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Technology and Security--Too Much of a Good Thing? : Hospitality Law Check-In - 0 views

www.hospitalitylawcheckin.com/...rity--too-much-of-a-good-thing technology hotel hospitality software
shared by jingyaoxie on 01 Nov 12 - No Cached
  • Hi-tech key cards, hidden cameras, metal detectors, secure and limited entrance and elevator access, and even the simplicity of the vigilance of employees and guests are many of the best practices employed at hotels today to protect its employees, guests and customers.
  • In today’s world, larger properties have command centers where all video and audio is often under constant watch and review.  In an instant, video can be pulled, reviewed and sent to the appropriate authorities. 
  • With terrorism seemingly a real and growing threat, hotels must find a balance between allowing guests their privacy and having the ability to monitor who is on the property and what actions they may be taking.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • Perimeter security often includes cement, metal or steel barricades that keep unwanted and unscreened traffic from entering the secured area.
  • It can also include security gates, intelligence-enabled camera networks, armed guards, car checks, guard dogs, lighting, height detectors and various other methods to keep the unwelcomed out of the hotel or resort area.
  • Qike Chu on 01 Nov 12
     
    In this article, the author pays attention to the balance between security technology and customers' privacy. Even though we all know that security becomes a big issue nowadays and technology is updating so fast, does it mean too much of them will also be  a good thing for hotels. In today's hotel, you can find monitors everywhere, which makes me feel bad because I feel like being in a jail. Obviously, with the growing treats and terrorism, it is necessary to put those monitors in hotels or even any other public places in order to make people safe. However, compared to being 100% safe, guests in hotels today much prefer privacy. They don't want to be monitored and feel inconvenient. 
  • Minghui Zheng on 01 Nov 12
     
    Now, many security devices and technologies are widely used in the hospitality industry. Perimeter security is a set of physical security and programmatic security policies that provide levels of protection against remote malicious activity. It can be both noticeable and seemingly invisible and is utilized to keep employees and guests safe. Larger properties like casino, have security system and command center that monitor guests' actions in every corner. However, in the situation of economic depression, hotels have to consider the cost of security measures.
  • jingyaoxie on 23 Mar 13
     
    In today's world, larger properties have command centers where all video and audio is often under constant watch and review. In an instant, video can be pulled, reviewed and sent to the appropriate authorities. All of this might bring back memories of your most recent visit to a casino, where the "eye in the sky" is watching your every move. While initially you may be conscious of your every move being monitored, eventually you forget there is a camera right above you. With terrorism seemingly a real and growing threat, hotels must find a balance between allowing guests their privacy and having the ability to monitor who is on the property and what actions they may be taking. Today,
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Hotel Lock Firm's Security Fix Requires Hardware Changes For Millions Of Keycard Locks ... - 4 views

www.forbes.com/...-changes-for-millions-of-locks lock hotel security
shared by Jing Huang on 02 Nov 12 - No Cached
  • Good news for the security of hotels and travelers: Onity, whose keycard locks can be found on at least four million rooms around the world, has a plan to fix a security flaw
  • Black Hat security conference by Cody Brocious, a Mozilla developer who showed that he was able to insert a device he built for less than $50 into the data port on the underside of Onity’s locks, read their memory to find a decryption key, and use it to gain access to the lock’s firmware and trigger its open command in a matter of seconds.
  • 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.
  • ...6 more annotations...
  • “If such a significant issue were to exist in a car, customers would likely expect a complete recall at the expense of the manufacturer,” Brocious adds. “I can’t help but feel that Onity has the same responsibility to their customers, and to customers staying in hotels protected by Onity locks.
  • “We want to assure you that Onity is working on providing you with a solution that will address any potential risks related to the alleged vulnerability of these locks,”
  • But since then, two hackers who asked not to have their names revealed have claimed in emails to me that they independently replicated the exploit and refined it, so that it now works on any Onity hotel room lock. Brocious tells me he’s spoken with eight or nine hackers who have all been able to replicate his work to some degree.
  • Onity isn’t the only one to come under fire in wake of its security flap: Brocious has also been criticized for failing to warn Onity ahead of his Black Hat demonstration and for selling a licence to use his Onity-hacking trick to a locksmith training firm for $20,000 long before he made his findings public.
  • Onity issued a statement responding to last month’s presentation at the Black Hat security conference by Cody Brocious, a Mozilla developer who showed that he was able to insert a device he built for less than $50 into the data port on the underside of Onity’s locks, read their memory to find a decryption key, and use it to gain access to the lock’s firmware and trigger its open command in a matter of seconds.
  • 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.
  • laura kaczkowski on 02 Nov 12
     
    In the article, "Hotel Lock Firm's Security Fix Requires Hardware Changes For Millions Of Keycard Locks," it talks about how Onity has a plan to fix a security flaw that allows hackers to insert a homemade device into the lock and open the door in a matter of second. The only problem with this new plan is that it requires hardware changes to every affected lock and it even might require it customers to pay for it. "Black Hat security conference by Cody Brocious, a Mozilla developer who showed that he was able to insert a device he built for less than $50 into the data port on the underside of Onity's locks, read their memory to find a decryption key, and use it to gain access to the lock's firmware and trigger its open command in a matter of seconds." It seems crazy that hackers can break in so easily, so maybe this expensive security could be worth it in the long run. The company responded with two different parts, first, it's issuing caps that cover the data port Brocious's hack exploited and the second more substantial: Onity will offer its customers new circuit boards and firmware that ostensibly fix the problems. Before reading this article I had no idea that it was so easy for hackers to get into hotel rooms, this really makes you think twice before you decide which hotel you will be staying at!
  • Jing Huang on 15 Jan 13
     
    The hardware of hotel is the locker. This article showed us there is a new key card locker was discovered by Onity's. It is more security but it need to change all the affected lock. It is a lock built for less than $50 into the data port on the underside of the Onity's locks. 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 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 safe issue became the most important issue of the new products. It will cost more money of each hotel and it is really safe or not is still a question. 
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Why is GDS important to the travel industry? - 0 views

tts.com/...s-is-important-travel-industry hospitality technology software travel
shared by anonymous on 09 Sep 16 - No Cached
  • The Global Distribution System (GDS) is a primary reservation tool for travel agents. And unless you are brand new to the travel business, you probably have used the GDS many times during each work day. But what is GDS, and why is it important to the travel industry? What do you know about GDS? GDS is a network/platform that enables travel agencies and their clients to access travel data, shop for and compare reservations options, and book travel. GDS networks like the system operated by Travelport generate billions of dollars in global travel sales. 
  • The importance of GDS to travel agents? Imagine a large room with large round tables. Seated around each table are airline reservation employees. As a ticketing request is called in, a reservationist reaches out toward a very large rotating Lazy Susan placed on each table. The Lazy Susan has cubby holes that house index file cards; each card represents an airline flight. The reservationist pulls a card, marks it to indicate a seat is booked; a ticket is manually written, the phone call is concluded, and the index card is returned to its cubby hole. The process for one reservation takes between 90 minutes and 3 hours. The year is 1953. The modern GDS system evolved from this early labour-intensive manual system, thanks to the collaborative team efforts of American Airlines (AA) and IBM.  The result of that collaboration? The first airline industry mainframe-based system, SABRE.
  • brittsengl on 09 Sep 16
     
    I really enjoyed reading this article, because it gave me more insight as to why we travel agents are still important even with advanced technology(GDS). Then it also explains how people use the GDS system and don't even notice it. Last tells you what it thinks the future of this GDS will will bring worldwide.
  • anonymous on 18 Sep 16
     
    In this article it talks about how the Global Distribution System is a tool used for travel agents. Agencies get information from a airline, hotel, car rentals, through the GDS system. I learned that the three main GDS system are Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport. Travel agency uses GDS system way more now because it is easier for them to look for the best rates and accommodation that they can for their client. Today, GDS are still big business and companies will continue using it. The GDS system puts your hotel in front of a lot of travel agents and travelers. It is very important to put your company on the global market because clients are traveling more frequently and traveling farther everywhere. The GDS is not the answer for every company because it does cost money.
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Smart idea: Schwartz hotel green initiatives - Spice News: Special Events, Product Laun... - 0 views

www.spicenews.com.au/...hwartz-hotel-green-initiatives
shared by rpere092 on 04 Sep 16 - No Cached
  • rpere092 on 04 Sep 16
     
    This article is showcases a hotel group, Schwartz Family Company, based out of Australia that are taking on several green initiatives and trying out incentives for their guests. The hotel group already has set green initiatives in majority of their properties, and some of them will include charging stations for electric cars, over 300 solar panels, and ambient room controls for the A/C and lights. The hotel group hopes their guests will drive to their properties more, knowing they can recharge for free - that's a big incentive in today's world.
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Ingenico Group and Datacap Deliver Seamless and Secure Pay-at-the-Table Solution to the... - 0 views

www.businesswire.com/...amless-Secure-Pay-at-the-Table
shared by rpere092 on 25 Aug 16 - No Cached
  • “In addition to improving our customer experience, the Pay-at-the-Table solution provides a number of benefits for our business and employees, including increased efficiency and table turnover. With the Pay-at-the-Table solution, we’re also able to offer our customers curbside pickup, allowing them to receive their food and pay without needing to leave their car, which many of our customers take advantage of.”
  • rpere092 on 25 Aug 16
     
    This article showcases the benefits Uncle Oogie's Pizzeria chain has seen since the installation of Ingenico's Pay-at-the-Table stations. Along with Datacap Systems technology, the new stations are very effective in the restaurants and have shown positive results in various areas. These terminals have increased profitability as a result of high table turnover, reduced wait times, increased customer service, and improved business efficiency. All of Uncle Oogie's payment transactions are encrypted via a multi-layered security approach.
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Google's Green Initiative: Environmentally Conscious Technology - 1 views

www.technobuffalo.com/...nmentally-conscious-technology technology software solution green
shared by cmogu001 on 04 Sep 16 - No Cached
  • Progress depends on radical innovation
  • the company still released information detailing the progress of its environmentally-friendly initiatives.
  • an application plug-in that would help automobiles determine where you are going,
  • ...10 more annotations...
  • This technology, called Prediction, maximizes fuel and power consumption, which effectively reduces carbon emissions
  • Google has made its environmentally-conscious initiatives well-known
  • French authorities have used Google’s mapping services to determine agricultural regions that should face water restrictions.
  • Google would be nowhere without its data centers.
  • managing to half their data center energy use through practical thinking, using the excess energy to power office complexes, Google has effectively cut down on its environmental impact.
  • Google is now providing information to indigenous tribes on deforestation, giving them the ability to track and prevent the atrocity from taking place.
  • cutting down on the emissions of data farms or having goats roam Google’s campus to eliminate the need for fertilizer and lawn mowers, the company has always strived to cut down on greenhouse gases.
  • Google’s long-term goal of running entirely on renewable energy is growing closer and closer.
  • Google is constantly searching for ways to ensure that it never consumes excessive gas.
  • Instead of trying to purge carbon from its systems, Google invests in “off-setting” its carbon emissions by investing in green initiatives that would not have the funding to survive otherwise.
  • cmogu001 on 04 Sep 16
     
    This article expounds how Google is contributing to the future green advancements of the world by implementing them in their every day operations. Although developing next-generation consumer electronics is an extremely lucrative sector of technology, Google has shifted their thinking away from the immediate consumer electronics field, moving towards the development of green technology. The article further mentions Google's wide-range of environmentally-friendly initiatives which includes the development of an application plug-in that would help automobiles determine where the driver is going that in turn reduces energy use, incorporates renewable energy, and offsets carbon emissions. Also, despite the large amount of Google data centers, Google has managed to cut their energy use in half through practical thinking that included purchasing a wind farm in Iowa with plans of running entirely on renewable energy in the near future. The company also made it a point to cut down on greenhouse gases by having goats roam their Google campus to eliminate the need for fertilizer and lawn movers. In conclusion, by adopting unconventional techniques for effectively lowering its environmental impact, the company has become a model example for more companies to think outside of the box and focus on implementing green technology in an efficient and innovative manner.
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Seven Mobile Marketing Opportunities For The Travel Industry - 0 views

www.forbes.com/...2
shared by acarter001 on 15 Feb 17 - No Cached
  • 3. Enable location-based services and information. A 2014 Ipsos study commissioned by Google showed that 88% of people make local searches on smartphones, while 61% want mobile search results customized to their immediate location. Location-specific offers, driving directions and maps, and localized search results all play a role here. For example, if a person searches “Olive Garden” on mobile, chances are excellent that they are looking for a local restaurant. The brand can win more sales when it ensures that its local stores are in the mobile search results. The quickest way to do this is to buy search terms including location, i.e. “Olive Garden Birmingham AL.” Over the long run, you can boost your local SEO by claiming each location in Google and Bing, and then driving citations and ratings from users. 4. Help people avoid lines. Mobile check-in helps hotels, airlines and car services improve guest satisfaction. The Center for Generational Kinetics conducted a study that found that 40% of millennials prefer purely online customer service, supporting the overall trend that they prefer self-service experiences offered via mobile instead of in person. I recently had a four-day hotel experience in which I checked in, checked out, made requests and ordered room service, all via mobile and without speaking to anyone. It was simply an experiment for me, but self-service is the preferred way of doing business for many. 5. Offer local insight and options. Innovative travel companies now replicate concierge services through their apps. Hotel and airline apps sometimes offer local area guides and activity booking tools. These tools make travel experiences richer and boost loyalty. For example, my team and I recently stayed in a hotel in Philadelphia. We arrived after 10 p.m. and wanted a good nearby restaurant that was serving at that hour. After a few clicks, we had a reservation and walking directions.
  • acarter001 on 15 Feb 17
     
    It is important that the travel industry pays attention to the opportunities available to them with e-marketing. They are able to reach customers in ways that were not available previously. This technology allows hotels to offer their customers automated check-in, order automatic check in online, and even give their guests concierge services. It is also possible to suggest items and offer specials based on their location. These tools turn customer's phones into marketing devices that can really drive revenue.
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Bluetooth Proximity Marketing - How can retailers benefit? | LinkedIn - 0 views

www.linkedin.com/...ting-how-can-retailers-benefit #hospitalityandtourism #marketing
shared by mtorres619 on 10 Apr 17 - No Cached
  • Bluetooth Proximity Marketing is the latest marketing technique, but how can retailers apply and benefit from it?
  • Bluetooth is a short-range wireless system found on most smartphones and tablets nowadays that transmits information and can receive information without wires. We use Bluetooth in our cars to call people without a headset or to send files to another device without a USB cable.
  • Bluetooth Proximity marketing can have many applications, but can it be applied to the shopper experience and if so how can the retailer and consumer benefit? Within Bluetooth Proximity Marketing there are several types of applications.
  • mtorres619 on 10 Apr 17
     
    Bluetooth proximity marketing was the new and upcoming marketing technique back in 2014. As learned this week in class this kind of marketing is used to connect with potential and existing consumers. There are four different types of proximity marketing that should be considered:  Internet enabled device (cell phone, tablet, etc) with GPS.  WiFi device (cell phone, tablet, etc) within range of a transmitter  Bluetooth device (cell phone, tablet, etc) being within range of a transmitter  NFC enabled phone that can read a RFID chip on a product or media. The main one described in this article is Bluetooth. An example of Bluetooth proximity marketing would be a retailer adds a transmitter to a specific promotional spot, and the person with a Bluetooth enabled phone may receive a coupon for the products found at that promotional spot or a complimentary product. The target is to directly market the consumer, you can send coupons, engage the costumer, send relevant information, etc.
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Hotel H2O selects Amadeus Property Management System - 1 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4046494.html hotel pms H2O
shared by olaya5 on 17 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • Amadeus is the chosen technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry. The company provides distribution and technology solutions to help its customers adapt, grow and succeed in the fast changing travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, railway companies, ferry lines, cruise lines, insurance companies and tour operators), travel sellers (travel agencies) and travel buyers (corporations and travellers).
  • Implementing the Amadeus PMS is Courtesy Point Technologies, Inc., a local partner that specialises in providing IT solutions and services to the growing leisure industry.
  • operates under a transaction-based business model that offers IT solutions to virtually all players in the travel industry. The Amadeus system processed more than 670 million billable travel transactions in 2009.
  • Te Gu on 17 Feb 12
     
    In the highly competitive hospitality industry, it is the intangibles that encourage guests to spend more, provide positive feedback and return to the property in the future. The most powerful of these intangibles is service. No amount of hiring, training or incentives can ensure top-notch service if employees don't have appropriate systems providing information at their fingertips. In addition, as properties incorporate more services and amenities, the need to integrate these functions becomes increasingly challenging - and important. Here more and more hotels use the PMS, Property Management System. As we know, the PMS also has the function that developed to administer a seamless process in the management of a hotel's room inventory and audit, customer relations, as well as invoicing and billing, the Amadeus PMS features inter-hotel communication capability for hotel chains and an email confirmation facility. We compare PMS to the other system webrezpro. We find that the PMS is more and more comprehensive now. The functions of PMS are useful and improve day by day. Another important thing is that PMS links to GDS technology, which means PMS should collect the data more and more effective and quick. From the GDS system, the materials that GDS provides are in details which are very useful for PMS to deal with and save the time for hotel. From the view of manager, it means more gross profit for hotel.
  • olaya5 on 13 Feb 13
     
    This article talks about Hotel H2O and Amadeus, they have come together in order to operate the Amadeus Property Management System. This system was developed to manage the inventory of room and audit of a hotel, as well as customer relations, invoicing and billing. The General Manager of the Hotel H2O mentions "We have conducted an extensive survey of the various hotel property management systems available in the market and have come to the conclusion that the Amadeus Property Management System (PMS) best meets Hotel H2O's requirements. With the growing sophistication and demands of hotel guests, the Amadeus PMS will enable us to properly cater to our guests' needs and provide them with the unique experience that only Hotel H2O can offer". Amadeus is the system that global travel and tourism industry chose to partner transactions processor. The company delivers distribution and technology solutions to assist its customers in the fast changing industry.
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How to get the most out of the Global Distribution System - 0 views

www.rezstream.com/...global-distribution-system-gds hotel technology hospitality software
shared by Priscilla Moreno on 13 Jul 12 - No Cached
  • Priscilla Moreno on 13 Jul 12
     
    Global Distribution Systems were created in order for airline companies to generate their own ticket sales and to make their own reservations for their customers. As years went by, these GDS companies were creating travel websites such as Travelocity.com and Orbitz.com. They have continued to grow in popularity and market share. One benefit of having this resource is that hotels, car rentals, and airlines are able to showcase their services worldwide. The GDS is best for any large hotel and resorts that have so many amenities that the GDS would be able to seperate the information and they would be able to pass on the information for any customer looking to stay there.
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Visit Baltimore launches 3D map app for city tourists - Baltimore Business Journal - 3 views

www.bizjournals.com/...imore-launches-3d-map-app.html tourist 3D map app
shared by Linlin Mo on 31 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • Ayers Saint Gross used a combination of satellite, GIS and aircraft imaging to create the 3D map, which can be constantly updated as new buildings arise and others are torn down.
  • Ayers Saint Gross is in the process of working with Apple and Android to create smart phone versions of the app, and could not give an estimate of when it would be ready for the public.
  • Not only does it allow tourists to navigate the city, but it also sells the city to potential clients interested in bringing their meetings and events to Baltimore, he said.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • Potential visitors can search for rooms for conventions, find restaurants near their hotels and see nearby transportation options from the bird’s eye or a street view. Noonan can even create custom virtual tours to showcase local attractions that particular groups might be interested in, allowing new visitors to understand the lay of the land before they’ve set foot on it.
  • Linlin Mo on 31 Aug 12
     
    This article introduce a very nice, brand new 3D application that can help many tourists when they arrive, in Baltimore. As useful as the app may be to tourists, it's pretty sad that they have all these lovely features for one city and nowhere else.We can see that from google map to this 3D map, seems like it is a trend that the companies are developing theapplication of navigating tourists. However, I'm glad that they haven't revealed this app to the App Store or Play Store yet for the public because they need to expand their horizons before they even think to release it to the market. But as long as they improve this app and release to the public, it will be great convenience for the tourists.
  • Michael Anthony on 31 Aug 12
     
    I highlighted the two passages I found to be most interesting in blue. I read that the system will update it's self every 24 hours but I'm wondering if that would include the forecast and traffic conditions. Does this also offer some type of naviagation device weather it be by car or foot? Baltimore, can be a rather rough city at time. I know that it will high light tourist attractions, convention centers, etc. But will it highlight street names and areas that travelers should stay away from?
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Morgans Hotel Group Launches Intelity's ICE, a Digital Extension of - 3 views

www.hospitality-industry.com/...tys_ice_a_digital_extension_of hotel ICE software
shared by Xue Yan on 31 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • NEW YORK, July 20 - Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ:MHGC) (“MHG”), the original boutique hotel company, announces its plans to launch a new virtual concierge program, a digital supplement to its renowned “GEM” (guest engagement manager) services. This initiative utilizes Intelity’s ICE (Interactive Customer Experience), via iPads, which will be available in all guest rooms at Royalton.
  • This innovative hospitality development will offer guests the opportunity to interactively explore the hotels many amenities, browse and order in-room dining options, communicate with the concierge for tickets to events, or arrange a car service; all on brand new Apple iPads.  Guests will even be able to personally manage their requests using the new ICE Touch program in-room technology. From the convenience of their room, guests will have direct communication with hotel management allowing them a novelty experience and further establishing a seamless stay at Royalton
  • In addition to serving as a resource for guests, this new platform also offers advanced communication tools for hotel staff, including real time messaging, notes from the General Manager, messages regarding programmed events, and information on specialty cocktails and featured menu items from the restaurants’ Chef. Hotel employees will even be able to program specific video or on-screen messaging for in-house groups. Royalton, already renowned for their staff and service, expects this program to enhance guest communication while heightening operational efficiencies.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • “This is an opportunity for Morgans Hotel Group to provide a unique and engaging guest experience, while staying on the cutting edge of technology.”
  • Xue Yan on 31 Aug 12
     
    The Intelity's ICE is a new virtual concierge program, as a digital supplement to its renowned "GEM" (guest engagement manager) service, which is established in Mogans hotel in New York. By launching the Intelity's ICE, nearly all guests' requirements can be accomplished quickly, for guests can explore the amenities in the hotels, search for events in the city, buy tickets and communicate with the hotel working staff through an ipad in each room. Not only that, but the hotel managers also find it a great program to communicate with the working staff. To the hotel managers, they think that the program can enhance customer service and increase communication opportunities as well as heightening operational efficiencies
  • Michael Anthony on 31 Aug 12
     
    I found the mobile app to be most interesting because my article disscussed that as well. I feel that the mobil app will certainily create a unique experience for the visting guest. By going digital there are many benefits to not only the guests but the environment as well. There will be longer be a need for plastic room keys, or large amounts of paper. Hotels will be able to save expenses and man power by providing systems like the new virtual concierge program. In particular, you won't need to hire so many people to book reservations over the telephone. Everything can be done through the Ipad which most people have now a days anyway. However, I would feel better if there was trouble shooter around should the guest not be able to comprehend the technologic system.
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American Airlines Battles Expedia in Online Ticket War - TIME - 1 views

www.time.com/...0,8599,2040936,00.html airline competition computer reservation systems services information
shared by Nicole Beveridge on 03 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Southwest requires that consumers go directly to its website to book a trip. That makes it more difficult for passengers to comparison-shop, but Southwest has won customer trust, and loyalty, by delivering consistently low fares for decades rather than make consumers hunt them down. Capturing customers on its own website also allows Southwest to get additional revenue from ancillary items such as rental cars and frequent-flyer credit cards — a revenue stream American has undoubtedly taken note of.
  • In bypassing the online travel agents, American saves on distribution costs, but can also raise its ticket prices more easily, since its fares won't be displayed directly beside those of its competitors.
  • Nicole Beveridge on 03 Sep 12
     
    Computer reservations have become the primary means of disseminating air travel information to the airline-sales distribution system. These systems have greatly impacted competition within the airline industry. Sophisticated automation is changing the method by which reservations are requested and accepted. Never before have airline reservations come from so many varied directions. The lack of capital barrier to entry, the mobility of financial and physical capital and a well established information and distribution system seem to preclude any carrier from maintaining unreasonable rates and services without inviting a timely competitive response
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Does This Tech Giant's Strategy Spell Trouble for Travel? - DailyFinance - 0 views

www.dailyfinance.com/...s-strategy-spell-trouble-for-t
shared by Nicole Spencer on 08 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • has a history of taking a service people used to pay good money for, and simply offering it up for free.
  • online travel agency (OTA) business. Investors in traditional OTAs should be worried.
  • Cutting out the middleman
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • allows customers to book directly from hotels themselves.
  • hotels bid for this privilege, as bypassing OTAs provides significant cost savings.
  • If Google chooses to allow users to book directly from hotels without a fee to either, however, OTAs would find themselves charging a premium for no added value -- not a pretty position to be in
  • Nicole Spencer on 08 Sep 12
     
    Google, a well-known online search engine has a recent history of taking services that people pay money for and making it available for free to its users. One service in particular that has been recently launched is Google Flights, allowing users to select a travel plan and then go directly airlines' reservation system. The problem here is it has left online travel agency OTA's industries such as Expedia and Priceline.com out of the picture. Such OTA industries earn revenue by either taking a commission from hotel or charging a markup to consumers. This should be a great concern to this industry . Although there are some hurdles for Google-Google users search results are limited for flights as of its competitors; Google's competitors still have established customer relations and brand. Google can overcome these hurdles in a matter of time and OTA's should keep a close eye or find solutions to adapt.
  • Jenan Williams on 09 Sep 12
     
    Great article! I recently read that Google is taking over the travel market when searching for events using the Google search engine. Pay per click, allows companies to tie into hyperlinks when web surfers an event in the area of their business. Highlighting hotels, car rentals and restaurant conveniently located within the search engine user area.
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Do the Math | Past Issues | Lodging Magazine - 0 views

www.lodgingmagazine.com/...2588.aspx
shared by Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12 - No Cached
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
       
      Upgrading is a marketing strategy that has been used for years and it has always been an effective way to maximize profits. We need to train our front desk employees the same way we train our sales staff. They are an important sales team to hotels
  • Creating upgrades and offers for guests to take advantage of is a simple solution that can turn into big profits for hotels.
  • Upselling refers to revenue potential that goes above and beyond a traditional guest booking
  • ...8 more annotations...
  • all at a cost to the guest
  • The current trend in upselling is not only about presenting a guest with an upgrade or an offer, but also finding the offer that is right for that particular guest
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
       
      We can utilize information stored in property management systems to upsale rooms and services in the hotel
  • It’s about determining what that guest is interested in at that particular moment.”
  • “It’s about doing it in such a way that it doesn’t feel like an upsell,” McGuire says. “It’s a balancing act between keeping the guest happy and driving revenue and profits
  • It’s one of those channels that we know is creating incremental sales for hotels.”
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
       
      If guests are checking their reservations in their smart phones, hotels can use that technology to upgrade and increase profits.
  • iPods and iPads has really changed the opportunity to effectively communicate with a guest at any given moment.”
  • FrontDesk Upsell, which is part of the Nor1 platform, prompts front desk personnel with a sales script and a personalized offer through the hotel’s property management system (PMS) when a guest checks in. This scripted approach takes some of the guesswork out of the upselling equation and gives the staff more confidence when offering an upgrade.“For front desk personnel, this isn’t like a hard sell—it’s not like a used car salesman,” Buckhiester says. “This is about providing options. Those options may or may not be of interest to a guest, but in many cases they are.
  • There is that customer experience element, if you’re using the analytics in the right way, to make sure the offer is not only profitable to you but relevant to the customer.”
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
       
      Exceeding guest expectations is the key of sucess. If the information stored in the pms about the guest provides clues, then the front desk can upsale, and the guest will leave the hotel happier, will return and will recommend it to his or her friends.
  • Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
     
    This articles is a wake up call to many hotels that are looking for ways to increase profit. The concept of upsale has been around for a very long time. It is time for hoteliers to go back to basic marketing concepts but utilizing the latest technologies. Property management systems contain so much valuable information about the guests. Hotels need to utilize this information to offer unique experiences.
1More

Travel Companies Sued Over App Patent - 3 views

atwonline.com/...anies-patent-infringement-0110 app travel
shared by Kevin Character on 12 Jan 12 - No Cached
  • Kevin Character on 12 Jan 12
     
    In the age of apps and mobile technology, something told me this one was coming. I found an interesting article about 10 travel companies being sued by a mobile app producing company for copyright infringement. Air Transport World is reporting that MarcoSolve Inc., based out of Oklahoma, is suing several airlines and other companies, including Avis Rent A Car, the Hertz Corp., Hipmunk Inc., Hotels.com, Priceline.com and Travelocty.com. The patent that MacroSolve is suing over grants the company the ability to download apps to any mobile device, collect data from those device users and send that data back to a central database. On a travel-based application, this would be conceived as the ability to track user location and automate social networking connectivity. MacroSolve was finally granted the patent in 2010 following several revisions when the company originally filed in 2002. More than 30 other companies other non-travel based companies were also sued by MacroSolve for infringement. However, a patent consultancy is claiming that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the same patent for the invention to different companies. When considering the app world and app technology, the article indicates that there are only very small differences in software that distinguish one patent from another. As app-building technology continues, I believe news reports will begin to reveal more litigation like this. This is the type of technology that tends to overlap in design. For example, the article says the MacroSolve patent on differed in its use of its app terms like "poll", and "survey". Air Transport World reports the recent litigation is forcing some foreign developers away from the U.S. market.
4More

KABA Delivers on Hyatt's Commitment to Guest Safety and Convenience | hospitalityupgrad... - 0 views

www.hospitalityupgrade.com/...showNewsDetail-docID-5322.asp tech business hotel guest safety solution
shared by Carl Miller on 11 Jan 12 - No Cached
  • Only keycard holders may be admitted to guestroom floors for heightened security.  KABA’s Saflok electronic lock system and keycards interface with Schindler Elevator Corporation’s PORT Technology.
  • “The technology personalizes the guest’s stay by generating automatic elevator calls,”
  • “The system also enables greater security.  It ensures that only keycard holders may access the guestroom floors during defined hours of operation.”
  • Carl Miller on 11 Jan 12
     
    This article describes how a Hyatt hotel in New Orleans has increased hotel and guest security while making it easier for guests to get where they need to go. The increased security is vital for this hotel as it provides meeting and event space to guests. A lot of people make business deals in the hotel and it's important to them to know there are no unwanted attendees at their meetings and events. This is great for guests as they only need to know what their hotel/conference room number is. The hotel basically leads them directly where they need to go. This saves hotel personnel time they might have to spend giving people directions to their room. This hotel is very large so helping guests get where they need to go saves lots of time and frustration. This can also be a great cost saving move for the hotel. They may be able to eliminate some security personnel knowing the RFID cards and elevator security system will do some of the work for them. A surveillance staff is still needed but they should already have those positions on staff anyway. They could perhaps also see some energy savings as the Schindler system should be calling the most efficient elevator car. One thing I'm wondering about that is not addressed in the article is the security of the stairwells. They surely have to have stairwells for emergency situations. Can someone go into the stairwell from their floor and access other floors?
15More

Travel Agent Increase Use of GDS to Book Hotel Room - 0 views

www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx hotel technology GDS
shared by Jiaqi Xu on 02 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • travel
  • travel
  • Travel Agents Increase Use of GDS to Book Hotel Rooms
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • travel
  • travel
  • travel
  • travel
  • travel
  • travel
  • travel
  • "Travel agents are increasing GDS hotel use, and have once again confirmed their confidence in GDS Shopping and Booking Displays," remarked John Hach, Senior Vice President, Global Product Management at TravelClick. "As the GDS channel produces one of the highest average daily rates of any booking channel, there is a huge opportunity for hoteliers to influence travel agents through the GDS at the point-of-sale."
  • "This survey definitively shows that promotional messages are not only an excellent way to reach travel agents, but also a valuable sales catalyst,"
  • AQUEELAH THOMPSON on 02 Feb 12
     
    This article is a good one that demonstrates how GDS are now more often used than times before. The article states that the 2011 Global Travel Agent GDS study demonstrates how important GDS platform and shopping Displays are to the travel agents. They stated the 84 percent of those who took the survey stated that they are using the GDS just as much or even more than they did in the pass and 35 % of these stated that they were using it more than they did in the pass. The article explained how these numbers have greatly increased since 2009 where only 26% agents admitted that they used the GDS systems more than before. This study is 2011 reaffirmed Travel Click's projection, which was that GDS hotel bookings would surpass %50 million in the year 2011. This was far more than that of 2010. The article goes on to explain how the GDS will improve the booking and services of the industry all around. Furthermore, the article went on to explain a worldwide survey conducted for agents who were among the largest GDS in the world and some 495 responses were collected. The survey was conducted by Phoenix Marketing International, which is and independent marketing research firm Travel agents were indicated that promotional messages were effective and prompt during bookings and 66% of these agents request additional information about it. While, 68% of these agents looked into the GDS for more information. After this survey was complete the agents who were aware of promotional messages, 46% of them made North American bookings within 3 months as a result of the promotional messaging and 44% made non- North American bookings. The survey itself shows that promotional messages were and excellent way to get the agents interested. In the article it is quoted how the promotional messages acts in a chain reaction to reach the agent and then the customer, which allows sales all over the world.
  • Jiaqi Xu on 03 Feb 12
     
    GDS provides a perfect virtual marketplace for travel inventory sellers such as hotels, airlines, and car rental systems to showcase their wares to a global Internet travel audience. The GDS is a natural outlet for hotels, resorts, and even smaller inns that want to increase revenue and online marketing exposure. As the GDS channel produces one of the highest average daily rates of any booking channel, there is a huge opportunity for hoteliers to influence travel agents through the GDS at the point-of-sale.
  • Yu Zhai on 03 Feb 12
     
    Yes, GDS is of great importance for tourism development. It provides such a huge market of tourism information for customers, airlines, hotels, travel agents and any parts included in the tourism. Someone said that GDS will end travel agent, however, in my opinion; they have their own advantages and will supplement each other in the future.
2More

TRAVELCLICK AND GOOGLE IMPROVE ADVERTISING ON GDS - 0 views

translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c travel technology GDS travelclick
shared by Te Gu on 03 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • Te Gu on 03 Feb 12
     
    It introduce that as the reservation online, GDS become more and more important. It makes booking tickets more efficiency than travel agents. Global Distribution Systems is a worldwide computerized reservation network which used as a single point of access for reserving airline seats, rooms, rental cars, and other travel related items by travel agents, online reservation sites, and large corporations. From this article, the news is that now advertisers have a new level of sophisticated functionality and transparency for GDS ad placement that is currently unrivaled elsewhere online. Both the ad serving and travel agent hotel shopping environments have been identified and leveraged unique predictive characteristics in travelclick and doubleclick. About the result of the research and corresponding development there are two improvements for advertising on the GDS. The first one is DRU, Dynamic Rate Update, instantaneously inserts a hotel's BAR-specific to actual check-in date-into the ad copy displayed to the audience. And the second one is a next-generation methodology isolates and identifies advertising-enabled travel agencies and measures the hotel booking revenue that they produce in participating GDS. Now the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has been helpful in developing travelclick's DRU and advertising-enabled hotel booking methodology. Because today market competition is very high, best available rates to travel agents for bookings made on the GDS is very necessary.
  • Yue Zhang on 04 Feb 12
     
    Yes. I really like the Global Distribution System which makes our life more easier. When I plan for a vacation, I could search the information from the system and choose from different options and make the decision to book tickets and make a reservation in hotels.
16More

Roomkey.com, Innovative New Hotel Search Engine, Launched by Venture Founded by Six of ... - 0 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4054418.html
shared by Carolina Alfonso on 02 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • world's leading hotel companies
  • Roomkey.com, an innovative new online hotel search engine
  • Roomkey.com provides travelers a search and book experience tailored for ease of hotel shopping through an uncluttered and trustworthy site
  • ...12 more annotations...
  • accurate hotel information straight from the source
  • the ability to compare, plan and share with friends and family.
  • John F. Davis III, a highly experienced hospitality industry visionary with a history of entrepreneurial successes, is Chief Executive Officer of Room Key
  • "Finding the right hotel is complex and, unlike booking a flight or reserving a car, it is a personal decision process - one which no one understands better than hoteliers
  • our goal is to make the experience of finding the right hotel as personal and enjoyable as the experience of staying in one
  • provide customers with a wide range of travel options and the confidence that they will receive exceptional rates
  • management team in place and a compelling search tool unique to the market today, Roomkey
  • is well positioned for success and will quickly become a large scale marketplace
  • IHG's online innovations, Roomkey.com is another industry first, offering guests breadth of choice alongside all the benefits from booking directly through our own websites."
  • Room Key's new and unique offering will embody the best of what hotel company websites offer consumers, giving them confidence in their booking decisions -- a personalized and welcoming experience
  • meaningful value to our owners and franchisees by showcasing their properties.
  • consumers will value the relevant pricing information, independent reviews, and in-depth property information
  • Carolina Alfonso on 02 Feb 12
     
    Six of the largest hospitality firms around the world (Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group Choice Hotels International, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, and Wyndham Hotel Group) have joint to create a new online hotel search engine. Roomkey.com is the name of this new search engine and its main purpose is to enhance the hotel booking experience for customers. As it is described in the article Roomkey.com expects to differentiate itself from other search engines by providing accurate information straight from the source. They believe choosing a hotel is a personal decision and the more information customers can feel more confident in there booking decision. In the near future it is intended for this page to be an interactive site where people can comment and plan or compare their vacations with others. At the beginning it will focus only in U.S travelers and then it will expand to English speaking countries.
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