Group items tagged

U.S. TRAVELERS FACE ongoing frustrations despite strong 2024 travel volumes, including delays, planning, costs, and airport experiences, according to an Amadeus study. Each traveler encounters unique challenges, the survey found, and while technology can address many frustrations, it doesn't solve them all. "Technology is important, but so is the human touch," states the survey "Friction Removed." Technology vs. human touch Technology plays a role in improving the traveler experience, the survey says. Travelers find mobile planning apps the most helpful at 89 percent, followed by automatic rebooking, digital bag tracking, integrated airline and hotel booking, and fully digital IDs and travel documents, all at 86 percent.

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS is working with Be My Eyes, a mobile app that connects blind and low vision users with sighted volunteers and companies through live video and AI, to provide more accessible experiences for guests with visual impairments. They are piloting an AI-powered assistance and dedicated support for reservations and customer care across the U.S. and Canada. Assistance is available across various Hilton brands, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, DoubleTree, and Hampton by Hilton, providing personalized support for leisure and business travelers who are blind or have low vision, the companies said in a joint statement. "As a leading hospitality company, Hilton is committed to creating an experience that is welcoming for every guest, at every hotel, every time," said Mike Gathright, Hilton's senior vice president of customer excellence and innovation. "We believe that every guest-regardless of ability or any other factor-deserves a reliable and friendly travel experience. We are proud to partner with Be My Eyes to make that a reality for thousands of users."

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING points are becoming a standard amenity at hotels, akin to the rise of Wi-Fi in the early 2000s. Benefits for the hotel owners and franchisers can include additional revenue, carbon credits as well as attracting guests from the growing number of electric vehicle drivers. A 2022 Green Lodging survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association revealed a surge in the deployment of EV chargers within the hospitality sector, with 26.6 percent of all U.S. hotels equipped with charging stations. The EV charging facilities are more commonly found at luxury hotels (nearly 90 percent offer them), while only about one in five limited-service hotels provides charging, representing significant growth opportunities. Hotel brands such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, BWH Hotel Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International, Hyatt Hotel Corp. and G6 Hospitality have prioritized deploying EV charging based on customer preferences. Their franchisees have begun incorporating EV charging infrastructures into their properties. "We've heard from our owners that offering EV charging solutions is increasingly influential for guests when choosing hotels," said Brian McGuiness, IHG's senior vice president of global guest experience. "This is backed by our observation of guests using EVC filters on the IHG One Rewards mobile app and website. Our integrated EV-charger search filter within the IHG One Rewards mobile app allows travelers to easily find properties with EV charging capabilities, empowering them to plan their journeys conveniently and confidently."