Percipia Collaborates With Amazon’s Alexa Smart Properties Hospitality to Launch VIVA+
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Technology
How to Deliver Personalized Guest Experiences in the Age of GDPR and Data Privacy Concerns
Terri Miller | May 17, 2018
By Terri Miller Hotels are faced with an interesting dilemma. We're entering a time of hyper-personalization — guests show dominating preference for hospitality experiences which are more unique in nature and catered to individual needs/expectations. However, riding the coattails of the on-going personalization trend comes the initial implementation of GDPR on May 25th. For those unfamiliar, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) aims strengthen and unify data protection for individuals within the European Union (EU). This legislation, which applies to guests and employees, brings with it a large number of changes relating ...
How to Use the Google Ecosystem to Get Your Hotel’s Digital Strategy on Point
HEBS Digital | May 17, 2018
By Kerryn Gower With over 4 billion searches happening every day, the Google ecosystem continues to be one of the best suites of products available for hotels to drive online users to their website, and then convert those users into guests. With ongoing optimizations and new products being released regularly, it can be easy for hoteliers to fall behind on trends and miss opportunities to get the most out of their digital strategy through the entire Google ecosystem. Below, we've outlined some of the latest developments from Google, including new products and enhancements to existing products, which can greatly impact the digital marketi...
Understanding the True Cost of Distribution: Are You Leaving Money on the Table by Ignoring Your Direct Channel?
Gautam Lulla | May 16, 2018
By Gautam Lulla Hotels can make the biggest impact to their bottom line with an optimized direct channel. But a recent white paper by HEDNA found most independent properties are underinvesting and undervaluing this crucial part of their business. In "Hotel Distribution Data Management And Analysis," HEDNA discovered that just 48% of independents look closely at cost of distribution. Independents were also the least likely to use analytics to make decisions about distribution (67% relied on them), compared to chains (81%) and management companies (72%). Overall, the paper revealed something crucial: a lot of hotels just aren't focused on...
Local Search Evolved [Infographic]
MDG Advertising | May 16, 2018
Online search is constantly evolving, and the local search space is especially changing. Google reevaluates its algorithms and results pages regularly, making keeping up with the latest search trends a full-time job for many marketers. In 2018, these changes are expected to continue as new features and tools become available. Google's location-based searches are growing rapidly, and so are consumers' expectations. So, what key changes should you be aware of this year? We've updated our popular infographic, Local Search Evolved, with fresh approaches and statistics, giving you the tools you need to boost search engine rankings and expand...
RLH Corporation Closes Acquisition of the Knights Inn Brand From Wyndham Hotel Group
OTO Development | May 16, 2018
DENVER (May 16, 2018) — RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) today announced that it closed its acquisition of the Knights Inn brand from Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE:WYN). As a result of the acquisition, the Company acquired approximately 350 economy segment franchise contracts across North America and a pipeline of additional contracts. The acquisition is another step in RLH Corporation's transformation into an asset-light franchised hotel company. The Company expects the transaction will be immediately accretive to the Company's earnings and cash flow. "We are enthusiastic to have closed the acqui...
Messaging Apps as Ubiquitous as Booking Engines for Hotel Websites
Lodging Interactive | May 16, 2018
By DJ Vallauri, Technology has made us more dependent on its abilities to plan better vacations and business trips. In recent times hotel websites have come a long way from simply being online static e-brochures to becoming more experiential. Online hotel website experiences sell rooms and create loyal guests. Yet, for the majority of hotel websites, the experience remains mediocre and "ok" at best. Think about it, when you visit a hotel website you are basically on your own without any human connections or the ability to engage and ask questions that you are sure to have when you consider booking a hotel online. Why is that? It's 2018 ...
HSMAI Recognises Tech Innovation of Smart Space by IDeaS
HSMAI Europe | May 16, 2018
- HSMAI Region Europe Awards recognises Smart Space by IDeaS - Industry's leading solution helps hoteliers make informed decisions about M&E business LONDON, May 16, 2018 – Smart Space by IDeaS was honoured by HSMAI, the world's leading hospitality sales and marketing association, for its innovative role in allowing hoteliers to analyse the trends and performance of their meetings and events (M&E) space. April's HSMAI Europe's Best Tech Innovator of the Year awards recognised Smart Space, with the judging panel acknowledging the platform's role in connecting revenue managers and event sales managers with unprecedented vis...
ALICE Celebrates 100 Global Employees (And Counting)
ALICE | May 15, 2018
This week, ALICE, the hospitality industry's leading operations technology, is celebrating the hire of its 100th employee. The New York-based company has grown from its trio of co-founders Alex Shashou, Justin Effron, and Dmitry Koltunov to a 100-strong globally-distributed team in the five years since its founding in 2013. In this time, the Expedia-backed ALICE has gained an enviable position in the industry, raising over $39 million, partnering with over 2,000 hotels worldwide, and embraced concierge software rival GoConcierge through acquisition in 2017. ALICE is helping to inspire innovation across the hospitality sector and amongst...
See the Future of Meetings at HITEC via AVaStar
AVaStar | May 15, 2018
Designed by experts with 100+ years of combined hospitality AV experience, the AVaStar SaaS is packed with intelligence, making it easy to use for staff unfamiliar with event technologies Visit Booth #1019 at HITEC, June 18 to 21, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston [Gaithersburg, Md.—May 15, 2018]—The adoption and use of new technology has sparked a shift in meeting planner objectives and goals. According to the International Association of Convention Centers' (IACC) 2017 Meeting Room of the Future™ report, meeting planners are looking to create more personalized experiences for delegates by integrati...
The Hospitality Industry Becomes a “HAPI-er” Place With the Launch of HAPI’s Integrated Data Platform
HAPI | May 15, 2018
New cloud-based data streaming, integration and enrichment platform set to take the industry by storm to solve data streaming and system integration challenges Miami – May 15, 2018 – Data Travel, LLC, a hotel technology company comprised of hospitality technology industry veterans, integration experts and data scientists, has unveiled a transformative data streaming, integration and enrichment platform designed to solve the hotel industry's rapidly expanding data management challenges. Appropriately named HAPI (which is short for Hospitality API), the comprehensive new platform aggregates the plethora of data that is collect...
Hotel Internet Services Deploys Advanced Television Voice Command Functionality With BeyondTV
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | May 15, 2018
Video streaming and casting solution interfaces with Volara and Amazon Alexa to provide guests with ultimate smart guestroom experience CLEARWATER, Fla. — May 15, 2018 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, is unveiling the full integration of voice-activated technology in its BeyondTV platform, a state-of-the-art television content streaming and casting solution that offers an all-inclusive guestroom entertainment experience. Deployed alongside Amazon's Alexa and via a software integration with Volara, a leader in voice-based solutions for t...
Release of New Eatec® Version Brings Simplified Installation and Enhanced Integrations
Agilysys | May 15, 2018
ALPHARETTA, GA. — May 15, 2018 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced general availability of the latest version of Eatec®, the company's comprehensive inventory and procurement solution. Eatec v3.7.4 includes a simplified installation process along with improvements to Eatec Pocket, Eatec Client and Eatec Web. Eatec is a full-featured inventory, procurement and production system designed specifically for the hospitality and foodservice industries. Along with its core purchasing, inventory, recipe, forecasting, production ...
From Coast to Coast: The Parker New York Sister Property in Palm Springs Selects ALICE to Enhance Hotel Operations and Guest Experience
ALICE | May 14, 2018
The Parker Palm Springs has selected ALICE's housekeeping and maintenance software, ALICE Staff, ALICE's concierge software, ALICE Concierge, and ALICE's guest text messaging solution, ALICE Guest, to upgrade staff communication and guest engagement at the 144-room luxury resort, just outside of downtown Palm Springs. Parker Palm Springs is using ALICE on recommendation from the Parker New York, which has been using ALICE since 2015. ALICE is the hospitality industry's leading operations technology, connecting every department of the hotel with one platform for all staff communication and guest requests. ALICE recently acquired concierg...
Hotel Lawyer Jeffrey T. Myers Joins JMBM’s Global Hospitality Group®
May 14, 2018
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 07 May 2018 LOS ANGELES—Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP (JMBM) is pleased to announce that hospitality lawyer Jeffrey T. Myers has joined the Firm as a Partner in JMBM's Global Hospitality Group® and Real Estate Department. Myers' practice focuses on the development, financing, acquisition, and operation of hotels, resorts and other hospitality properties. His clients include developers, capital providers, commercial lessors, and tenants. He has assisted clients in a full range of hospitality projects including hotels, ...
TargetingHub Will Forever Change the Way You Do Marketing for the Better
May 14, 2018
JACKSONVILLE, FL – Vizergy® is excited to announce the release of a new industry whitepaper, written by Tim Henthorn, CEO of Accubase Inc., that discusses TargetingHub™ and how the solution makes a data driven omni channel approach to marketing easier for hoteliers and marketers across industries. Henthorn prefaces the whitepaper by saying "The Vizergy® Marketing System and TargetingHub™ represent a next generation marketing platform - enabling hotels to manage guest data, design advertising campaigns, reach similar prospective customers and measure omni-channel performance." TargetingHub takes a complex market...
Noble Investment Group Acquires 109-Key Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Downtown
Residence Inn by Marriott | May 14, 2018
ATLANTA (May 14, 2018) – Noble Investment Group ("Noble") today announced the acquisition of the Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Downtown. The newly renovated, all-suite hotel is prominently located in the central business and financial district of the Tampa Bay area. Companies with a major presence in downtown Tampa include Bank of America, BB&T, Marshall & Ilsley, PNC Financial Services, SunTrust, Sykes Enterprises, TECO Energy, and Frontier Communications. The hotel is also proximate to the University of Tampa, Straz Performing Arts Center, Tampa Convention Center, and the Port of Tampa. The Residence Inn by M...
What TripAdvisor’s New Sponsored Placements Ad Format Means for Hoteliers
HEBS Digital | May 14, 2018
by Jason Price, EVP, HEBS Digital Gaining visibility on websites such as Kayak, Expedia, and the largest travel website with over 570 million reviews and opinions across the globe, TripAdvisor, is a core component to any hotelier's distribution strategy. Therefore, when TripAdvisor comes out with a new product, the industry is abuzz trying to understand implementation and determine if it's a good fit for their property. Following the recent announcement of TripAdvisor's new ad format called Sponsored Placements, we have outlined some of the top questions hoteliers may have and some tips for implementing this new offering. First, What Ar...
Hotel ICON Turns to IDeaS for Best-Practice Revenue Management Capabilities
Hotel ICON | May 10, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS – May 10, 2018 – IDeaS Revenue Solutions, the leading provider of revenue management software and advisory services, announced today their reformed relationship as the revenue management technology provider of choice for Hong Kong's upscale and award-winning Hotel ICON. Located in bustling Tsim Sha Tsui, with 262 sophisticated guest rooms and exceptional harbor views, Hotel ICON is a modern, elegant property with a commitment to delivering unrivalled comfort and a wide range of dining choices for both leisure and business guests. Seeking total revenue performance and extraordinary revenue impact, Hotel ICON deter...
Next Gen Tech You Shouldn’t Miss at This Year’s HITEC in Houston [CHECKLIST]
StayNTouch | May 10, 2018
The hospitality industry is always changing, subject to the exciting emergence and evolution of new technology and intelligent solutions to improve experiences for guests and hoteliers alike. For those industry professionals eager to keep their finger on the pulse of all that could positively impact their business, HITEC often becomes an eagerly anticipated yearly highlight. For many hoteliers, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain an understanding of all the new products and technologies set to revolutionize the industry, all in one place. StayNTouch will be at HITEC in full force, and in addition to showcasing our latest innovat...
OTA Association Slams Direct Bookings
Lily McIlwain | May 9, 2018
By Lily McIlwain By this point, the number of studies testifying to the positive impact of direct bookings - and the sometimes harmful influence of OTAs - is approaching too many to count. Whether it's in terms of the revenue share for hotels or the experience of guests, there's plenty of evidence to suggest that booking directly through a hotel website benefits all parties involved. Therefore when we saw last week that the European Technology and Travel Services Association (ETTSA) had released a report stating that "the major incentive for hoteliers to push direct sales is to reduce transparency for customers," we we...
Considering Going Paperless? Maestro PMS Encourages Sustainable Processes With Mobile Check-In and Check-Out
Maestro PMS | May 9, 2018
Maestro Mobile Check-Out, Mobile Check-In, Digital Registration, eFolios, and Online Reports Link Hotels with Environmentally Conscious Travelers Markham, Ontario – May 9, 2018 – Environmental responsibility is a requirement for many travelers when they select a hotel. Maestro PMS understands this and encourages it. With 40 years of established practices bringing the latest property software technology to the independent hospitality space, Maestro has led the paperless movement for the last 10 years providing technology solutions that support sustainable hospitality practices. Maestro's most recent property software innovat...
Worried About Reaching Out to Your Millennial Guests? Top 5 Things You Can Do to Attract Them
Hotelogix | May 9, 2018
Millennials are the first generation that grew up with close proximity to internet, mobile phone/smartphones and televisions. Their exposure to technology sets them apart from the previous generations. Talking about millennials in the hospitality industry, their entire experience - right from making the reservation to checkout, they expect something new from the hotel. They use their phones to book hotels, on the go. They look at guest reviews before booking their stay. They are not satisfied with the word 'average', they need more. That's why, hoteliers must find newer ways to market their properties to this young, tech-savvy and deman...
Hit the OTAs With a Rebound: 5 Direct Booking Strategies for Hotels
Casey Munck | May 8, 2018
By Casey Munck Love them or hate them, the OTAs are here to stay. Smart hotels know they must take control of their data and deploy smart marketing strategies to lure guests to book direct, which provides the lowest cost per acquisition and builds customer loyalty. Maintain your (paid search) brand share Since search engine ad space is now at the half fold, mark, consumers must scroll a half a page to see organic results. Ads take up half the page and in case you weren't aware, the OTAs are bidding on your hotel's brand terms. So, how do you deal? Maximize your paid search brand impression share to sit at 90 percent or higher. B...
Is Your Hotel Selling Rooms or Experiences?
Kate Bielamowicz | May 8, 2018
By Kate Bielamowicz Selling "experiences" is the key to influencing potential guests when they first consider taking a trip. When travelers are looking for early inspiration, they're not focused on hotel rooms. They're motivated by the prospect of exciting experiences that chime with their personal interests. As a result, marketing efforts need to be pitched accordingly. When targeting people in the inspiration phase of travel, it's important not to try and sell them rooms and amenities. Instead, hotels should focus on promoting their destination and rewarding travel moments. How travel experiences influence the customer booking journey...
