guests are particularly apt to recoil at the sight of what they believe are hidden fees, like resort or parking fees
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As technology advances and people start to change how they travel, the hotel industry must not shy away from these changes. This article talks about consumer trends that hotels should be implementing onto their properties. Guests are beginning to find places that will allow them to relax but focus on their work. They also want to be assisted immediately, whether from a human being or a kiosk. They want to stay someplace they can brag about to others, which helps your company. They want to do business with a company that are honest with them about any policies or fees included with their stay. Lastly, guests are accepting the change of having things on a digital scale.
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Debuts An iPad Point-Of-Sale In A Box | TechCrunch - 0 views
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Revel Router,” as the device is being called, is an Apple-certified “made for iPad” technology that allows shops to run their POS through an Apple iPad.
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the system forgoes the need for an ISP-provided Internet connection in order to work – the whole thing can run off the iPad’s 3G or 4G
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company is selling the device as a package deal including an iPad, the router, peripherals, and POS software
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a restaurant owner or retail owner doesn’t even know when the Internet goes out,” she says.”This is the biggest problem in these establishments, and it’s our biggest support headache
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system isn’t really designed for mobility, but rather aims to replace the existing, stationary set-ups at the point-of-sale
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starting package is $3,330 and includes an iPad, cash box, printer, credit card swiper, the router, and the software license
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two support packages – email and online ticketing support for $100/month or per terminal fee that’s available 24/7.
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Revel Systems is an iPad point of sale company that is backed by $3.7 million in funding. The Revel Router is an Apple certified made for iPad technology that allows shops to run their POS through an Apple iPad. The company is selling the device as a package deal which includes an iPad, the routerm peripherals and the POS software. Currently there are 300 locations installed. Revel CEO Lisa Falzone says that a restaurant owner or retail owner doesnt even know when the internet goes out and with the iPad being on either 3G or 4G connectivity this problem will not exist. Also the need for intenret is eliminated due to the iPad. The system isnt really designed for mobility but rather it aims to replace the existing, stationary setups at the point of sale. The starting package is $3,330 and includes an iPad, cash box, printer, credit card swiper, the router, and the software license. The company offers two support pacakges and meail and online ticketing support for $100/month or per terminal fee thats available 24/7. The use of the iPad will make it easier for an establishment that is just starting out. Rather than running wires and installing internet, the use of the iPad will give the same functionality that a regualr touchscreen POS can bring. The amount of downtime due to internet failure is virtually non existent and the cost is at a very affordable price for any restaurant..
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Essential apps enhance Vegas visits - Travel Weekly - 0 views
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Vegas Mate has relevant information not found on other apps, such as a listing of resort fees, finding the top suites, information for travelers on getting around, conventions, gambling and more. Under the tourist tips section, there is info on how to tip, where to find medical attention, things to do for those under 21, etc.
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a news feed pulls in the latest updates and weather from around the city, and a trip planner helps keep all those show tickets, dinner reservations and hotel bookings in order.
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ome of the apps (such as the Aria) offer virtual tours of the rooms while others (like the app for Luxor) have much simpler listings.
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A new wine menu app enables guests to read reviews about wines, rate beverages and email wine labels to themselves so they won't forget a vintage they've particularly enjoyed.
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Loyalty Program is built into it. Wynn has added features such as short video clips from its show, "Le Reve," its nightclubs and a couple of the resort's bars.
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Almost everyone has a smart phone now and days. Apps are used for almost anything and this article gives evidence to how much you can do with an app. The article focuses on Las Vegas and how many hotels have different apps for every occasion. Vegas Mate caught my attention from how it has things such as "a listing of resort fees, top suites, information for travelers on getting around, conventions, gambling and more" that other Vegas apps don't have. I believe it takes great time and money for these companies to keep up with the ever changing schedules for each hotel. I'm a planner and I was really intrigued on how this certain app pulls up the latest update and weather from around the city and even "keep all those show tickets, dinner reservations and hotel bookings in order." I mean who can beat that? There's no excuse to why hotels and many other tourism spots don't have an app for all the amenities that are offered. It'll surprise guests and make them really pleased with their stay.
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Airline distribution - 0 views
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THE INTERNET HAS A LOT TO ANSWER FOR IN MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT FOR TODAY'S AIRLINE LEADERS. Information technology has always created headaches for management, but the appearance of the internet added a whole new dimension of transparency – of prices and seat availability. This engaged the consumer more directly and opened up new opportunities for intermediary dealing
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These, the so-called online travel agents (OTAs), were not in reality agents paid by the airline. They merely were able to insert themselves in the selling chain because they provided the public with an attractive proposition. And, instead of selling tickets directly, they referred a would-be traveller on – either to the airline directly or to a global distribution system (GDS), which then paid the OTA for the referra
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American found this distasteful, firstly because the heavy accent on prices alone led to commoditisation of the airline’s product; and secondly because the GDS – to add insult to injury – was paying the OTA out of the fee the GDS then charged American for the referral. The concentration on pricing, argued American, meant that qualitative and other valuable items were overlooked. If instead the customers had gone to American’s website directly, they would have been able to see the full range of upsell opportunities, therefore preventing American from maximising its ancillary revenues.
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Hardware subsidies for POS systems? - 0 views
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Subsidizing a product to get a long-term use commitment from a consumer base is nothing new; it existed before high tech hardware was made affordable by software or service agreements. Think about the razors you buy, assuming of course that you're not a fully bearded male. The initial cost of the razor isn't all that expensive, but replacing the razors for a month costs upwards of twice the razor itself. And if you've shopped for a printer lately, you know the same strategy applies here. The printer itself isn't the greatest expense over the life of the asset; the ink, which is required and usually specific to the device itself, is where you will spend the most money. The most well known form of subsidization, or at least most glaring, comes from the coupling of cell phones and cell service providers. An iPhone, for example, costs a lot more than most people actually pay for it. The new iPhone 5, the basic version with 16GB will run you $649. Not to mention the cost of new adapters, chargers, cases, etc. However, if you commit to (or renew) a two-year service contract with AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint, the phone itself costs $199. How does this work? The same way the printers and printer ink work. The service providers (i.e. AT&T) subsidize the majority of the cost of the phone in order to lock customers into a contract that ends up costing much more in usage and data charges over the life of the contract. The idea is to make the cost of entry relatively cheap. Then, the cost the company loses at the initial purchase is recouped through purchases, or service charges, over the long term. Unscrupulous? Not really, although some would say so after receiving their phone bill. But that has more to do with not being aware of the stipulations of the contract you sign to get the cheaper phone at the outset. Although I personally find it annoying, I try to look at as something akin to amortizing the asset, and remember that, at least for me, a monthly fee
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Future of Global Distribution for Airline Travel - 1 views
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Imagine if every airline used a separate reservation system to distribute flight information, instead of the familiar global distribution systems (GDS) in place now
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As travel professionals are aware, Southwest Airlines are not available in most systems for booking reservations. However, they do not negotiate with distribution companies to sell their product.
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Then travel companies would be charged to have the Direct Connect system in the long run, thus paying for the opportunity to sell American flights.
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American suggests that distribution companies begin using Direct Connect, powered by Farelogix. Travel professionals view this alternative concept as having to use a separate system for American Airlines reservations, possibly complimentary on a trial basis to the travel management company.
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This may be the biggest travel industry news in the United States and beyond, since the deletion of travel agency commissions. There is also the possibility that more consumers will begin relying on travel agents to locate the best airfares.
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They suggest it will make ancillary fees, such as priority seat and meal fees easier to track for business travel.
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Imagine if every airline used a separate reservation system to distribute flight information, instead of the familiar global distribution systems (GDS) in place now. Individuals and travel professionals would have to compare flight costs on every reservation website or call each airline separately.
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If every airline decides to utilize a different system and charge for their product to be sold, then travel companies may have to forward their costs to travelers, hence driving up the price of airfares.
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American Airlines airfares can no longer be found on Expedia or Orbitz websites, or any site powered by Orbitz. These are two of many airline distribution sites that consumers can compare and book flights they choose. Each did not come to an agreement with American Airlines for a new contract to distribute American Airlines' product.
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The contracts for the global distribution systems, Worldspan and Sabre, will be up for renewal soon this year. What will happen with American flights and air fares in those systems? Will American not be offered in those systems as well, if an agreement cannot be made? What happens if other airlines decide to join with American? This may be the biggest travel industry news in the United States and beyond, since the deletion of travel agency commissions.
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Though this is a major obstacle for travel agencies and other travel management companies, travel agencies, being fearful of the outcome for consumers, are ready to stand their ground and protect themselves and consumers alike.
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As travel professionals are aware, Southwest Airlines are not available in most systems for booking reservations. However, they do not negotiate with distribution companies to sell their product. For the most part, Southwest is self-contained and stands on their own, as far as distribution methods go.
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As travel professionals are aware, Southwest Airlines are not available in most systems for booking reservations. However, they do not negotiate with distribution companies to sell their product. For the most part, Southwest is self-contained and stands on their own, as far as distribution methods go.
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It appears that American Airline is about to remove itself from the tradition global distribution system and introduce its own distribution system. American Airlines is advocating for distribution companies to utilize AA direct connect which is a direct link into AA's host reservations system. Currently American Airlines fares are no longer available on Expedia or Orbitz sites. This is because no contractual agreement was reached for the distribution of AA products. Travel professionals are waiting to see the result of this bold move by American as this has great implication for the future of airline distribution systems. If American Airlines pulls away from the mainstream GDS, consumers and travel specialist alike will be faced with the inconvenience of going to a separate reservations system to compare fares. Although travel professionals are now urged to use direct connect on a trial basis, the general feeling is that eventually they will be charged to sell American Airline flights. To defend this move American Airline is only saying that direct connect will make it easier for them to tract ancillary fees like priority seating. It was noted in the article that Southwest Airline for the most part is a stand alone reservations system but they do not negotiate with the GDS companies to sell their flights. It is therefore quite evident that this move by American is really to reduce expenditure by eliminating the middle GDS companies while increasing revenue by charging travel partners for utilizing direct connect. American Airlines clearly wants to globally control their distribution system and maximize revenues. Contract renewal for both world span and sabre are due and the experts are waiting to see if American will renew with them. Sabre is owned by American Airlines so its a wait and see game to see how all this will be panned out. The real problem for the consumers and travel specialists are that if other airlines are to follow this move by American the tra
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Global distribution systems (GDS) are used within the travel industry for the booking of flights a service that was once performed by travel agents. With the introduction of GDS many jobs were loss. Because GDS are contracted services with World- span and Sabre renewal and renegotiation of contracts may pose a problem. There are many pros and cons to the GDS for consumers such as booking of flights anytime and the loss of personal relations with the travel agents. According to Bonnie Burgess, the renewal of the GDS with world-span and Sabre is eminent which might create a problem for consumes if the negotiation falls apart. There was a similar situation Direct TV and the provider of many channels to Direct TV when they could not come an agreement, and, in the final analysis the consumers were the ones who suffered. Southwest and American airlines are two airlines who defended why they felt that booking directly at the website is the best options for travelers. The conclusion, is that there are advantages and disadvantages to the GDS. one of the overarching disadvantage is when there are difficulties with meeting of the minds in contractual negotiations.
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The article highlighted reports how hard would be for travel agents to work without and Global Distribution System due to difficulty to generate price comparison reports to customers. It is also mentioned that American Airlines Airfares are no longer posted to the two majot websites for price comparison (Expedia and Orbitz). American Airlines will be using another website called Direct Connect which will be complimentary on a trial basis. In order to have full access, customers or travel agents would have pay for a membership. The process will have a higher cost and will be more time consuming. Southwest Airlines is acting the same way. The intention is to avoid comparison and encourage direct booking with the airlines. This difficulties presented by hotels and airlines may require more usage of a travel agent to do research for consumers. GDS's contracts are up for renewal and the concern is whether or not airlines will get into an agreement where rates will still be posted on the system avoiding several searches in multiple sources.
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This article explains the distribution route American Airlines is taking to sell their flights. Due to not seeing eye to eye with the two most probably used websites for travel, Expedia and Orbitz, American has now taken their products away from both airline distribution sites. American suggest that all travel agencies and distribution companies begin using Direct Connect, which is a system for only American Airlines flights. If this would happen, travel agencies and companies will then begin having to pay for the system in order to sell Americans flights. At the moment you can still book flights through other distribution sites, but until when will that be? They already stopped Orbitz and Expedia, what's not to stop the others. The future of global distribution systems will be up in the air if all airlines choose to sell their own systems to be able to sell reservations. The only positive that was pointed out in this article was that if this system takes over, then more consumers will have to go back to using travel agents to secure the best reservations for flights and such.
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With the contracts for major global systems, Worldspan and Sabre, being up for renewal in the near future, this article analyses the possible outcomes for airlines, and alternatives should they choose not to forgo continuing use of GDS
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shared by delaneyverger on 21 Sep 16
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Thinking Outside the Vendor RFP Process in Hospitality Digital Marketing | By Jason Price - 0 views
www.hospitalitynet.org/...4067389.html
vendor rfp process request for proposal hospitality hotel business tech technology i.t. i.t. investment
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Some believe the vendor RFP process allows a hotel company to pick the most qualified service/product provider through an unbiased decision process. Perhaps this is the case for commoditized supplies or services (housekeeping supplies, linens, laundry, etc.) where the RFP process allows for comparing the proverbial "apples to apples."
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At a typical hotel, who is equipped with the latest best practices in digital technology and marketing to sufficiently and adequately prepare a vendor RFP? Very few hotel companies have the bandwidth and depth of knowledge to adequately identify the digital needs of the property. Nor can they convey the property's needs and wants in the digital space and where it needs to be in 6, 12, 24 and 36 months from now. Lastly, who at the property can afford to devote considerable time to research and prepare a vendor RFP that asks the right questions, conveys the right objectives and provides a solid framework for evaluating and comparing one digital technology and marketing firm to the next?
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On the hotel side, the typical vendor RFP process easily takes 50+ hours from beginning to end. On the digital technology and marketing vendor side, time to review, respond, and present takes upwards of 25-40 hours. Typically, three vendors compete and with all parties combined the entire RFP process will cost upwards of $15,000-$20,000. Beyond the cost, this process consumes the time and energy of multiple people and departments on an average of every two years for the hotel company.
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The traditional vendor RFP process is not suited for evaluating and choosing a digital technology and marketing partner who will be entrusted to guide the hotel in maximizing revenues from the most important distribution and marketing channel in hospitality: the direct online channel (i.e. the property website). Such an RFP process is typically riddled with contradictions and self-selecting biases, and also represents an antiquated method unsuitable for a fast-paced digital world
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The traditional vendor RFP process cannot provide answers to crucial questions concerning familiarity with industry's best practices, strategic approach to digital marketing technology and marketing, digital technology innovativeness, quality and depth of direct online channel consulting services, etc
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Common observations on the RFP experience: It serves as a tool to fulfill administrative requirements or to simply "shop around" when in fact the digital marketing/technology firm has already been privately selected. On paper, every digital technology and marketing firm can present itself at its best and can creatively diminish any weaknesses or embellish any strength. The hotel does not know what questions to ask to get to the heart of what the hotel needs. Digital marketing and technology firms can easily make promises and fall short on delivery and meeting expectations. Over-promising and under-delivering has become modus operandi for a number of players in the industry. Properties can get carried away and request proprietary information like methodologies, access to code, and design work as part of the vendor RFP.
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Some hotel companies never follow up and leave the evaluated vendors in limbo. Oftentimes hotel companies do not give the digital marketing firm adequate time for proposal development, which demands further use of resources or the delay of other key projects. When management changes, the hotel company is more likely to go into a vendor RFP without evaluating the results and contributions of their current vendor, which can disrupt existing relationships and potentially impede the successes to date. Given the arduous process of the vendor RFP process, there could be a sense of entitlement on both sides that could result in a mutually caustic relationship from the onset.
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Digital agencies may propose lower costs to win the contract and introduce additional fees later only leading to resentment and regret. Hotels will often push needs beyond the original scope in the vendor RFP and use the proposal as leverage to get more services without paying. Not all digital agencies are the same but as mentioned, any agency can demonstrate on paper its superiority to solve any problem and deliver any service. Behind the scenes an agency can outsource and end up costing the hotel twice what is originally proposed in additional fees.
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Not all digital agencies are the same but as mentioned, any agency can demonstrate on paper its superiority to solve any problem and deliver any service. Behind the scenes an agency can outsource and end up costing the hotel twice what is originally proposed in additional fees.
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This article discusses how the traditional vendor RFP (Request for Proposal) model is no longer the ideal way to integrate the right technology marketing that a hotel needs. The traditional vendor RFP model is time-consuming and expensive, and with the way that technology is constantly expanding and changing, hotels need to stay up-to-date with technology more and more frequently, which can mean this process is wasting time and money on an ever-increasing scale. Furthermore, it is not always an accurate indicator of the kinds of technology a hotel might need, especially what a hotel might need in the future, and it is difficult to determine who would best be capable of knowing what the property will need or what exactly to ask for in an RFP. The article talks about three alternatives to the traditional model: the Scorecard model, the Digital Marketing Partner Interview model, and the Trusted Partner model. With the Scorecard model, hotels have a checklist of things they need and can check off each point from each potential vendor. With the Digital Marketing Partner Interview model, which is similar to the traditional vendor RFP process, except that the interview focused on finding a Digital Marketing Partner that aligns with the hotel's management philosophy, values, and culture in order to find the right partnership. With the Trusted Partner model, the hotel works with one particular company with whom they share common goals and objectives, and they work together to solve problems and adapt new technology as the hotel's technological needs are manifested over time.
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What is the GDS and do I really need it? - - 2 views
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While the benefits are obvious, the GDS is not the answer for all properties. Connecting to the GDS is an investment and one that doesn’t normally come cheap. In addition to a one-time sign-up fee, there are annual maintenance fees, booking fees per reservation, and commissions payable to the travel agency or travel website through which GDS reservations are made.
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Considering the cost and the fact that a GDS cannot influence demand for your property, a GDS is most beneficial to hotels with approximately 25 rooms or more and/or located in a popular travel destination. These properties should attain sufficient GDS bookings to outweigh the costs—after all, getting 80-90% of your rack rate is better than an empty room. If your hotel fits the bill it is worthwhile looking into a GDS that suits your needs and budget.
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Hotel consortium website takes aim at online travel agencies - USATODAY.com - 0 views
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Room Key is designed to give the benefits of booking your room directly with the hotel and enough choice from these hotel chains and their partners that you won't be tempted to plunk your money down on an online travel agency site instead.
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you can then view an overview of each property, along with photos, a map and ratings and review snippets from TripAdvisor.
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You'll get the benefit of earning rewards points, avoid the unpredictability of diverse booking fees from online travel agencies, and make special requests for things such as early check-in or connecting rooms.
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I found instances when it offered a different room type or lower rates at specific properties of its founding hotels than were available on sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Travelocity and Priceline.
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This article discusses the collaborative creation of hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott, RoomKey.com. It is an OTA site that provides benefits to users who choose to make reservations with the partnered hotels. It is different from other OTAs in that loyalty program points can be used, users are aware of the hotel at which they are making the reservations, the prices are lower, RoomKey provides detailed views of the location and rooms, and there are no hidden fees. I thought this was an interesting article in that it displayed some of the hotels' efforts to compete with OTA websites.
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Hackers to Open Hotel Rooms in Seconds. - 1 views
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The company’s response to that epic security bug has two parts–a quick fix, and a more rigorous one, both of which it plans to make available by the end of August: First, it’s issuing caps that cover the data port Brocious’s hack exploited, which can only be removed by opening the lock’s case. To further stymie hackers who would try to open the locks and remove that cap, it’s also sending customers new, more obscure Torx screws to replace those on the cases of installed locks. The second fix is more substantial: Onity will offer its customers new circuit boards and firmware that ostensibly fix the problems Brocious demonstrated–But Onity is asking owners of some models of its locks of some to pay a “nominal fee” for the fix, while offering others “special pricing programs” to cover the cost of replacing components. It’s also asking its customers to cover the shipping and labor costs of making hardware changes to the millions of locks worldwide.
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On August 17th, 2012 Forbes Magazine wrote about Onity's security breach with hotels room doors that affected over 4 million hotel rooms across the globe. During a security conference, Cody Brocious, a program developer showed how simply he could insert a device into the data port to access hotel rooms. The cost of this device cost him $50 to build. The company responded to the security issues with a two part resolution. To avoid hackers from accessing the data so easily, Onity will be issuing the hotels new caps that will cover the data case on the doors. Onity is also protecting the equipment with obscure torx screws that will enable the hackers from accessing the panel. The second fix is more costly and challenging for Onity. The company has created a new circuit board and firmware that allegedly fix the security issue. However, Onity is asking hotel owners to pay a nominal fee to help with the fix. Onity could face many financial hurtle through the recall of the 4 million door locks that need to be replaced. The security and safety of many travelers are at risk if this issue is not resolved. Companies such as Marriott International, Starwood Hotels and Hilton utilize Onity's key system across the globe (http://en.onity.com/companyprofile/Pages/Hotel-Resort-Worldwide-References.aspx). These companies won't be affected by the cost associated with the fix; however the small and independently owned and operated hotels will be affected. The question Brocious wrote on his blog and I also ask myself; how many hotels will refrain from properly fixing the issue? Are the major corporations such as Marriott and Starwood given each hotel a deadline to complete such project? Since neither company owns the properly, they simply operate the hotel, how much money and how quickly are owner willing to get this issue resolved?
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Tech Trends: Hotel technology turns to the cloud - 0 views
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This article claims that the hotels are trying to apply and adopt cloud-based hardware and software as the developing of computers and smartphones. The article uses the Delta Hotel as a example, explaining how the software apply to the management and how it be updated. In the Delta Hotel, Micro Opera 9 hotel management software is applied to many supportable devices. Also, the software contains the original product, mixing with new functions and fashion designs. Some company now is developing the software and application based on the Cloud system. Hotel Concepts-Brilliant a company providing such kind of service to hotels by collecting just only monthly subscription fee. The software-as-a-service has some advantages such as cost less, upgrade in time, no extra up-front investment and no property software or hardware to maintain. iTesso,which includes the booking engine, interface hardware and mobile applications is available as a front-end service. Call charging, POS system, accounting and keycard system are also included. The client who uses this software is able to use functions such as dashboard, check-in, check-out and housekeeping.
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Now that cloud computing systems have become more widely used, hotels are also turning to this emerging technology. Cloud computing is far more convenient than traditional methods and this article states: "Delta Hotels and Resorts is piloting Micros Opera 9 hotel management software, which works with popular browsers and tablet devices, including the iPad. Through the transition, Micros will release Opera 9 modules that complement, and add value to the current Opera V5 application." "Using the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, the iTesso Enterprise Lodging System eliminates the perpetual licensing fees that are standard with traditional, premise-based software. Instead, hoteliers pay a monthly fee per room for full use of the web-based system. The company claims that the SaaS model is more cost-efficient and offers perks like quick deployment, continuous upgrades, no up-front investment in either software or server hardware, and no property software or hardware to maintain."