News Briefs

Shiji, a global hospitality technology innovator, has partnered with IPORT, an award-winning manufacturer known for enhancing the usability of iPads and iPhones, to introduce an all-in-one software solution for hotel restaurants. This collaboration will provide hoteliers with a seamless combination of a tablet and payment device to maximize their F&B operations.

The integrated iOS and payment device solution simplifies guest service for hotel restaurant servers, providing them with an effortless tool to cater to their guests' needs. As a certified Apple partner, Shiji and IPORT guarantee exceptional performance and reliability. Hoteliers can choose from multiple device options, including iPad Pro, iPad Mini, and iPhone, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with their operations.

“IPORT products are built around modularity and flexibility that empower our hospitality customers to do more with the iOS platform. We are thrilled to partner with a leading iPad and iPhone cloud PMS and POS platform provider like Shiji,” said Chris Lawson, Head of Partnerships, IPORT. “We look forward to innovating with Shiji in disrupting legacy, monolithic providers who have limited the industry from harnessing the power of iOS and mobility. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless with IPORT, iOS, and Shiji.”

"The partnership with IPORT is a significant milestone for Shiji in our commitment to provide innovative technology solutions for the hospitality industry," said Ryan King, Senior Vice President of Shiji in the Americas. "By combining our expertise with IPORT’s hardware solutions, we empower hoteliers to streamline restaurant operations and deliver exceptional guest experiences. This collaboration represents another step forward in our dedication to driving success in the Americas, and globally."

The tablet and payment device solution seamlessly integrates with multiple payment gateways, allowing hoteliers to choose the system that best suits their needs. By simplifying the payment process, it reduces operational complexities, minimizes errors, and saves valuable time and resources for hoteliers.

Steak n Shake will offer PopID Check In and PopPay on its self-ordering kiosks in select locations in the Orlando market, with plans to expand to more than 300 corporate locations. PopID Check In is an opt-in service that enables consumers to scan their face to automatically sign into their loyalty reward account and see their past orders, making the ordering process as convenient as possible. When a guest checks in with PopID, they also have the option to use PopPay to automatically complete their payment.

• 57% of respondents say enabling new payment options is a  top business driver impacting POS upgrade decisions, according to HT’s2 2023 POS Software Trends Report.

“Our partnership with PopID is a key part of our effort to provide guests with a fast and seamless ordering experience," said Keith Correia, Chief Information Officer. "When using PopID Check In, a guest does not need to use their phone or take out their wallet as part of the ordering process. They will automatically be checked in for loyalty rewards, and they can choose to make an automated payment with PopPay. A guest can even see their past orders and quickly reorder their favorite menu items. Ordering at Steak n Shake has never been easier or more convenient.”

In addition to enhancing the guest experience and improving order throughput, PopPay helps to reduce fraud and offers lower payment processing fees.

Mews, the innovative hospitality cloud, has been chosen by Place Value to run its successful multi-property hotel operations.

Place Value is a hotel management company that specializes in budget, economy and midscale hotels. They operate 10 properties across Germany, most of which now run under their own Styles Hotels brand.  

“Mews is a powerful hospitality cloud that allows us to manage multiple properties easily while also giving us the flexibility to bring out the individuality of each hotel,” said Martin Kemmer, Founder and CEO at Place Value. “By unifying our technology, we have the ability to provide a more cohesive guest experience and easier, more intuitive handling for our employees.” 

All 10 hotels were onboarded with Mews between January and June 2023, including key features such as full payment automation with Mews Payments. Place Value also implemented Mews POS, providing their properties with a modern point-of-sale solution with digital ordering, connected inventory and real-time reporting. 

“We’re delighted to welcome the Place Value portfolio onto Mews,” said Matt Welle, Mews CEO. “They’ve already proven their operational success throughout Germany, and I’m confident that they’ll be able to drive even better business performance and guest experiences through Mews.” 

The group joins Mews from Cenium, which was acquired by Mews in 2022. As part of the migration, Mews custom-built a new connection to Microsoft Business Central that leveraged the old Cenium ERP (enterprise resource planning) connector. This will help ensure seamless business continuity across all departments. 

In a continued effort to innovate in how the company rewards its loyal customers, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts embarks on an exciting new chapter enabling IHG One Rewards loyalty members to now earn points and enjoy on-property perks at participating properties. This step forward in the strategic alliance with IHG promises further benefits and advantages to staying with Iberostar.

At the end of 2022, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG Hotels & Resorts) announced a long-term commercial agreement alliance for resort and all-inclusive hotels under the Iberostar Beachfront Resorts brand, which has become the 18th brand for IHG. Iberostar is a family-run business based in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, with more than 65 years experience in the industry, and with an excellent reputation for operating resorts in outstanding locations with and a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. Through this strategic alliance, Iberostar retains 100% ownership, preserving its autonomy and values.

By integrating into joining the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, Iberostar provides IHG with an opportunity to welcome to a new set of travelers while also meeting the desire from existing guests and loyalty members for more resort destinations and the option of all-inclusive stays in award-winning hotels – ranging from family friendly premium offerings to adult only luxury. These new options offer members with increased access to some of the most popular destinations, including Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Brazil.

Brett Warbrick, Chief Marketing Officer, Iberostar Group: “We’re thrilled that Iberostar Beachfront Resorts are now part of the IHG One Rewards program. We can’t wait to host IHG One Rewards members at our collection of beautiful, beachfront resorts in many of the world’s most sought-after destinations. We operate a responsible tourism business model that revolves around caring for both people and the environment, so members can be assured that every component of their stay with us was designed with both sustainability and exceptional quality in mind.”

Heather Balsley, SVP, Global Loyalty and Partnerships at IHG Hotels & Resorts: “At IHG, we’re always looking for new ways to offer our guests memorable experiences on and off property. As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of our reimagined IHG One Rewards program, I’m excited to welcome our new and existing members to the incredible Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties. Our members can look forward to enjoying all their amazing loyalty benefits when staying in beachside destinations from Mexico to the Dominican Republic to the Canary Islands in Spain, and so many more.”

Remington Hospitality, a hotel management company, announced its partnership with DailyPay, a provider of on-demand pay. With DailyPay, Remington Hospitality employees have access to their earned pay as they earn it. This critical financial wellness benefit provides the employees with the power of choice and control over their pay, allowing them to pay bills, spend, save, and invest on their own schedules.

Remington Hospitality’s guiding light is its motto, “Where Passionate People Thrive,” underscoring the company’s commitment to genuine hospitality. Its hard-working associates are the heart and strength of its business. Remington Hospitality strives to provide benefit options that protect its employees’ physical, mental, and financial well-being so they can thrive.

"DailyPay has revolutionized the way we approach associate financial well-being. With this optional innovative payroll advance platform, our team members now have access to their hard-earned wages on a daily basis,” said Amanda Gray, Chief Human Resource Officer at Remington Hospitality. “This groundbreaking solution has not only empowered our associates to better manage their finances but has also provided them the control they want and financial planning resources to maximize this benefit. We firmly believe that DailyPay is a game-changer for the modern workplace."

Through its partnership with DailyPay, Remington Hospitality is adding a critical financial wellness benefit to its already robust total rewards package, enabling its employees to be in the driver's seat of their financial well-being. Remington Hospitality prides itself on having the best in class programs and partners. Among the company’s dedication to financial wellness, Remington Hospitality provides on-demand pay, income protection, discount programs, company benefits, financial planning, and retirement 401(k).

The AHLA Foundation today announced its inaugural No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Advisory Council, which includes top leaders from across the hotel and lodging industry.

AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking program aims to unite the industry around collective anti-trafficking efforts that meet the needs of today’s hospitality employers, employees, and the communities they serve. In their role, NRFT Advisory Council members help champion and shape the hotel industry’s unified efforts to support human trafficking survivors with critical resources on their path toward empowerment and self-sufficiency, while uniting and inspiring the industry in the continued fight against trafficking. NRFT Advisory Council efforts include the development and oversight of the NRFT Survivor Fund, which will provision community-based organizations with the resources they need to engage and support human trafficking survivors.

NRFT Advisory Council members include:

• Co-Chair: Farah Bhayani, general counsel and chief compliance officer, G6 Hospitality, LLC
• Co-Chair: Joan Bottarini, chief financial officer, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
• Jay Caiafa, chief operating officer, The Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Paul Cash, general counsel and chief compliance officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
• George Limbert, president, Red Roof Franchising, LLC
• Katherine Lugar, executive vice president of corporate affairs, Hilton
• John Murray, president and CEO, Sonesta International Hotels
• Mitch Patel, president and CEO, Vision Hospitality Group
• Kelly Poling, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Extended Stay America
• Tricia Primrose, executive vice president and chief global communications and public affairs officer, Marriott International
• Marsha Ray, senior vice president of operations, Aimbridge Hospitality
• Ben Seidel, president and CEO, Real Hospitality Group
• Simone Wu, senior vice president and general counsel, Choice Hotels International

“The esteemed group of leaders we’ve assembled as part of our inaugural NRFT Advisory Council underscores the hotel industry’s deep commitment to fighting human trafficking,” said AHLA Foundation President Anna Blue. “With their leadership alongside AHLA and the AHLA Foundation's steadfast commitment to this effort, we will continue to work across our industry on critically important human trafficking prevention efforts.”

Today’s announcement builds on the hotel industry’s ongoing commitment and work to prevent human trafficking and support the economic stability of human trafficking survivors.

AHLA Foundation’s NRFT program has supported free anti-trafficking training for hundreds of thousands of hotel employees since 2020 through a partnership with ECPAT-USA while building awareness of this issue across the industry and its stakeholders. Additionally, AHLA Foundation in 2022 announced expanded efforts to support trafficking survivors through the industry’s first-ever Survivor Fund, which has raised $3.4 million since its inception. AHLA Foundation will match NRFT Survivor Fund contributions up to $5 million as part of its continued commitment to combatting this issue.

Later this summer, the NRFT Advisory Council will announce the inaugural NRFT Survivor Fund grantees at the second annual NRFT Summit. Learn more about AHLA Foundation’s anti-human trafficking efforts here.