Group items matching

in title, tags, annotations or url

Hotels are going way beyond in meeting guests' expectations with the modern day's technologies. One example would be the SLS Hotel, a subsidiary of LA based sbe Entertainment, introducing In-room iPads featuring their internal application, which could be used to change TV stations, place wake-up calls, and order room service. Aside from the above mentioned, guests could surely utilize the internet browsing websites, and other features on the iPad which brings up the next question - Invasion of Guest Privacy. SLS Hotel has partnered with AirWatch in developing a comprehensive securing device in order to deliver a customized brand experience to each guests. Securing measures include restricting guests from using the iPad's camera to prevent guests from seeing previously uploaded content by former guests, removal of the native web browser to prevent guests from viewing previous web activity, etc… SLS Hotel is also planning to implement a cross-platform BYOD program for hotel staff which would also create another security concern on managing confidential and sensitive information within the company. Afterall, a comprehensive security plan and measures have to be in place before any forms of technology could be implemented in this industry. One mistake or negligence could cost the downfall of a company.

StayNTouch could be the next best thing when it comes to hotel PMS systems. This software combines cloud software with customer service and revenue management mindset.

In order to combat cyber attacks within the hospitality industry, the National Restaurant Association and PCI Security Standards Council have partnered. They have created.. "Small Merchant Taskforce, which raises payment card security awareness for the hospitality industry." With cybercrime increasing it is a necessary step to take, not all businesses, especially small, can afford the "best" cyber security systems. This task force will help educate various members and help find solutions to protect businesses and customers. "A study by Verizon stated that 99 percent of breaches in 2014 were caused by known vulnerabilities with fixable patches." That being said, all business operators need to take the initiative and be proactive when it comes to handling customers' private information.

I think one the biggest issues related to cyber attacks is that owners are not aware of the issue. So it is important to educate them and help them understand the importance to budget cyber security into their expenses. I am glad that the task force is taking that step to help protect business owners and customers from cyber attacks.

This article describes a new website created by TheeDesign Studio, a web design agency in North Carolina that specializes in creating interactive marketing websites for companies located in NC. They recently celebrated the launch of a web design project for a local party planner, Jennifer V, a premier event planning company that provides that provides services for any type and size of party, wedding, corporate event and religious celebrations. The new website was built using WordPress to allow the company to easily manage their events gallery, website content updates, blog posts, and track internet leads; all vital items for companies to be successful in this technologically advanced world. The website serves as a valuable resource for potential clients and business partners to learn about the company's event planning services by featuring an on-site blog, lead generation form, and an easy to update events gallery to showcase their portfolio. It is important for companies to have the latest technologies and techniques in web design programming and internet marketing as well as maintain user-friendliness to be ahead of their competitors. I checked out Jennifer's web page and I found it very user-friendly and inviting.

In this article, it said that IDS software has expanded its portfolio into IDS NEXT, and transformed from a software partner into a Holistic Hospitality partner for its global customers. IDS NEXT will equip customers with the latest innovations in hotel technology, providing consulting and other business enhancement solutions. IDS NEXT's offerings are reflection of IDS's commitment and desire to be in the 'center' of customers' business universe. It wants to offer guests true world class experience. Meanwhile, IDS NEXT will provide strategic consulting focused on improving efficiency, maximizing revenue and enhancing guest guest experience. Currently, it provides technology solutions to over 3000 hotels, across 40 countries, and 18 support centers across the globe.

The cooperation of the photo software and travel agent make the holiday easy for tourists. When they enjoy the place and want to travel to, it is very convenient to find the hotel around it. It will become a trend for tourists to use. 

The partnership of AutoClerk, Inc., Technology At Work, and PhoneSuite is changing the approach to technology packages for hotels. This technology addresses the issues of solely-based cloud based solutions by additionally offering "premise-based property management solutions". Its application for property management and phone systems is most compelling. The software extends its use to smaller boutique hotels, B&Bs, and larger corporate hotels with its variety in package solutions. For international guests, the use of Interactive Voice Response allows for the use of their own native language, tailoring the hotel experience to the individual and group needs.

The three companies AutoClerk, Inc., Technology At Work and PhoneSuite. They provide complete techonology packages for hotels. The packages mainly include software, hardware, IP-based Private Branch Exchange phone system and network design. The package could use the same computer to run the hotel's Property Management system. It is able to offer could-based and premise-based property management solutions. The AutoClerk could interface to many standard systems, such as Internet reservations or restaurant Point-of-sale. The PhoneSuite developed a server-based hotel phone system called Voiceware. It coud run both administrative and guest room Session Initiation Protocol phones.It can be hosted "in the cloud" as a server.

Google is trying to grow their business market share not only by being a search engine, but exploring other markets. I read that they had partner with Motorola to make phones and their newest invention soon to come, the smart phone glasses. In this article we see them becoming an online review site for hotels and airlines competing with companies like TripAdvisor, which relies a lot on people that "google" them.

In this article, Michele McDonald describes how the IATA Organization which represents thousands of travel agents across the world and GDS Companies are butting head over merchandising capabilities with GDS systems. Travel Agents are starting to feel the impact of technology with GDS systems. The IATA organization describes today's GDS screen much like a screen from the 1970's. The IATA members' main concern is the capability of the system; Brewer a member of the advisory board of Everbread, an air fare shopping company explains how airlines and consumers are becoming more sophisticated with technology and with the outdated GDS's systems consumer trends are being hindered. The major GDS's companies do not agree with the IATA organization, they feel that their systems are adequately able to perform the role. Should GDS's companies switch to more web-based systems allowing travel agents to perform their roles more efficiently? This is probably a question that Sabre, Amadeus, and other companies should keep in mind as technology continues to advance. I also feel that both the airlines and GDS's companies should partner with the workforce; the travel agents who are the frontline to determine what things should be updated if needed.

This article introduces the hospitality industry's first Mobile Management device solution. MVI, an Asia-focused hotel technology provider, partnered with IBM to develop the new enterprise class MDM solution. The MDM solution provides effective management of smart mobile devices to support interactive, live and on-demand video services in hotels. The usage of this new device was recently incorporated at the L'Hotel`elan in Hong Kong. An iPad is provided for guest use in all the hotel's rooms, and it serves as an entertainment device, offering eGuest services such as TV channels and interactive guest services including in-room dining. The MDM solution is fully integrated with hotel PMS and POS systems, which allows the device to become a part of a hotel's overall management ecosystem. This device not only provides the features of an entertainment device for guests, but it also offers hotels unique management features. A few of the features include customized workflow to streamline the installation of hotels' managed apps on mobile device, comprehensive push-based notification management, availability for all Apple mobile devices, and effective protection of guests' own data and personal information for apps that required login. I recently went on a site visit at Turnberry Isles Resort with one of my classes. While on the tour, the lady conducting the tour mentioned that with the rate technology is advancing in the near future many of the hotel procedures will be completed via Ipad (such as checking in and out of the hotel). After reading this article, it seems as if the near future has already arrived!!!

I really liked this article. Personally, I do not have a good experience dealing with people at the front desk. Many people do not want to deal with employees and would find this method a lot easier and stress free. Now you can check in and out from both your TV in your room and also the iPad device. Great article Nicole!

The article introduced about the opportunities and challenges if the hotels want to expand their ecommerce in China. As the China Internet Network Information Center said, more than 500 million Internet users reside in China while it is still growing, hotels around the world believe that it is a big opportunities to develop their online distribution in China. However, although this is a big opportunities, there are also many challenges which can influence the effect. As the author said, the challenges are government restriction, language and translation and lack of adequate technology. As many hoteliers said, in china, it is very hard to develop its ecommerce. The key issue is the language, only the companies can find professional staff to translate the system into Chinese, the ecommerce can be used. Also, as Chinese credit limits are very low, most of the overseas travel transactions are completed offline in cash.However, hoteliers are trying to find solutions to beat challenges like hiring local marketing agencies or developing in-house marketing teams. Also working with local partners has been more used in the industry.

I like this article which related to the development of Chinese hospitality industry. This news showed that Pegasus Solutions and TravelSky Technology Limited had connected with China's state-owned global distribution system (GDS). In China, there are at most 1.2 billion potential customers, the hospitality market there is really attractive. This connection will allowing more and more Chinese people to book different hotels anywhere in the world even though when they at home. I believe this connection is a effective and successful choice. After that connection, it makes nearly 100,000 hotels of Pegasus' global hotel available for booking in China. Pegasus' has more than 1,000 hotels under nine brands. The first Pegasus customer to go live on the connection is Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Hoteliers recognized that there will be a lot hospitality business opportunity in China, so that they decided to take these opportunities and continue to get benefit from domestic and inbound travel by cooperating with Pegasus/TravelSky, in order to expand their businesses. This cooperation is indeed a win-win deal. Firstly, it let Starwood properties available to the 7,000 travel agents who work with TravelSky managing the increasing domestic and international Chinese travelers' growing demand. While, TravelSky has long-dominated the airline market in China, and it becomes both the second largest travel market in the Asia-Pacific region and the world's second largest economy. The new connection with Pegasus offers more accessibility to the collection of ebookable hotels.

The agency "Tourism Fiji" will be implementing a new global brand and accompanying communications style, which would take place in each of the Tourism Fiji's international and local markets. This decision was based in accordance of the destination marketing audit of 2011. "A key outcome of that analysis was that taking a global approach to brand communications would create a range of new opportunities and help to ensure Tourism Fiji a maximum return on its marketing investments." The Tourism Fiji agency have received great ideas and proposals of agencies that are very interested in working with them because it will give them an opportunity to make their name known in the industry. These agencies are required to make a full pitch encompassing a full creative and strategic proposal. Michael Meade, acting chief executive officer of Tourism Fiji, claims "the association had already had strong levels of interest from the industry, despite only announcing the pitch on 24 January." Thanks to its communication campaigns, marketing strategies and networking, Tourism Fiji will attract great interest in new markets which will bring a lot of businesses to the agency.

This article is about how network works for the hotel. TravelClick is a leading provider that designs and produces websites for hotels. Each hotel can have its own unique hyper-local online storefront with information. The Red Lion Hotel is one of the cooperators with the TravelClick. TravelClick designed a special web and mobile platform for the hotel. The guests of the hotel can find the information such as where to have the best breakfast and where is the good place to go. The hotel will excite them to go out and enjoy and encounter. This can give the guests special experience and let them have much fun. The hotel aims to use this way to make a differentiation from other hotels. In my opinion, the competition of the hotels likes the battle, the hotel must differentiates itself from others and let the customers to remember it. The network can help the hotel a lot. It not only has the traditional function of making introduction and reservation, it also can be used for marketing. For instance, TravelClick will serve as Red Lion's agency of record in all matters impacting search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) and display marketing. The resulting online experience will fuse mobile, social media and interactive map technologies. Make a good use of network can help the hotel manage itself well and attract more guests.

This article is about how network works for the hotel. TravelClick is a leading provider that designs and produces websites for hotels. Each hotel can have its own unique hyper-local online storefront with information. The Red Lion Hotel is one of the cooperators with the TravelClick. TravelClick designed a special web and mobile platform for the hotel. The guests of the hotel can find the information such as where to have the best breakfast and where is the good place to go. The hotel will excite them to go out and enjoy and encounter. This can give the guests special experience and let them have much fun. The hotel aims to use this way to make a differentiation from other hotels. In my opinion, the competition of the hotels likes the battle, the hotel must differentiates itself from others and let the customers to remember it. The network can help the hotel a lot. It not only has the traditional function of making introduction and reservation, it also can be used for marketing. For instance, TravelClick will serve as Red Lion's agency of record in all matters impacting search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) and display marketing. The resulting online experience will fuse mobile, social media and interactive map technologies. Make a good use of network can help the hotel manage itself well and attract more guests.

I agree with you. Hotels need to differentiate themselves among competitiors in order to attract more business. This online experience made by TravelClick could work as a competitive advantage for some hotels that need to make their name known in new markets.

The article talks about the new technological advancements Red Lion Corporation has made in order to make customers do their reservations on the website of a company, to learn about their destinations, etc. Employing new search optimization engines, mobile platforms and interactive map technologies really advances this company in all the aspects.

CCRA has made modifications online to assist travel agents in increasing their income. CCRA offers a 15% commission to all travel agents, and works with hotel partners to ensure travel agents are offering a better price than what consumers can find online themselves.

This article highlight what different hotel chains are doing in order to "go green" It looks at different sections of the hotel and explains what the hotel chosen is doing to go green in the different areas. The first are is the Guest Room. The article explains the the Kimton Hotels have recycling bins for bottles, cans and paper and this increase there recycling rate to 75% over 3 years. The second area the article touches on is the Kitchen. It explains how the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts are encouraging their kitchens all over the world to use organic foods. The third area the article explains in the Bathroom. Apparently, the Aloft group has installed refillable shampoo and body wash dispenser at its locations and plan to do it for the future locations they are opening. As it relates to the outdoors, Asia's Six Senses is protecting the seascapes with chlorine fee pool sanitation system in order to protect the coral and marine life. The article also explained that the RockResorts have changed chemical cleaners to cleaners that were more natural. The article also states that changes are being made in shops and boutiques. The Swedish Scandic hotels stopped selling bottle water at 147 of their hotels and Banyan Tree resorts has partnered with local vendors to sell in their boutiques. I feel that all of these hotels and resorts are going in the right direction in order to save the environment in which they operate.

MICROS began a partnership with Trump Hotel Collection which will start using in all its properties MICROS OPERA and MICROS POS to provide a unique and superior guest experience. The main focus is that MICROS states that with MICROS OPERA AND MICROS POS will provide to Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto the most advanced technology for operating the premises, managing accurately customer data, and consolidating Customer Relationship Management. One of the factors why MICROS RES was selected was because of the great operation performance "MICROS RES was selected for its rich restaurant operations functionality." The Corporate Director of Finance of TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION, Mike Straube, is very satisfied with this new partnership with MICROS because of all the services the company provides "We are pleased to have a single partner that can provide us with the most advanced technology in the industry for both our hotel and restaurant operations. By standardizing on MICROS technology, we are able to replicate our processes to become more efficient and secure, and provide a consistent and superior experience to our clientele."

Technology group joins green initiative and climate-related advocacy projects to that benefit the the environment, but also contribute to the economy. Tech Networks of Boston a provider of tech services to non-profit and small business has recently joined / aided / launched programs : Climate Action Liaison Coalition (CALC), and  The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC). CALC provides business community with support services that sponsor business's speaking out about climate change, but also supporting policy improvements. The ASBC project is a co-sponsored initiative which seeks to promote signing of a Climate Declaration that covers topics such as employment, environmental impacts, and sustainability. Tech Networks of Boston http://bit.ly/17vfaBq American Sustainable Business Council http://bit.ly/14Tu9of Climate Action Liaison Coalition | CALC http://bit.ly/1a1nRnm

A leader provider of outsourced staffing solutions for the hospitality industry, Hospitality Staffing Solutions, announced that it has completed the sale of its assets to HS Solutions Corporation. HS Solutions Corporation is an entity formed by LJC Investments 1, LLC and a group of investors including Littlejohn Opportunities Master Fund,LP, Caymus Equity Partners and Management. This transaction allows HSS to reduce its outstanding debt and responsibilities. It also gives the opportunity to emerge with strong financial backing of a new owner.