Latest Bulletins | Hospitality Technology

January 2021

Jan

Yara Valley Lodge Partners With Liveport to Implement BeyondTV and Enhanced Guest Wi-Fi Connectivity

Boutique hotel adopts advanced casting technology to address demands for streamed content access while ensuring fast online experiences for guest devices.

Jan

Fetch.ai Brings Autonomous AI Travel Agents to 770,000 Hotels

By encouraging a direct provider-to-consumer interaction, Autonomous AI Travel Agents deliver significant cost savings of up to 10% for both hotels and consumers.

Jan

RoomKeyPMS Releases Mobile Check-Out

RoomKeyPMS announces the release of enhancements to its mobile guest experience with the incorporation of mobile check-out. Included in RoomKeyPMS Mobile features we have released the ability to: Provide guests with an automated branded check-out email on departure date Ensure guests can utilize their credit card on file Collect a paperless signature from the guest to confirm final billing Ensure update and verification of the email address to allow for accurate CRM and guest marketing information These enhancements build on the already existing features released

Jan

Slice Releases “Pizzeria Score” to Help Pizzeria Owners Maximize Business

Participating pizzerias are individually graded on branding, digital ordering, marketing and customer service. Along with their results, shop owners are given the detailed instructions on how to improve.

Jan

Perfect Company Raises $6M to Bring Operational Technology Solutions to Foodservice

Jayson Tipp has joined Perfect Company as Chief Growth Officer.

Jan

Knowland Announces U.S. Meetings and Events Data for December 2020

Leader in group hospitality analytics sees meeting growth slow as expected due to holidays and COVID-related market changes.

Jan

Marco’s Pizza Promotes Tony Libardi to Co-CEO

Under Tony Libardi's leadership, Marco’s moved to a single POS, instituted operational standards, and enhanced online ordering, mobile app and embraced third-party delivery.

Jan

2021 Network Field Report Reveals Widespread Gaps in Basic Network Management Activities

Survey results indicate potential blind spots, with three-quarters of IT professionals having high network confidence without full network knowledge.

Jan

eRevMax’s Hotel Survey highlights varying levels of business confidence

Hoteliers to stay cautious in 2021.

Jan

TV Viewership Increases by 49.3% in Occupied Hotel Rooms During COVID-19 Pandemic

Enseo whitepaper on TV viewership patterns finds there was an increase in both Over-The-Top (OTT) and streaming content, as well as traditional, linear TV, or free-to-guest content.

Jan

NTT DATA and Conferma Pay Bring Digital Virtual Payment Communication to Hotels

Hotel staff will no longer manually process payments or key card numbers into their merchant terminals.

Jan

Increased Cybersecurity Risks on SaaS Platforms Are Among Top Networking Predictions for 2021

Interface Security Systems predicts more integration of network and security, teams up with Fortinet to host a webinar called: “5 IT Networking & Security Trends that Retailers & Restaurant Chains Cannot Ignore in 2021.”

Jan

LG Introduces New Line of Outdoor LED Signage

New signage features webOS controller, remote monitoring, failover protection, front or rear serviceability.

Jan

Zoox Smart Data Experiences Record Online Traffic Numbers During 2020 Holiday Season

Big data provider enables over 10 million connections from Thanksgiving to New Year's weekend that boost customer targeted advertising capabilities and revenues.

Jan

CES 2021 NEWS: HydraLoop Debuts Two New Water Recycling Systems

Technology allows hotels to go green and conserve water use easily.

Jan

youtip Enters Hospitality as a Contactless, Cashless and ‘Appless’ Digital Tipping Solution for Frontline Workers

Solution puts more money in employees’ paychecks, empowers guests to reward good service, and provides robust reporting and monitoring of reviews; New customers pay NO SUBSCRIPTION FEES in 2021 as part of youtip’s COVID-19 relief package.

Jan

Restaurant365's Smart Ops Release

The Smart Ops Release makes it even easier for restaurant managers to leverage the powerful Restaurant365 all-in-one engine.

Jan

Will Smart Beds Be the Next Big Thing for Guest Rooms?

Luxury hotels and wellness resorts think so.

Jan

NeuTigers Launches CovidDeep, A Rapid Screening App Using Wearable Sensor Data to Detect COVID-19 Infection

New screening tool proves almost twice as effective as temperature checks in predicting COVID-19.

Jan

Interface Security Systems Completes New $60 Million Round of Equity Financing

Interface Security Systems announced the completion of a $60 million equity financing transaction led by its current sponsors SunTx Capital Partners and Prudential Capital Partners. The additional equity capital will help facilitate the company’s growth strategy and strengthen its industry-leading capabilities, featuring highly differentiated managed services. This new capital comes in the wake of a highly productive 2020 where Interface has: Made significant investments in innovation, product development, and new technology infrastructure Scaled operations and expanded

Jan

CES 2020 NEWS: CovidTECH Social Distancing and Monitoring Technologies

MorpheusTEK Partners with DreamVu & mAIrobotics to debut AI thermal scanner & social distancing camera.

Jan

Honeywell Survey Reveals 68% Of Surveyed Workers Do Not Feel Completely Safe In Their Buildings

Nearly a quarter of remote workers would quit before returning to a risky worksite.

Jan

Informatica Transforms Hotel Customer Experience in a Cloud-First, Cloud-Native World

Company announces industry’s first “all-in-one" enterprise scale master data management SaaS solution.

Jan

Elo Introduces M50 Android-Powered Mobile Computer

The handheld computer has a 5.5-inch HD touch display, integrated 8 MP Camera, 2D barcode scanner and NFC and is powered by Android 10 and Google Mobile Services

Jan

Aclaimant Launches Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Modeling Solution Aclaimant Insights

New solution enables organizations to actively manage risk through artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.

Jan

GigNet Signs Agreement With Four Hotels to Provide Secure, High-Speed Connectivity

Hotels include: The Royal Cancun, The Royal Sands, The Royal Haciendas, and The Grand Residences

Jan

7shifts - Gusto Partnership Integrates Scheduling with Payroll

Integration brings together scheduling and payroll – to increase operating efficiencies, reduce workload, and help operators take better care of their teams.

Jan

Zoox Deploys Targeted Direct Advertising Channel Abilities for Zoox Media Platform

Innovator of big data customer profile technology integrates with telecommunications providers for even greater efficiency and profitability in creating personalized marketing campaigns.

Jan

Digital Passes to Boost Consumer Confidence Says GlobalData

Digital passes or health certificates enhance efficiency, safety and data privacy.

Jan

BeyondTV and LG Business Solutions partner to Provide Italian Hotel Market With Advanced Content Casting Technology

Collaboration will offer regional LG customers access to user-friendly BeyondTV GuestCast™ solution designed specifically for hotel environments.

Jan

Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center Salutes Maestro PMS Ease of Use, Service and Support

Sister property, Mansion on Delaware Avenue, also relies on the company’s cloud hosted browser-based property management system and its exceptional 24/7 Diamond Plus service

Jan

ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Implements Latest in Door Lock Security and Contactless Digital Key Convenience at Hilton Surfer's Paradise Hotel & Residences

Iconic Australian Gold Coast property upgrades to VingCard Signature RFID with Mobile Access and leverages integration with guestroom lights and thermostats for enhanced guest comfort.

Jan

SONIFI and IDM Hospitality Complement Local Community Appeal with Travelers’ Modern Technology Expectations

Global technology provider SONIFI Solutions and hospitality management group IDM Hospitality are partnering to support local economies and community tourism with destinations that celebrate the past, present and future. Hotel Millwright, located in a cluster of traditional German villages in Iowa known as the Amana Colonies, is one of IDM’s latest properties to revitalize a historic landmark that attracts modern travelers.

Jan

Jurny Enters European Serviced Apartment and Aparthotel Market with New London Location

Following New Partnerships in Tel Aviv and Panama, Next-Gen Tech Platform is Set to Open its First London Location This Month.

Jan

INTELITY Receives 4th Patent for Its Hospitality Technology Platform

The new patent reflects INTELITY’s deep commitment to innovation in the space of staff collaboration and platform integrations.

Jan

New LG OLED Gallery Series Hotel TVS Deliver Premium Hospitality Experience

TVs are created specifically for luxury hotel brands seeking to attract and engage premium guests.

Jan

Hotel Operator Launches GuestEQ Messaging Platform to Elevate the Guest Experience

GuestEQ allows hotels to communicate with guests via SMS text message and streamline hotel operations by creating action orders for housekeeping and maintenance.

Jan

Win-River Resort & Casino Selects Agilysys Solutions To Streamline Guest Self-Service and Improve the Guest Journey

Customer expands Agilysys partnership with rGuest Express and IG OnDemand cloud-native SaaS contactless mobile products.

Jan

Industry Leaders Join Forces to Create Etherio Group and Expand Meeting/Event Planning, Incentive Services

MeetingAdvice, Global Meetings & Incentives, ABC Global Services, CCRA International and Matchstick Creative unite under single ownership.

Jan

UniFocus Announces Investment from Strategic Growth Partner, The Riverside Company

Partnership allows UniFocus to further advance its platform for the hospitality industry and expand to new markets.

Jan

Duetto Welcomes Back RLH Corporation

RLH Corporation has started the redeployment of Duetto's pricing application, GameChanger, and its reporting and forecasting tool, ScoreBoard, across its owned and leased hotels.

December 2020

Dec

Infogain Buys AI, Analytics Company Absolutdata

Absolutdata’s AI and Analytics are paired with Infogain’s digital platform.

Dec

Study: 76% of Meeting Planners Are Now Rebooking

Respondents to Knowland's 2020 Meeting Planner Survey say that flexible low-risk hotel contracts are extremely important.

Dec

mCloud Connects 10 New York Buildings in New Multi-Site Commercial Building Campaign

Customers include franchises for notable brands including some of the world’s largest restaurant chains.

Dec

QOS Networks Enables Enterprise Customers with Addition of Managed SASE and SD-WAN Solutions

QOS Networks is the market leader in edge managed services with a focus on cloud enablement, security, and network visibility for businesses of all sizes.

Dec

Waitbusters Offers Free Online Ordering and Delivery for 2021

For all new restaurants that sign up to use the software in the month of December, Waitbusters is offering 12 months free of subscription and commission costs.

Dec

Zoox Smart Data Poised to Continue Rapid Growth in 2021

Provider of big data profile technology bolsters presence in key hospitality, casino and travel markets with the ongoing expansion of its global customer base.

Dec

The Office Holiday Party is 'On' at Deliverect

Third-party delivery order integrator uses VR to bring employees together this holiday season. Deliverect is using AltspaceVR, a VR events space, to host its company holiday party.

Dec

Cvent Partners with Aimbridge Hospitality with Preferred Access to Industry-Leading Event Diagramming and Virtual Site Tour Technology

Leading global hotel management company to leverage Cvent solutions to attract more group business and support a safer return to in-person events.

Dec

White Paper Finds a Key to Post-COVID Recovery in the Dishroom

Increased operational efficiency, cost savings and the promotion of a more balanced, sustainable, human ecosystem on property may begin in an unexpected place: the hotel dishroom.

Dec

Why Contactless Technology Should Be Your Next Bet

This infographic from Angie Hospitality illustrates the growth and business case for contactless technologies in hospitality.

Dec

Welbilt, Apex Supply Chain Technologies Partner to Supply Automated Contactless Pickup Lockers

The Merco food order pickup solution can be integrated into a restaurant's existing digital ecosystem, providing deeper data and analytics to improve planning and efficiency.

Dec

Amadeus Renews Long- Standing Relationship with IHG for Business Intelligence Solutions

The continued exclusive endorsement of Amadeus' Demand360, Agency360, and RevenueStrategy360 solutions provide the insight needed to increase booking demand and revenue.

Dec

Raines Hospitality Completing Portfolio-Wide Transition to Aptech

Nineteen properties will be live with Aptech’s PVNG enterprise accounting solution by January, and soon training will begin on Aptech’s NEW Execuvue business intelligence solution.

Dec

Contact Tracing App Adds Visitor Log Feature

Visitor Log allows for restaurants and businesses required to maintain a visitor log without asking health screening questions.

Dec

Cvent Signs Multi-Year Technology Agreement with Radisson Hotel Group to Drive Transient Business Growth

Deal for Cvent Transient Business Intelligence signals Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to leveraging innovative technology to help maximize its corporate travel segment.

Dec

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Implements Agilysys Point of Sale & Cloud-Native Contactless Food Service Management Solutions

Agilysys SaaS Solutions to support social distancing while streamlining campus dining.

Dec

Jurny Partners with Pensio Global and Grupo VerdeAzul to Expand International Portfolio

Jurny to enhance guest experience and streamline residential condominium resort hotel operations.

Dec

Linda Kahangi Appointed as Chief Information and Operations Officer at Nomadix

She will provide strategic guidance over operations, technology infrastructure, information security, network operations center (NOC) and customer service management.

Dec

Restaurant/Bar Games Provider Launches App

For restaurants offering live hosted trivia or bingo nights, Let's Do Entertainment has rolled out a contact-free app that replaces game sheets.

Dec

Knowland Announces U.S. Meetings and Events Data for November 2020

Leader in group hospitality analytics sees meeting growth continue to rise month over month.

Dec

Brink POS Integrates with Mobivity’s Recurrency

Restaurants using Brink POS can now utilize Mobivity’s Recurrency AI/machine learning to analyze the various data from their POS.

Dec

IntelliSite Acquires Broad Sky Networks, Forms Holding Company

IntelliSite forms EPIC IO Technology, creating fast-growing privately held tech company combining IoT and AI solutions to worldwide managed wireless internet connectivity.

Dec

British Tech Company Launches ‘Fit To Fly’ Secure Health Passport for Air Travel

Firm warns airlines of serious threat to air travel security from fake COVID test certificates & health passports with unsecure QR code technology.

Dec

Square Introduces Shift Scheduling

Square now has a complete suite of labor management tools.

Dec

Star Micronics Debuts USB Cash Drawers for Value, Max Series

Star’s new USB Cash Drawers allow users to manage cash with or without a receipt printer.

Dec

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa Turns to Beekeeper to Engage Staff Post Pandemic

With 1,850 employees and a desire to keep workers and the community safe, this Native American luxury operation relies on Beekeeper to digitalize its communications and keep employees engaged and productive.

Dec

Presto Rolls Out New Solutions, Expands Market Base

Over the past 12 months, Presto has doubled its customer base and is helping thousands of restaurants go contactless.

Dec

Half of American Travelers Say They’ll Take the COVID-19 Vaccine as Soon as Possible

Vaccine news and rising COVID-19 infection rates having minor impact on long- and short-term travel intentions and perceptions of how safe it is to travel.

Dec

Zoox Smart Data Enables Hyper-Targeted Local Advertising Capabilities for Hotels

New localization functionality augments Zoox's big data guest profile capabilities to drive enhanced experience personalization and even greater hotel revenues.

Dec

PathSpot Partners with Opus to Prioritize Restaurant Employee Safety Training

The partnership will allow PathSpot to offer Opus’s mobile-first training solution to its customers, including restaurant owners and managers, to educate users on the hand scanning technology and enhance the onboarding experience.

Dec

Operto and Mews Partner to Enhance Smart Stay Tech for Hotel Customers

Hotels using Mews PMS tech will now have access to Operto's collection of curated hardware and custom-built software for IoT technology.

Dec

Full-Service Restaurant Transactions Underscore Need for Stimulus

TableSafe's transaction volume reflects reversal of recovery for restaurant industry.

Dec

Senior VP at Oracle Joins AHLA Board

AHLA’s Board represents leaders from all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners and real estate investment trusts (REITs), management companies, independents, and state associations.

Dec

RMS Introduces a Refreshed PMS for Hotels

The new version introduces a brand new module market that gives users the ability to activate integrations and expand system functionality themselves, and includes enhancements to other features including advanced security protocols, interactive dashboards and contactless guest solutions.

Dec

Square Adds DoorDash to its On-Demand Delivery Platform

Sellers can dispatch delivery drivers for orders placed directly on their website through DoorDash Drive.

Dec

Journera Brings Aboard Five Diverse Travel Companies in New Customer Expansion

They include companies in the duty free, homeshare, parking, car service and airport shuttle sectors.

Dec

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam Begins Digital Upselling Journey

Pre-arrival emails offer additional digital opportunities to communicate with guests and upsell hotel amenities.

Dec

New Delivery Service Debuts

Drive Kindness has partnered with Olo's Dispatch platform and is planning expansion through 2021.

Dec

Olea Kiosks Partners with UrVenue

Self-service kiosk solutions enables venues and hotel properties to layer in another customer touchpoint that drives self-service revenue with transactions that are contactless, resource-free, branded, and always open for business.

Dec

Boutique Anatolia Hospitality Group Selects IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System

Family-owned Greek hotel organization turns to IDeaS to gain better insights into data through accessible automation.

Dec

Knowland Announces the Passing of CEO Robert Post

It is with profound sadness that Knowland announces the passing of Knowland CEO Robert Post. Bob passed away unexpectedly on December 4, 2020. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Bob’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time. Bob joined Knowland in 2012 as an investor and a member of its board of directors and in 2013 he took the role of executive chairman. In May 2019, he became CEO, bringing decades of experience to the company as a successful entrepreneur and veteran technology company leader.

Dec

Cunard Extends Pause in Operations

Guests who have had their voyage cancelled will automatically receive a 125% Future Cruise Credit, providing an additional 25% on any monies paid, to redeem against a future voyage.

Dec

The Inn at Harbor Shores Waterfront Resort and Condo Residences Leverages Maestro PMS and Intelity Integration to Enhance Contactless Guest Experiences

From instant contactless guest requests, F&B ordering via in-room tablet, and mobile check in/out user-friendly app features, the integrated solution is connecting guests with a sophisticated and personalized journey.

Dec

Consumers Come Clean In Honeywell Survey: Cleanliness And Hygiene Top Priority When Choosing Flights, Hotels

U.S. survey respondents cited cleanliness as the top deciding factor for travelers selecting which airlines to fly and which hotels to book.

Dec

Epson’s Next-Generation LightScene Laser Projectors Unleash Dynamic, Experiential Content for Companies, Designers and Artists

New LightScene EV-110 and EV-115 Combine Lighting and Digital Projection to Create Captivating Art, Signage and Décor Displays.

Dec

Parklane Hotel Creates World-Class Conference and Hospitality Facilities with JBL Professional Audio Incorporating BSS Audio, Crown and Soundcraft

ALA Equipment Company installs JBL Professional Audio system in the Parklane Hotel to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Dec

Three Sages Partners with SONIFI Solutions to Offer Fitness and Wellness Content to Hotel Guests

Hotels with SONIFI’s interactive TV platform now have the option to offer guests free on-demand workouts and exercises from Three Sages, ranging from high-intensity routines to yoga flows, mindfulness practices and guided relaxation techniques.

Dec

Best Western Plus Cotton Tree Inn- Sandy Adopts BeyondTV GuestCast by Hotel Internet Services to Cater to Guest Demands for Access to Streamed Content

Utah-based hotel ensures that guests can achieve total control over in-room entertainment with hassle-free personal device to TV casting abilities.

Dec

Hand IQ Launches Smart Handwashing Assistant

Using sensors and Bluetooth technology, The Hand IQ assistant reminds people to wash their hands and guides them through the process. The mobile app reinforces team and individual accountability through compliance data dashboards and real-time reporting.

Dec

Volara Achieves AWS Travel and Hospitality Competency Status

Designation demonstrates Volara’s deep experience in helping hotels deliver contactless guest engagement and touchless room controls via Amazon Alexa while protecting guest privacy and hotel proprietary data.

Dec

HungerRush Buys AI-Driven Text Message Ordering Solution

OrdrAI self-service ordering drives revenue for restaurants that want optimize no-contact options.

Dec

Knowcross Announces Launch of COVID-19 Ready KNOW Housekeeping

New features include: Staff Health Assessment module, Dynamic Task Sheets, and Flexible options to offer guests the option to opt-out of cleaning.

Dec

Reltio Achieves AWS Travel & Hospitality Competency

Reltio provides a cloud-native multi-tenant multidomain MDM platform that delivers real-time data at scale.

Dec

LoungeUp Acquires Dmbook Pro to Improve Guest Relationship Management

Dmbook Pro is a virtual assistant for hotel management.

Dec

Applova Offers a Free Digital Menu

The free digital menu and custom-generated QR code can be created in a few minutes on applova.io/onthehouse.

Dec

Oaky Provides Oracle Cloud and Opera Cloud PMS Customers with Automated Digital Upselling

Oaky is integrated with Oracle Cloud and now available in the Oracle Cloud Marketplace.

Dec

British Tech Firm Launches 5 In 1 Secure Health Passport Wallet for COVID Testing & Vaccinations for International Travel & Mobility

Cross border platform is being used for air travel, return to work, school, hospitality & soon sports stadiums.

Dec

On-Premise Event Coordination Gets a Tech-Savvy Upgrade with New Easy-to-Use Software

ORO's platform consolidates event planning spreadsheets, binders, and contracts into a purposefully designed platform that is optimized for speed and productivity.

Dec

Whistle Messaging Achieves AWS Travel and Hospitality Competency Status

Whistle Messaging, Inc. (Whistle) – a leading Guest Messaging Platform – has announced today that it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Travel and Hospitality Competency status. This designation recognizes that Whistle has demonstrated deep experience helping customers transform their business from behind-the-scenes operational efficiencies to guest-facing customer experiences.

Dec

Virdee and SALTO Systems Partner to Deliver Contactless Arrival and Entry Solutions Across the Built Environment

Integration accelerates the roll out of Virdee’s API-first, contactless check-in and check-out solutions.

Dec

Volara Partners with Butler Hospitality and Synergy Global Housing to Bring Roomservice to Guests at Synergy Chelsea NYC

With Volara-powered Google Nest Hubs in each corporate residence, guests scan an on-screen QR code to access an in-room restaurant menu with orders prepared at one of five hotel hub kitchens in Manhattan

Dec

HotSchedules Operates Under Fourth Brand

Under the rebrand, HotSchedules will continue to be the flagship workforce management solution for Fourth in the United States.

Dec

ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Equips TownePlace Suites by Marriott St. George With Mobile Access and Latest in IoT Lock Security

Extended-stay hotel upgrades to VingCard Classic RFID to provide enhanced safety and contactless convenience while streamlining operations and reducing energy costs with room occupancy detection.

Dec