Hilton, IHG Join Advisory Board to Guide Development of Check-in/out Technologies

Ariane Systems has established a Technical Advisory Board (TAB) consisting of some of the top hotel companies in the world to examine how to best enhance the guest check-in/out experience. Executives from InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton Worldwide, Louvre Hotels, Choice Hotels Scandinavia and The Rezidor Hotel Group are among the hoteliers that are lending their expertise and guidance to this important technological initiative.

Ariane Systems is facilitating the work of the TAB and its members, who will confer and provide input on a regular basis to determine the best methods of leveraging technology to improve the guest experience, while also increasing revenue opportunities related to hotel check-in/out processes.

The advisory board will also discuss ways to better utilize future technology developments to improve guest satisfaction, while boosting upsell opportunities for hoteliers. The panel considers various guest service scenarios and how Ariane's check-in/out solutions can be customized to address the hypothetical issues. TAB members also collaborate on technical issues, ensuring that all Ariane Integrated Hotel Systems, including the web/mobile check-in/out solution that is currently in development, will maintain complete security and data integrity.

"We strongly believe that mobility is essential for the hotel industry," says Svein Krakk, CIO/Vice President IS/IT for Choice Hotels Scandinavia. "Mobility is the key to giving our customers a better hotel experience and adjusting to their wish for increased flexibility and efficiency. From a hotel perspective, mobility is essential in increasing efficiency and focusing on a better customer experience."

Ariane Systems' web/mobile solution is scheduled for release later this year. Designed to offer increased flexibility associated with check-in/out processes, it will enable guests to check in or check out when and where they choose -- at a hotel kiosk, from their personal computer prior to arrival or via smartphone or other mobile device, such as an iPad or Android device.