At HITEC 2024, new products were showcased and new partnerships were formed. Hotel Business has compiled a roundup of some of them.
Amazon unveils new capabilities for Alexa Smart Properties for Hospitality
Amazon has launched a new set of Echo Show visual capabilities for Alexa Smart Properties for Hospitality.
Through the intuitive nature of voice-enabled Alexa interactions and touch capabilities, Amazon’s Echo Show devices allow guests to connect with the hotel and surroundings. The new visual capabilities deliver three key features:
Persistent Visual Alerts adds a new option for prioritized guest communications. These alerts deliver prioritized communications through a full-screen visual that appears on top of the current content on screen. Every alert has a visible dismiss button and remains on screen until the guest dismisses it by voice or touch, or at a pre-set time. Critical hotel information (such as window washing during daytime hours) or time-sensitive offers (such as 30% off a same-day spa appointment) will have more timely visibility to guests than verbal staff reminders or printed materials. In addition to prioritized communications, hotels can deliver midstay guest surveys as alerts to create real-time guest feedback loops.
Full Rotating Card Panel (RCP) Composition gives hotel operators complete, customizable access to the composition of the rotating cards on the Echo Show devices in guest rooms. They can highlight property information such as restaurants and other amenities, and provide recommendations on local attractions, weather information or other content options with whatever content mix they choose.
A Branded Shortcut (coming soon) will provide an on-screen touch-enabled shortcut on Echo Show devices that’s always visible over any screen content. The hotel’s brand will be used in the shortcut to further build affinity with the hotel.
Amadeus introduces AI-powered technology
Amadeus has unveiled plans to incorporate generative AI into a new chatbot for its business intelligence suite, The Amadeus Advisor chatbot powered by Azure OpenAI Service.
In addition to being able to access the travel agency and corporate booking data available in Agency360+, hoteliers can use Amadeus Advisor to enter complex data requests and receive answers quickly and in natural language.
Among the benefits of applying gen AI is its ability to instantaneously collect an in-depth level of insight to speed up complex data analysis and pave the way for more strategic business decisions, according to the company. Whether hotel revenue managers are looking for information on their ADR, room nights or revenue pipeline, the entire process is streamlined for them and removes the need for manual searches.
“At Amadeus, we are committed to innovation as we work to shape the future of hospitality technology, and the Amadeus Advisor chatbot powered by Azure OpenAI Service is a great example of this ambition coming to life,” said Michael Yeomans, SVP, business intelligence and data solutions, hospitality, Amadeus. “This is a transformational step forward in our offering to provide more intelligent and responsive technology, an improved user experience and remove the need for hoteliers to manually comb through data. The tool quickly presents complex information in a simple and easy-to-understand format, freeing up time for hoteliers to focus on more strategic initiatives that drive revenue.”
Shiji launches Content Hub
Shiji has launched Shiji Content Hub, a comprehensive content distribution solution for accommodation providers and the latest addition to the Shiji product line. The platform sources, curates, manages and automates the distribution of all content fields—visual, textual, amenities, facilities, taxes and policy content.
The platform features automated distribution, multi-source import and integration, hotel merchandising beyond room and the capability to manage more than 2,000 attributes (and growing) for onsite and offsite amenities. It offers a user experience in six languages and content distribution in 12 languages, along with one-click distribution across channels and smart reports with dashboard analytics to further streamline content management for hotels.
“Shiji Content Hub is a game-changer for content distribution in hospitality,” said Joe McMahon, VP, product, Shiji Distribution Solutions. “By providing a single source of truth for all content, we enable hotel brands to maintain consistent and accurate information across all channels, saving valuable time and reducing errors. The outcome is higher quality content which ultimately improves guest experience and increases ADR.”
UrVenue, Club Med introduce Group Itinerary Builder
A new tool developed by UrVenue and Club Med, Group Itinerary Builder, provides a centralized way for hoteliers to build itineraries for groups while providing travelers with a clear view of their itinerary the entire time.
The Group Itinerary Builder was designed as an efficient, centralized system for tracking guest itineraries. The tool can be adjusted by hoteliers on the fly while allowing group members to track all of their planned group activities through a Guest Portal. This centralized system gives hoteliers an easy way to provide the best possible guest experience, while giving travelers the widest possible control over their stay experience, according to UrVenue.
“Demand for group events is on the rise, and along with that comes a desire among travelers for unique experiences, such as tennis, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, snorkeling and even flying trapeze,” said Tracee Nalewak, UrVenue chief growth officer. “Based on our long-standing relationship with Club Med, we collaborated on a tool that will empower group attendees to explore property activities and review their event schedules in one interactive guest portal complete with itinerary management capabilities.”
Silverware Pay makes its debut
Silverware has launched Silverware Pay, an embedded payment-processing solution that’s integrated into the company’s point-of-sale ecosystem. Silverware Pay enables food-and-beverage staff to manage the entire guest experience from a single handheld device regardless of on-property location or chip-reader type.
Michael Thalassinos, SVP, enterprise sales, Silverware, said, “With Silverware Pay, operators can choose from multiple Android devices and support functionality—such as mobile ordering, pay-at-table, incremental authorization and more—all with industry-leading store-and-forward technology for off-line safekeeping.”
Unlike systems with separate ordering tablets and credit-card readers, Silverware Pay fuels productivity, efficiency and cost savings, according to the company. Consolidating payment processing within the POS reduces the need for manual reconciliation and administration. Real-time transaction data and reports support informed decision-making with insights into revenue streams and financial performance as they’re happening.
DerbySoft forms strategic partnership with IDeaS
DerbySoft has formed a strategic partnership with IDeaS, a SAS company that provides operational and revenue-enhancing benefits for hotels of all types.
This partnership integrates IDeaS’ G3 Revenue Management System (RMS) with Property Connector, DerbySoft’s Digital Distribution System, providing connectivity services to individual properties and small chains. G3 RMS provides DerbySoft with scientific pricing, forecasting and rate availability decisions at the room type and rate code level. These optimal prices and controls are instantly updated across all distribution channels managed by Property Connector.
“DerbySoft has long been a leader in distribution services, and IDeaS is proud to partner with them to deliver a comprehensive solution for hoteliers,” said Klaus Kohlmayr, chief evangelist and development officer, IDeaS. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing the industry with the tools and resources they need to achieve success in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. By seamlessly integrating IDeaS G3 RMS with Property Connector, hoteliers can streamline operations, make data-driven decisions and ultimately maximize their revenue potential.”
Adyen partners with xnPOS
Adyen and xnPOS have revealed a new partnership whereby xnPOS is fully integrated with Adyen, offering hoteliers the benefit of Adyen’s end-to-end payments solution and combined data & financial management in the same technology platform. The integration of xnPOS to Adyen supports all forms of payment including Pay@Counter, Pay@Table and e-commerce for transactions processed by xnPOS GO, the QR-based guest self-ordering and payment system.
As part of the partnership, xnPOS has launched a new, fully mobile combined POS and payment device. The device features a full version of the xnPOS point-of-sale system combined with the Adyen payment platform to give a fully mobile POS and PCI compliant payment solution. The mobile solution allows for tips, part payment, bill splitting and fiscal receipts. To increase security and convenience of use, servers can log on to the device by tapping the scanner with their dedicated employee identification card.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the payments space,” said Mark Rademaker, global head, hospitality, Adyen. “By combining our strengths, we aim to deliver superior solutions that drive growth and enhance the customer experience for hospitality businesses worldwide.”
