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nsola015

The role of biometric recognition technologies in shaping the future of travel | Biomet... - 1 views

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    The international travel industry depends on safe and efficient border and immigration controls. Innovative technologies can help to increase efficiency and address security challenges. Some airlines, such as Emirates and AirAsia, as well as some airports around the world, are already investing in seamless biometric technologies, such as facial recognition. These kinds of biometric identification and 'no-touch' technologies deliver seamless and frictionless experiences for travellers crossing by air, land, and sea. Using biometrics to automate processes can improve traffic flows and service delivery overall, but it is not yet known how easily and quickly these new technologies will be adapted.
CHARLENE ESCOE BARNETT

Top proximity marketing trends for 2021 - 1 views

  • Proximity marketing is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.6% through 2021, expanding well beyond retail applications to benefit other businesses such as gas stations, restaurants, movie theaters, and hotels. Companies that now begin to make strides in understanding and integrating proximity marketing trends into their current strategic models will be at the forefront of their industries. 
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    This article speaks about how companies from retail to hotels are using proximity marketing to reach their target markets. One constant with all is data capture. This trend is booming. As cited in the article, "Proximity marketing is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.6% through 2021, expanding well beyond retail applications to benefit other businesses such as gas stations, restaurants, movie theaters, and hotels. Companies that now begin to make strides in understanding and integrating proximity marketing trends into their current strategic models will be at the forefront of their industries.
artandmer

Beacon technology of the future - HOTELSMag.com - 1 views

  • Using devices that emit Bluetooth Low Energy, messages are pushed to mobile apps
  • The technology uses data and location awareness to ping guests with personalized alerts
  • guests do need to download the Marriott Rewards app
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  • For hotel guests, beacons deliver pertinent and interesting information right to their handheld devices. For hotels, beacons can drive more sales in ancillary departments like spa, F&B, and the gift shop
  • All that big data gets stored and sorted and analyzed and hopefully churned out into an even smarter marketing plan.
  • proprietary app to track inventory, particularly with items loaned to guests such as rollaway bed and cribs. The technology even integrates with the hotel’s property management system.
  • using beacons for quicker employee response time (the device can be embedded in the name tag, and whoever is closest to a guest room that’s the source of a request can complete the task) is a smart and easy use of the technology to increase operational efficiency.
  • outfitting visiting vendors to the hotel with ID cards containing beacons so as to keep track of their whereabouts.
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    Beacon technology is an important part of a personalized eMarketing strategy. The technology pings guests through an app to solicit a financial transaction. This increases app engagement and app retention and increases brand loyalty when done right. This article points out some uses for beacon technology beyond the obvious goal of driving sales into hotel restaurants, spas, or golf courses. Hotels have been successful using the technology in tracking hotel assets (i.e. luggage carts and room service trays), to tracking vendors on property, to determining which employee is most able to quickly deliver an item to a guest. I think beacon technology, when integrated with a PMS, could be used to increase loyalty program enrollment by identifying non-member guests and prompting them to enroll at opportune times during their stay (i.e. right after check-in or just prior to check-out).
ortiz004

The Robots Are Coming To Las Vegas : NPR - 0 views

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    This article is very interesting because it is about the Vdara Hotel and Spa in Las Vegas and how they use robots for room service. The delivery robots look like dogs, called "Jett" and "Fetch." They are super technology innovative, and they can do different tasks such as; calling for elevators, alerting guests when they arrive at the hotel through an automated phone call, and traveling alone across the lobby to make sure guests have what they need. Other hotels in Las Vegas are also adopting technology to provide excellent guest services and great experiences. For example, a bar name Tipsy Robot has large machines that make drinks for their customers. Adopting robotics in Las Vegas has become a new trend that can make huge changes for the 300,000 people currently working in the gaming and hospitality industry.
Brooklyn Little

The Newest Tech on Cruise Ships - 0 views

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    This article focused on some of the new technologies being introduced within the cruise line industry. Many of the ideas and aspects we discussed in the module are included in the article from augmented reality and facial recognition to in room technology. One part of the article that stood out to me explained the wearable being introduced on cruise ships from medallions to bracelets the technology appears to follow the path of Disney's magic bands. In addition mobile apps allowing delivery services and virtual reality offering games and other ways to entertain onboard the ship sound exciting and innovating for this recovering industry.
nsola015

New report shows an increasingly robotic future for airports - 0 views

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    The use of robots is predicted to become more common in the airport operations environment in the near future. Several airports are already testing advanced technology to improve guest experience by providing customers with security, entertainment, information, cleanliness, and advice. During the transition period, humans will continue to play an integral role, but some functions will likely eventually become fully automated. Robots can lower operational costs and improve efficiency. Even though there are barriers to implementation, including development costs and digital adaptation, several companies are investing in airport robotics. It is expected that consumers will need to adapt to this changing environment, which is intended to improve the overall air travel experience in an increasingly demanding aviation industry.
dvieg001

The Impact of AR and VR Technology on the Tourism Market - 1 views

  • the major factors that drive the demand for AR and VR tourism are the increasing awareness of AR/VR
  • The global AR and VR market is projected to grow at a high CAGR, reaching $304.4 million by 2023.
  • AR and VR tourism has enabled the industry to enhance their services, offering stay-at-home travel experiences for people who are not yet willing to travel.
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  • R travel experiences by providing users with interactive 3D tours
  • VR is a great tool for travel agencies that want to encourage more bookings and increase their sales. For instance, Amadeus is already developing and testing its Virtual Reality Search and Booking Experience as a travel booking option.
  • Virtual reality travel
  • Virtual hotel tours
  • Immersive navigation and guided tours
  • Test drive excursions
  • AR/VR-powered museums
  • Beacons are special AR technologies that use low Bluetooth connections to communicate with users’ smartphones.
  • At present, hotels make up the majority of the businesses taking up this technology. They place beacons on physical objects and strategic locations such as hallways and lobbies. The technology enables visitors to receive real-time information on hotel activities, special offers and more. Beacons have a number of other uses too, such as allowing guests to unlock their rooms or streamlining the check-in process.
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    I chose this article because it has good examples of how AR and VR has the possibility to change the guest experience in the hospitality industry. It also talks about beacon technology that has been used by companies for marketing purposes. Using bluetooth technology and by placing small devices through out a hotel property, hotels can send signals to guests devices that generate suggestions or things to do, places to eat or even to have digital keys for their rooms
imgonnarecit

NBA games in VR - 0 views

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    Using the Oculus and Meta, you can attend certain games virtually on courtside or balcony seating. You can connect with other avatars(people) and.discuss the game in live timr. Additionally, you are privy to specialty commentary or trivia. Drawbacks include blackout areas (if u live in the area the game is being televised) lag and latency speeds, poor camera angle/blocked view/ price tag for initial system/ only certain games hold this experience
Danaisy Abascal-Yero

What's the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Hotel Industry - 0 views

  • help automate the customer support experience for their customers
  • It can help you magnify your business revenue and profits and scale your business to new heights.
  • It has helped businesses to improve the areas where businesses lack and optimize the customer service, maximize workforce efficiency, minimize time and effort, and scale business revenue and profits.
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  • With the introduction of AI and digitization in the hospitality industry, chatbots have become the preferred assistance for hoteliers to handle multiple guests.
  • You can get a holistic view of the profits, expenses, and other factors to remain on top of business cash flow. A
  • help you extract valuable data points from a large volume of data that can enable you to make well-informed decisions to increase your business numbers.
  • AI communication tools can help you answer queries around the clock in different parts of the world in different languages.
  • With quality 24*7 customer support, our team can help you solve the dynamic issues and problems that can help you clear the blockage in your business workflow.
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    This article speaks about the extensive impact that artificial intelligence has on the hotel industry. The hotel industry was good before, but these new futuristic and techy advancements deliver premium guest experiences that create an everlasting effect. In return, it assists in expanding the business revenue, along with the profits, and creates a larger scale for the business. Some of the ways that big hotel brands are incorporating artificial intelligence is using chatbots. Chatbots help automates the customer support experience so customers are well directed in the right direction. Not only does it offer premium experiences, but it helps businesses to understand the customer's wants and needs to do so. It's a chain reaction. In hotel operations specifically, it helps to deliver a higher level of efficient and effective results when the demand grows higher. It also minimizes guest management time and effort. It is great for hotel operations, revenue management, next-level personalization, data analytics, and multilingual booking experience.
jordynmiddleton

Bear Robotics Debuts Hospitality Robot Designed for Multistory Hotel & Office Buildings - 0 views

  • Bear Robotics unveiled a new bot targeted at multi-floor commercial and residential spaces
  • Called Servi Lift, the new robot incorporates several firsts for a Bear product, including an interactive touch screen, security doors, a large video display screen for advertising, and mobile app integration
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      The large screen designed for advertising could be a great revenue stream to offset the cost of purchasing the robot. This is also a great way to self promote the business without the need of having a person involved.
  • the Lift is designed to navigate through office building community “gates” and call and operate elevators
    • jordynmiddleton
       
      This makes the use of this machine more attractive. Depending on the size of the hotel, multiple machines would be needed, however, they don't have to be stuck on one floor. A company could purchase 5 or 10 and they could service all floors within the hotel.
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  • The Lift also features an automatic charging station to dock between deliveries.
    • jordynmiddleton
       
      This prevents usage down time or the device dying mid-service and needing to be lugged back to a charging station.
  • The Lift also has a number of consumer interaction features, including app integration, the ability to notify customers they’ve arrived via phone call, and an on-robot touch screen where consumers can enter security passcodes to access their deliveries.
    • jordynmiddleton
       
      The ability to call guests keeps everyone notified of its arrival. It will also keep items/info secure based on its passcode access. This could become a problem if too many passcodes are stored unless they are autogenerated per delivery.
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    The article discusses a new robot that is designed to access multiple stories, allowing it to serve more than just one area. It highlights its capabilities such as an "interactive touch screen, security doors, large video display screen for advertising, and mobile app integration." It proves it self to not only be advanced technologically, it could be a great revenue stream with its available advertising space. The robot delivering to the wrong room is also not an issue as it will call/notify the receiver of its arrival along with the items being locked via passcode access.
artandmer

How 3D robots can aid hotels amid labor 2fshortages | PhocusWire - 0 views

  • The hospitality sector in particular was deeply hit with massive unemployment gaps
  • This is where 3D camera-equipped robots can play a role. 2fRobots 2fare some of the most impactful forms of hospitality technology hoteliers can invest in to maintain efficiency, serve guests and aid understaffed operations.
  • These tasks are typically limited in their customer-facing duties but are repetitive and time-consuming activities that are easily programmed into digital sidekicks.
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  • “co-bots,” which work alongside humans to extend and improve performance, taking the burden off human workers so they can handle more demanding responsibilities.
  • 3D facial 2fauthorization, like the technology used to unlock your smartphone, can be employed to recognize guests and address them by name, adding a sense of personalization and high-class service. 2f
  • Housekeeping 2fand sanitization may be the most demanded and high-ROI use of 3D robots. 2fRobots can manage in-room and common area cleaning tasks such as vacuuming and sanitation, while specially equipped 2funits can completely disinfect high-touch areas and items.
  • The cost of utilizing robot workers in these instances is often comparable or less than an hourly worker. Combine these savings with the elimination of sick days, injuries or other disruptions and hotel managers are left with a more cost-effective way to handle routine tasks.
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    There is often talk about how robots are replacing or eliminating hotel jobs. This article is a good balance of how human workers can co-exist with their co-bots (co-workers). ROI's on robotics are starting to pencil and this favors owners as robotics can help bridge the gap in labor shortages. Robotics can be used to do mundane and repetitive tasks (mostly cleaning and delivering items) and leave the more personal interactions up to the humans.
ortiz004

Cloudbeds named Best PMS, Best HMS in 2022 HotelTechAwards - 0 views

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    Cloudbeds Best PMS and HMS in 2022 HotelTechAwards This 2022 the Hotel Tech Report honored Cloudbed with five awards. Cloudbeds is recognized as one of the industry-leading technology Hotel Tech Report provides. In addition, Cloudbeds won the Best Property Management System, Best Hotel Management Software, and many others. Cloudbeds was founded in 2012, and it is the hospitality industry's fastest-growing technology partner. Cloudbeds currently serves 22,000 independent properties in 157 countries with a global customer base. Cloudbed Hospitality Platform combines operations, revenues, distribution, and growth marketing tools with a marketplace with third-party integrations that helps hoteliers and hosts grow revenues and streamline operations. The HotelTechAward is one of the most contested, has 513,600 visits from hoteliers and 11,622 verified product review contributions; the competition is challenging, and Cloudbed won among the best out there. They proved to have a great integration compatibility system, organizational health, market share, partner network strength, and customer support quality.
imgonnarecit

Why unattended retail is exploding in response to consumer acceptance| NAMA 2022 | Reta... - 0 views

  • A host of technologies and service concepts have come on the scene as of late: "smart" coolers, third party delivery, artificial intelligence, computer vision and biometric identity verification
  • Moderator Bill Moxey, director of strategy and planning at PepsiCo Inc., made one thing clear at the outset: Thousands of locations will be adding unattended retail concepts and technologies in the near future as the consumer's preference for self service is stronger than ever.
  • Consumers wanted to know exactly what they were getting… and they didn't feel pressure about somebody asking if they wanted a side."
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  • When consumers feel less pressure, they feel more comfortable…and we buy more," he said. They will spend 20% to 40% more per transaction in an unattended setting.
  • According to the research, half of consumers think unattended is faster and more than a third of consumers think unattended is more efficient, Moxey said. Two thirds say it is more comfortable, and one third like the ability to browse and purchase without interacting with employees.The biggest takeaway is consumers don't feel pressure and they feel safe.
  • When consumers get full control over the experience, they get more excited.
  • The expansion will include a projected 12,000 lodging sites, a projected 3,000 airports, a projected 11,000 health care sites, a projected 3,000 college and university sites (including gyms, libraries, common areas and auditoriums), Moxey said. The majority of expansion will be in healthcare, travel and recreation channels.
  • Coffey pointed out that consumers on average increased snack consumption from 2.2 snacks per day to over five snacks."The people at home were rewarding themselves between Zoom calls," he said.When they go back to work, these habits won't change, he said
  • lassman said the pantry/OCS future is hard to gauge since it depends on customer budgets. With economies scaling and budgets cycling, there will be some type of need, he said, but the scale of it is uncertain.
nsola015

What Are Self-Service POS Kiosks? - 0 views

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    There are several pros and cons to self-service POS systems. Technology innovations will result in an increase in the amount of service businesses that will utilise self-service kiosks for contactless payments. Every business must evaluate which type of system would work best for the specific type of product or service offering. Retailers, restaurants, ticketing businesses and businesses with appointment checkins are likely to benefit from these systems. There are many solutions that can enhance customer service and business efficiency. Each business must carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages prior to investing in order to identify a system that fits.
pjohn091

The Property Management System (PMS) of the future is already here | By Max Starkov - 0 views

  • The traditional, legacy PMS is an on-premises software platform with features and functionality ranging from barebones to rich and very complex. These legacy platforms have a number of serious disadvantages: a) too expensive to install, train staff and maintain, b) their "all-in-one solution approach" stifles innovation and prevent quick adoption of new functionality needed to meet new guest requirements or sudden changes in the market conditions, like the contactless experience from last year, and c) as closed systems they are reluctant to open up to third-party integrations, applications and solutions, depriving the property and its guests from some very innovative and much-needed applications and services.
  • Some of the benefits of the cloud PMS are significant and timely: No upfront costs - its pay-per-use model makes it an operating expense (OpEx), which helps the constricted cash flow Easy to install, train staff and use which increases staff productivity Automation of many administrative tasks, saving the property team time and effort AI driven workflows and database management and intelligence Automatic software upgrades with minimum downtime and no extra cost No need for on-property IT support, which is getting quite unattainable in the post-crisis era Complete automation of redundant processes and tasks, allowing the property to operate with leaner staff The ever-changing data security requirements are handled by professional data security engineers at the cloud PMS vendor Provides guests with contactless guest experience and mobility. Upgrade and up-sell capabilities or easy integration with an upsells vendor, important in this depressed revenue environment Easy access to reporting and performance analytics from any device anywhere. Most importantly, an Open API for seamless, fast and free or low-cost connectivity with the myriad innovative third-party vendors out there. Ex. Oracle's legacy OPERA PMS has 400 API capabilities vs the OPERA Cloud PMS with 3,000 API capabilities.
  • he three main advantages of the OPERTA Cloud PMS over the legacy PMS:
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  • Ability to achieve more with fewer resources,
  • Security of data
  • Ability to be agile, adapt and evolve
  • the three key advantages of the cloud PMS over the legacy PMS:
  • Flexibility:
  • Ease and efficiency:
  • Connectivity:
  • I believe over the next 5 years the adoption of cloud PMS solutions will explode and this will be the highest growth component of the hotel tech stack
  • Why? Low costs, efficiencies, higher productivity and data security aside, in the near and mid-term a full-service 3-4-5-star hotel will need over 100 plus APIs with third-party tech applications and solutions to be able to function and meet the basic needs and wants of today's digitally-savvy travelers.
  • According to Laura Calin from Oracle Hospitality, switching from a legacy to a cloud PMS has occurred traditionally when a) on-premises hardware reaches end-of-life and warranties are expiring, or b) when a brand affiliation comes to an end and a replacement system is required.
  • (PMS) is the hotel 's command center for rooms and F&B management, sales and catering, distribution, availability, pricing, reservations, guest interactions, issue resolution, housekeeping, reporting, billing, guest communications, etc. and is often described as "the central nervous system of the hotel operations."
  • the three key advantages of the cloud PMS over the legacy PMS:
  • Luckily for our industry, the future is already here in the form of a cloud PMS with Open API (application programming interface) integration platform, just on time in this most challenging era in our industry.
  • Ever since the emergence of the cloud-first PMS platforms like Cloudbeds and Mews, there has been a monumental shift in the PMS vendor community's mindset: from closed system mentality to cloud PMS with Open API mentality. At Oracle Hospitality, with the adoption of the Oracle's self-service cloud technology tools, the OPERA Cloud PMS with Open API has become the most important innovation strategy
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    This article deals with cloud PMS and its advantages. Some of the advantages stated by the article are efficiency, low cost, and provides guest with more contactless experience. This is a new trend we are starting to see emerge into the industry especially now more than ever after the events that have occurred due to the pandemic.
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    Seems to me this took a lot longer for companies to start getting onboard then I would have anticipated. The cost perspective and ease of use should have attracted people right away. Not having to house or protect on site servers from damage and theft is also a critical point. Not to mention the ability to grow the system when necessary.
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    The article discusses traditional PMS, an on-premises software platform that can range from very basic to extremely powerful and complex. Installation, training and maintenance are expensive for such platforms, and they stifle innovation by not allowing third-party integrations, applications, and solutions. Cloud-based hotel management systems with Open API integration platforms are the future of hotel management software. They are cost-effective and offer many operational benefits. Operating expenses such as the OPERA Cloud PMS improve cash flow, are easy to install, train personnel, and automate many administrative processes. Also, it provides easy access to reporting and performance analytics, as well as contactless guest experiences and mobility.
Danaisy Abascal-Yero

The Return of Incentive Travel: Using the Hotel PMS to Manage and Grow Guest Loyalty in... - 0 views

  • A strong loyalty program may be just what is necessary for hotels to implement to recover bookings lost in the shuffle during 2020 and beyond.
  • hotels must be prepared to offer more than this in the long run.
  • PMS system enabling guests to grow their relationship with the hotel during every transaction and interaction including pre and post stay,
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  • Traditionally, hotels’ go-to amenity for customer loyalty is access to free Wi-Fi.
  • Loyalty programs excel at setting logical expectations for a guests’ stay, improving their overall experience and enticing others to join.
  • Hotels should also offer incentives for repeat bookings, such as free nights to credits at the hotel restaurant, premium guestroom amenities, hotel spa, gift shop, room upgrades, and other services based on the hotel and its location.
  • enable hoteliers to cut down on the number of third-party services they work with to offer a high-quality guest experience while also eliminating transaction fees associated with the program.
  • ese programs feed off (and into) nearly every department within a hotel, therefore strong internal organization —
  • By blending both immediate guest gratification with long-term incentive goals, and keeping guests engaged by meeting and exceeding their expectations during their on-property experiences, hotels and resort groups can help create a new era of traveler loyalty.
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    This article explains how PMS, property management system, is integrated to manage and grow customer loyalty independent hotels. It is no secret that some of the best loyalty programs keep guests coming back to the same company/hotel. They attract these guests by incorporating a strong loyalty program that provides rewards, incentives, and exclusive access to certain amenities. It is believed that this is what is needed to attract more bookings that were lost during the pandemic in 2020 up until today. The way to most effectively do so is by integrating a PMS system that allows guests to grow the relationship with the hotel during every transaction and interaction they have prior to, during, and post their stay. There needs to be much more than free wi-fi integrated in hotels as loyalty access as it is becoming so popular that it is not considered an exclusive access feature. Hotels should offer incentives for those who book repeatedly, like free nights, credits at the hotel's restaurant, premium guestroom amenities, hotel spa, and much more. Guests like to feel special, and doing so will guarantee their return to this hotel brand as they want to indulge in this experience every single time.
dvieg001

3 technology trends that will shape how restaurants function in 2022 - 1 views

  • Between labor shortages, supply-chain disruptions, and rising inflation, it’s a wonder the industry survived the past 12 months at all
  • 7% of respondents either somewhat or strongly agreed that adopting new technology over the last two years has been critical for the survival of their business.
  • Contactless will be the set standard
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  • COVID accelerated digital adoption in hospitality.
  • More and more of the business of running a restaurant — from ordering to payment — has been put in the hands of the customer.
  • Unique loyalty programs to give guests reasons to return
  • Restaurants that have implemented a pay-at-the-table solution have the capability of integrating loyalty and reward programs directly into the checkout process.
  • A lot of the traditional touchpoints in the dining experience have been transformed thanks to the widespread adoption of QR code digital menus, self-ordering, and self-payment options accessed via smartphones.
  • Human servers will never be fully replaced by technology, nor would many diners ever want them to be. The human element is still a key part of the experience for many restaurant-goers.
  • A cold, fully contactless experience isn’t what guests are craving. They want more convenience and control, certainly, but also more connection.
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    This article explains how the restaurant business has adapted new technologies to overcome changes that came after COVID-19. The usage of these technologies allow the restaurants to minimize the contact points during the experience while also giving the option to the patrons to customize their experience as they want. It also talks about how technology is not a replacement for server or bartenders because the human contact is still part of the hospitality business
artandmer

Working with OTAs: The Indirect Distribution Dilemma - 0 views

  • properties that work with Online Travel Agents (OTAs) perform significantly better financially than those that do not, with commissions being more than compensated for by the increased revenues, resulting in higher bottom-line profits
  • However, in reality, many hotels still have a (perhaps historic) negative opinion of OTAs
  • the commission levels reaching 25%, sometimes even 30%, that was steep. The current situation is more within the 15-20% range
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  • would you have gotten that booking without the OTA?
  • OTAs are a necessary evil, and they bring value most of all whenever they bring incremental revenue to hoteliers. The challenge is to strike the right balance in the distribution mix.
  • play the role as a true partner — must offer independents and chain hotels alike greater flexibility around closing out dates, close to arrival/departure, MLOS, and related tools in their inventory management toolkit
  • Few property owners or managers would object to paying higher margins on inventory that they can't sell on their own; but having to eat that cost on last room available, or even close to last room, during high demand periods is too high a price to pay
  • hoteliers tend to think these bookings are "free." Well, bad news is that they're not: booking engine commissions, advertising on search/metasearch engines, website creation, promo-codes, hosting, SEO, etc.
  • The real question is: How much dependency on the OTAs is healthy for your property: 20%? 30%? 50% or more of of booked room nights?
  • I believe a healthy distribution ratio is the one of 2.5:1 direct online vs OTA booked room nights, enjoyed by the major hotel chains. Marriott and Hilton are doing even better with 3:1 ratio.
  • So what is a smart distribution channel strategy? Blended distribution strategy is the smart thing to do in hospitality
  • OTAs are storms of computer engineers with a pack of money. Would you bet them at their own game? Not sure. Can you "use them" for your own needs only when necessary under particular conditions? I'm sure you can! 
  • OTAs can help hotels gain market insights and business intelligence by applying machine learning algorithms to analyze property-level data. Some OTAs might have already provided some of those value-added reports to their hotel partners. If that is the case, I encourage the OTAs to engage the hotel sales team and see what additional value/reports they can add to the partnership.
  • In fact, we would advise hoteliers to take advantage of OTAs' online reach by listing on their platforms while, concurrently, strongly reinforcing their direct channels by adopting new technology solutions. 
  • The 2021 travel landscape has dictated that the leisure guest is all-important and that guest loyalty should be the prize, not channel loyalty.
  • To put it simply, OTAs are perfect for a first-time visitor to your hotel destination.  If a returning guest books via the OTA for their 2nd visit, then this is a complete failure on the hotel for missing the opportunity to create value or establishing a compelling reason for the guest to book directly.
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    The relationship with OTAs should be about finding the right balance (or mix of business) for your specific hotel. A commonly held point of view is that OTA commissions are exorbitant (in dollars, or as a % of revenue), but shouldn't we be glad if they sold a room we were not going to sell otherwise?
artandmer

Hospitality unions have spent a decade fighting to protect workers, bu - 1 views

  • cheap gadgets might bring new problems
  • The hospitality industry is in the process of introducing remote panic buttons in an effort to address the widespread issue of violence and sexual assault against hotel staff
  • 20,000 hotel properties in Canada and the United States have committed to providing an estimated 1.2 million employees with Employee Safety Devices
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  • all housekeeping staff to carry a panic button device on them at all times
  • low-quality versions of the technology that pose significant privacy and security risks to the people who carry them. Weak password protections and a lack of encryption leave users vulnerable to cyberattacks, which could render the devices unusable—or, worse, be used to invade hotel employees’ privacy
  • 58% of hotel workers and 77% of casino workers have been sexually harassed by a guest. Nearly half have had guests answer the door naked or expose themselves, and nearly 15% have been cornered.
  • casino giants MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment agreed to equip nearly 38,000 hotel staff with safety devices during contract negotiations
  • the CEOs of a number of major hotel chains—including Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Wyndham—joined the pledge
  • Safe but insecureThe discovery of vulnerabilities in certain versions of this technology may pose a potential challenge
  • lack of encryption that compromised the device’s security
  • the software powering the tracker was hosted on a cloud-based service, which it used to communicate with a mobile application. But the cloud software didn’t require any authorization. A hacker could connect to the service and “instruct any tracker in the world to do things,” he explains.
  • Among the vulnerabilities a hacker could exploit are the ability to see the real-time location of users and to gain access to built-in microphones and cameras
  • That poses a problem for the hotel industry, Hron believes, because establishments not  bound by union or legislative requirements may buy inferior devices without vetting them properly, merely to satisfy new regulations. “Each hotel is buying these devices themselves—it’s not like some central authority is giving these devices to hotels,” he says. “My guess is [some are] going to buy a cheap device, and in this case, it’s pretty reasonable to think that there aren’t any analysts doing security checks on them.”
  • The lack of clear legislation also leaves workers vulnerable in jurisdictions that don’t explicitly ban employers using the devices to track the movements of hotel staff
  • technology isn’t capable of real-time tracking because it runs on WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy, or BLE, and only transmits a signal when activated. Other devices that utilize GPS or WiFi connectivity, however, have the ability to transmit real-time location data on an ongoing basis
  • “The technology has to work every time, but the product only works if the right policies, procedures, and personnel are put in place that allow the system to function as a system
  • While the initial reason for the solution was to address sexual assault, there are other things that happen to housekeepers in hotel rooms as well,” says Ogle. “We’ve had team members that have had medical issues themselves, or found guests in rooms with medical conditions that were asking for assistance
  • Providing precise location data to first responders in the event of an emergency actually has the potential to save lives, but the technology will only be adopted if users believe it is being used appropriately
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    The major hotel chains are influencing legislation and also now requiring employee safety devices (ESDs) to make the workplace safer for employees (i.e. room service attendants or housekeepers) who find themselves alone in guest rooms with ill-intentioned guests. ESDs can also be appropriate for large resorts with beach personnel, activities personnel, or other positions that find themselves in enclosed, or remote areas with less security. Not every hotel has a security department that can constantly monitor cameras and ESDs. Will these devices present more strain on hotel wireless networks? That depends. Hoteliers need to consider whether these devices will be provided by or monitored through their keylock vendor, through their guest room entertainment vendor, or through a wireless provider. Could there be a benefit to an ESD interface with the PMS? I'm not finding an obvious answer. Hotels, varying in room count, are providing ESDs that range from whistles to wireless to BLE or RFID enabled. Hotel owners and management companies have the responsibility to research the most appropriate solution for their hotel without undermining the safety and privacy of their employees and their hotel networks.
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