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Oracle launches a new data Management Model that will allow airlines to optimize the collection and analysis of passenger data in order to enhance and personalize the travel experience. With this model Airlines will be able to consolidate data collected by legacy systems, simplifyng it's analysis in order to support all aspects of it's business.

With the implementation of Oracle Airline Data Model airlines will have all data needed to maximize the passenger experience and create a competitive analysis to reduce cost.

SKY Hospitality and Widewaters Hotels select ed Aptech's Profitvue enterprise back office solution to provide accounting processes across multiple-branded properties. SKY Hospitality: performance-based decision making. This could provide a hotel-specific accounting system to grow their business and enhance their resource panning. Comparing with other performance management systems, the Profotvue and Aptech's are superior to others. Widewaters Hotel: "solid accounting". The evaluation from the industry consultants showed that Aptech was the most experienced hotel accounting company, its systems were solid and it provided excellent professional service.

After owning and developing properties for Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood, Widewaters recently launched its own management company. "Aptech has a track record of supporting hundreds of hotels and multi-property groups," says Arigo. "They also have experience with the largest chain flag operations.  As we expand our management organization, we can rely on Aptech to provide systems that support our growth and are easy to use." Profitvue handles single hotel operations, and multi-property and multi-company accounting.       Profitvue is available as a standalone application or as a thin-client Internet-enabled ASP hospitality back office solution.  Aptech hosts the application at its secure data center and manages responsibility for data backups and system maintenance. Hotel operators require only a PC and Internet connection to manage all their property financials, corporate accounting, and reporting needs.

This article talks about the Emirate of Dubai and how its Department of Tourism is making great strides toward expanding standards that support the idea of green tourism and environmental responsibility. Dubai is sponsoring a program called "Together for a Green Environment" to help educate hospitality industry professionals about the importance of sustainable tourism. Through a series of workshops and seminars people were able to better understand the challenges facing them and come up with solutions to address these problems. A large concern was simply a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding sustainable and green efforts, an issue which is being addressed through the program. The initiatives have proven successful and CO2 emission has decreases by almost 20%. The article proves how areas around the world like Dubai are increasingly consciences of the importance of "going green."

This article is about MDM ( Mobile Device management) which can be beneficial for both hotels and guests. Guest will be able to interact with hotels, live with the assurance that their privacy is being protected while the hotels can integrate this new technology with their PMS and POS system.

This article is about the hospitality software provider that developed interactive device for hospitality customers. This cutting edge software programs makes it really easy for customers to communicate hotel staffs. Via this software system, customers control room temperature, change a channel, choose the wine, and pay the bill with a fingertip. iRis systems have been used in number of brand hotels in U.S. and now presents a new application regarding integrated phone system which allow guests to make internal and external phone calls from within the app. That will accelerate more direct communication for the guests. This integrated software system will surely improve guests experience.

Conrad hotels launched a new video documentary through their facebook. That video documentary enabled guests to find meaningful connections with the cultures that sorround them. For instance, Conrad Seoul video shows not only Conrad's features but also introduces food cultures in Seoul including traditional and modern cuisine. This documentary video can be found on facebook.com/conradhotels. That kind of marketing via social media could be effective due to the easy access for whom to use SNS.

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

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

Jan 22, 2010 TravelCLICK has unveiled Hotelligence 360, a suite of interactive business intelligence applications that enable hotels to identify new growth opportunities and improve financial performance. The program provides hoteliers with frequently updated booking data backed by 100 percent of the global distribution system (GDS) channel, allowing hotels to compare revenue performances with their competitors, source new customers, and maximize profit.

Hotelligence 360 reporting is a great example of HRIS in the hospitality industry. The reports generated pull market information for the competitve you set for your area (usually approximately 5 competitor properties plus yours, additional ones can be added for additional fees). To gain access to the reporting, some of your marketing budget would need to be spent on it, but this helps gain some critical information for your market area and competitors in terms of agencies utilizing GDS systems to book hotel rooms. It displays data such as top 150 agencies, ADR, lead time, market share, average LOS, and more. It shows which of the 4 GDS tools are being used for the agency (Galileo, Sabre, Apollo, Amadeus) and where the business is coming from. There are great details in trying to capture business from the area. I find it to be most beneficial to a new hotelier trying to secure new business and deter them from the competition, it gains knowledge of good startingplaces for cold calls and attempting the relationship building to capture their market. In decifering these reports, you can get a good feel for what the agencies are valueing in ther selection, be it location, amenities, or price prior to speaking with them. It helps to gain an advantage when securing the proper contact and having the conversation in capturing their business. There are plenty more advantages to reading these reports, this was just my version of the most important tools provided.

Through a partnership between a tech company and a hotel association, a new HRIS specific to the needs of hospitality has been born. The system is cloud-based, providing full accessibility in a 24/7 industry. Not only does the system house compliance, training and employment files but it also provides templates for letters, contracts and policies. The system promises to enhance efficiency and streamline processes.

3VR security Inc launches new technology that can track almost anything that enters hotels. With facial recognition, license plate recognition and motion analysis, guests should have no problems feeling safe. According to the article there are over 7,000 lost items that end up in the hotel's lost and found each year. With this new technology, that number will drastically reduce. There is a 90% accuracy rate attached with this new system. With this system, managers will be able to staff appropriately if they know when vehicles are most active in the parking garages as to avoid accidents or any theft. I think this sounds like a great idea for personal items. It is a little alarming that a system like this can track any guest and see what they are up to in the hotel. Are there any privacy concerns or issues that you think will come along with a system like this?

Neon is a new app designed by Eventbrite to be used by Event Planners in order to help organize the events they are coordinating. The app is available for iPod, iPad and the iPhone making it conveniently accessible through one's mobile device. The app allows event organizers to sell tickets in advance to an even as well as provide last minute deals to fill all remaining spots. The app even allows payment to be taken right from the event organizer's mobile device. The app also allows the user to manage guest lists and even helps those who have access to the app to make customer service decisions so that disgruntled guests are not sent to a different location to settle ticket disputes. With all the data the app collects even organizers are able to see important data pertaining to popularity of certain events as well as price variations. The app was designed to be used in dark places. This feature, along with many others makes it user friendly and it is helping event organizers to keep track of important data that will allow them to better assist customers in the future.

I think I'd need to see it in action. The Forbes article sounds a lot like an Eventbrite press release. I like the idea in principal, but it almost sounds like too much to jam into a single app. Tickets sales, venue status, customer service, revenue tracking.,,, Deployed and linked across multiple tablets, each with it's own purpose and/or scattered across the event venue (with users in some sort of identifiable uniform), I can see it being useful. This also seems like a bit of a departure from straight tickets sales. Who else is in the market space? I'd be interested if Ticket Master is also coming online with event software.

Visit Florida has announced they are coming out with a new, free certificate and training for hospitality employees. Due to the increase in Florida tourism, they will launch this new program to hopefully keep more tourists coming back because of the remarkable hospitality they received. Tourism is up from 2012 and they feel 2014 will surpass 2013, which the state welcomed 93.7 million visitors. That being said, this is a great opportunity for our industry. This will open so many doors for event planners and other hotel positions to help with the increasing tourism and being able to cater to their needs.

The geniuses over at Apple may have finally broken the code (so to speak) on secure transactions and electronic data interchange. Under their new Apple Pay program, arriving with the iPhone 6 in 10 days, users can pay for their transactions with a touch of their finger on their own phone. A unique transaction ID is created for each use, meaning the card data (secured by hardware, software AND biometrics on the phone) never leaves your hand, but the bank and the vendor conduct a highly secure transaction. Apple is launching with support for 83% of credit cards in use and a host of vendors who are ready to accept your digital transfer. Noticeably absent from the list was the world's largest retailer, Walmart. However, if Apples gambit is successful (as the majority of them are), Walmart would be crazy not to follow suit. I would gladly forego a few more things in my pockets if I can still have instant access to the same transaction power from my phone.

FIFA has paid noticeable attention to the environmental impact of the World Cup since the 2006 World Cup and green management has increased with every World Cup since with the biggest plans already staged for years 2018 and 2022. The Green Goal environmental program has been in effect since 2005 when FIFA partnered with Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) in order to champion green initiatives. This program has been adapted for every World Cup since. The program combines the resources of host cities, governmental departments, local environmentalists and international partners. Now, FIFA is implementing green initiatives into the bidding process for 2018 and 2022 by requesting information pertaining to the reduction and control of negative environmental impacts from bidders prior to making a decision on where to host the World Cup. In my opinion, FIFA has adequately worked towards environmental sustainability over the past ten years and has powerful plans to continue and improve green initiatives going forward. Previously, the indoctrination of the Green Goal program in 2005 laid the foundation for green goals and growth. Each subsequent World Cup has relied on a Green Goal program to set and measure environmental initiatives. Also, FIFA has already begun working on the Green Goal for 2018 and 2022 by requiring potential host destinations to incorporate environmental sustainability into the management structure of the mega-event. Management is required to set measurable objectives in six key areas: water, waste, energy, transportation, procurement and climate change. In addition, potential host destinations are required to plan and explain how they will incorporate stakeholders and the community via an Environmental Advisory Board. All of these aspects must be outlined in the bid submitted for consideration by FIFA and will be weighed heavily during the host location decision process.

FIFA's decision to use involved green standards as part of the bidding process for World Cups 2018 and 2022 is ingenious. The rigorous standards and expectations eliminate cities that are unwilling or unable to do the research and prep work required for the environmental concerns associated with such a large and prestigious event. However, these same circumstances caused increased competition between the remaining cities and come with some sort of financial cost. The increased competition between potential host cities and the associated higher costs pertaining to the implementation of green strategies may be seen as negatives to involved commercial/government entities and community conservatives. The following comparison explains how this may be so. Companies often design buildings with minimal closets despite having a large need for storage space. The philosophy behind this is "closets don't make money." On the contrary, entertainments space (i.e. Casinos), larger sales floors (i.e. Car Dealerships) and management offices are all spaces in which money is generate and therefore income is maximized by maximizing the "money-generating space" and minimizing spaces (i.e. closets) that do not do so. Similarly, green initiatives guarantee extra expenses and do not generate a significantly increased income. Some entities may view green initiatives as "closets." In conclusion, FIFA is a powerful force in the green initiative campaign. The organization has worked tirelessly the last 15 years to implement and improve environmental initiatives related to the World Cup. Despite the outside chance that a significant portion of the population will view green initiatives as costly non-necessities, I believe that FIFA's Green Goal program will be a success. It provides an expanding platform for each subsequent Word Cup by requiring environmental initiatives to be implemented at the management level and begin at the earliest point possible: bidding.

Follow this link to learn how a jammer works: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-jammer1.htm Recently, Marriott was found to be noncompliant with FCC regulations that ban the use of any "Jammer"-to include cell, radio, Wi-Fi and others-by any individual or entity that is not an approved federal agent. The result? A $600,000 fine and removal of the jamming equipment from any Marriott property currently participating in the illegal activity. In a regular Wi-Fi network, a user connects to the Internet by connecting to the ISP, which could be a wired modem and separate Wi-Fi router or a combined wireless modem/router that will connect the computer to the ISP server and allow the user to launch their browser where they can search the web or access a particular URL. In Marriott's case, the company utilized a Jammer to prevent users from accessing their chosen ISP-their personal Wi-Fi networks, typically provided via cell phone companies. The jammer functioned by interrupting Wi-Fi signals that operated on a particular frequency. By placing their own Wi-Fi on a different frequency, Marriott's service was the only signal capable of connecting a user to an ISP service and the Internet and was therefore offered at a premium price. The management decision to utilize this technology was short sighted and over all a very poor decision. The decision was made based on the greed of money. By jamming competitors' signals, Marriott was attempting to force patrons into paying premium prices for Wi-Fi service during their stay, including large business accounts (meetings and events). What Marriott either failed to research or decided to ignore was the legality of such a decision. According to the FCC, Jammers of all types are strictly illegal except by approved Federal Entities and Agents. The Marriott management team made their own bed by making a poorly evaluated decision that has since come back to bite them in the rear.

National Geographic designed a rigorous program to select the hotels they felt were aiming to satisfy guests while promoting the natural and cultural heritage of a region, as well as focusing on the environment.  This is a short article that briefly describes the selection process and lists the hotels that have "passed the test".  I found the three main questions posed by NatGeo to be very pertinent.  I am sure that as NatGeo launches the promotional campaign for the properties that made the list, others will want to join this select group. These other lodges and hotels will thus adjust their practices and policies, and essentially become greener and more focused on protecting and sustaining the environment. 

Recently Hilton launched their biggest marketing campaign in 97 years called "stop clicking around". The goal of this campaign to offer members of their loyalty program known as Hilton Honors special discounts just for booking directly with the company's call center, direct website or preferred travel agents. Not only would this increase revenue but it is also a great way of collecting information on their customers. This is easily done by giving the customers an exclusive incentive just for joining in. Hilton Honors is a free customer loyalty program whose members earn points during each stay that can be used for different amenities like breakfast when staying at a property.

Although the article has to do with event software being used by utilities, it is still pertinent to the hospitality industry. This software could be used to manage the resources of large properties and save money by reducing waste.

The article talks about a new integration between three platforms already used in restaurants and other independent businesses; Lightspeed, Intuit QuickBooks Online, and Planday. This collaboration allows for the three components to communicate and report on inventory, sales information, ledger accounts, employee shifts, payroll and more. Having these tools combined will allow operators to save time, increase accuracy, but also to have insight into their business performance to make better decisions. The integrated solution is only available on iOS at roll out. I think a series of tools like this could greatly simplify the accounting process for restaurants and allow them to be more accurate with their accounting. This integration will allow even very small companies to make strategic decisions regarding pricing, staffing, inventory and other expense centers improving the overall business.