News Briefs
- 5/5/2024
SONIFI's Sora Named Guest Engagement Solution of the Year
SORA, the interactive television platform from hospitality technology provider SONIFI, has been selected as the Guest Engagement Solution of the Year in the annual TravelTech Breakthrough Awards program.
The awards are conducted by TravelTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that evaluates and recognizes standout travel and hospitality technology companies, products and services around the world.
Personalized Guest Room Experiences
SONIFI's interactive platform uses in-room TVs to create personalized, engaging experiences that improve guest satisfaction and brand loyalty, while also driving revenue and efficiencies for hotels.
With PMS and other integrations, SORA automates the personalization of guest experiences such as turning on the TV at check-in with a personal and time-aware greeting, displaying in a guest's preferred language, sending custom messages, and elevating the last-viewed channel and in-progress movie.
When it comes to entertainment, SORA has easy access to everything guests want most, including their favorite streaming content, live TV programming and a premier video-on-demand library.
SORA's branding and customization options are where hotels can promote their amenities and revenue centers, while providing contactless self-service options so guests can choose how and when they want to interact throughout their stay, with no burden on hotel staff.
Custom videos, eye-catching imagery, a digital directory and QR codes give guests quick access to learn about everything the hotel has to offer, and a simple way for them to take action at their leisure from their room—such as booking a reservation, joining the loyalty program, texting the concierge and much more.
Properties also use SORA to surprise and delight guests with enticing specials and events, tutorials and tips, in-room fitness and mindfulness classes, and a simple checkout process guests can complete from the TV or their phone.
"Some hoteliers underestimate the potential of the in-room TV, but with SORA, SONIFI is showcasing its power to transform the largest screen in the room into an intuitive amenity for guests and a strategic tool for hoteliers to enhance their brand and foster guest loyalty," said Ahmad Ouri, Chief Executive Officer of SONIFI. "SORA is designed to deliver the digital experiences guests crave, tailored to each property's unique brand identity. By increasing guest satisfaction and revenue generation, SORA represents a new standard in hospitality technology. We're honored that TravelTech Breakthrough recognizes SORA's value and its capacity to enrich the guest journey while meeting the diverse needs of hoteliers."
The mission of the annual TravelTech Breakthrough Awards program is to conduct the industry's most comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the top technology companies, solutions and products in the travel and hospitality technology industry today. This year's program attracted thousands of nominations from 12 countries.
"We're proud to award SORA 'Guest Engagement Solution of the Year' as the technology continually engages guests in their stay with a property automatically without intervention from hotel staff. Every touchpoint throughout a property is designed to deliver memorable guest experiences that today's guests expect. When your in-room technology is personalized, it can have a memorable impact," said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director of TravelTech Breakthrough Awards. "Though technology can't replace the human connection and feeling of being cared for by staff, with SORA, hotels can deliver a more efficient, convenient, personalized and modern experience to guests who will be more than eager to return."
- 4/16/2024
Steak n Shake Deploys Biometric Check In
PopID and Steak n Shake announced today that all Steak n Shake locations in the United States now accept PopID Check In (to review favorite orders and loyalty points) and PopPay for checkout. With more than 300 locations, Steak n Shake is the first national restaurant brand in the United States to adopt biometric check-in and checkout nationwide. PopID’s biometric check-in feature makes kiosk ordering faster, easier, and more personalized.
The implementation of PopID in every Steak n Shake location was accomplished rapidly and at low cost through a partnership between PopID and ACRELEC, a leading supplier of kiosk-ordering hardware and drive-through products. Cameras were shipped to every restaurant for attachment to the existing ACRELEC kiosks. “As explained in our recent publication, ACRELEC believes that our integrated biometric solution provides various benefits to restaurant operators related to throughput, ticket size, and loyalty engagement,” says Bruno Lo-Re, President of ACRELEC America.
“We are thrilled about our partnership with PopID and to be on the edge of biometric technology for the benefit of our customers. Our guests now have the option to use biometrics for a faster and more seamless experience,” says Sardar Biglari, Chairman of Biglari Holdings, the parent company of Steak n Shake.
Now that biometrics are enabled for all ordering and payment inside Steak n Shake restaurants, PopID and Steak n Shake will begin implementing biometric check-in and checkout at the restaurant’s drive-through units. “Similar to the kiosks, biometric check in can increase loyalty participation and revenue at the drive thru while also reducing payment processing costs,” says John Miller, CEO of PopID and Chairman of Cali Group. “Additionally, biometric payment at the order confirmation screen enables staff members to work on tasks other than taking payments by card and phone at the order pick-up window.”
- 5/5/2024
STUDY: How Technology, Creativity Impacting In-Restaurant Dining
The 2024 State of the Industry: Future of In-Restaurant Dining report by Incisiv in collaboration with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, delves into the evolving dynamics of the restaurant industry and explores the trends and solutions needed to stay ahead in a competitive market. The report emphasizes the necessity for establishments to transcend beyond mere convenience to integrate wellness, gastronomy, and unforgettable memories into the dining experience.
"Dining is a fundamental part of our daily lives, deeply intertwined with emotion and connection," says Giri Agarwal, Chief Strategy Officer at Incisiv. "Restaurants must evolve from focusing solely on convenience to creating truly memorable experiences that bring people together. Smart investments in technology are key to realizing this vision, enabling personalized and engaging dining experiences that resonate deeply with diners."
Technology such as interactive digital menus, in-restaurant mobile apps, and augmented reality experiences are playing a vital role in empowering restaurants to stay relevant and meet the evolving needs and expectations of diners.
“Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is revolutionizing our world, and in the restaurant industry, it has the potential to unlock unparalleled opportunities for tailored experiences and operational efficiency,” said Fredrik Carlegren, VP and Head of Marketing and Communication at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. “For the consumer, this may look like a personalized menu recommendation based on individual tastes and dietary preferences or having A.I. integrated into proximity sensors that monitor dine-in, pick-up, and delivery logistics so diners receive their food quickly and efficiently. Operationally, A.I.’s predictive capabilities empower precise staff scheduling and optimize inventory management to ensure seamless kitchen operations while minimizing waste.”
Key highlights from the study include:
· Digital Technology Simplifying Group Dining: Group meals are being reimagined with digital technology to enhance enjoyable dining experiences and remove logistical hurdles. Only 13% of restaurants offer digital experiences to simplify group dining, such as easily splitting bills or streamlined ordering.
· Third-Party Delivery Platforms Dominate, but Direct Relationships are Underdeveloped: While 77% of restaurants utilize delivery platforms to expand their customer base, an astonishingly low 8% have successfully integrated their loyalty programs with these services, meaning there is a significant opportunity for restaurants to connect on a deeper level with repeat guests.
· Unified Technology and Fast Service are Elevating Dining Experiences: To ensure a seamless flow from the kitchen to the table, 38% of restaurants are implementing POS systems that can handle in-store and online orders to streamline operations.
· Innovations in Operational Strategy Critical for Addressing Digital and Traditional Dining Demands: As restaurants strive to cater to both digital orders and in-restaurant diners, 57% have shown capability in managing multiple order types. Nevertheless, the integration of POS systems that equally support in-store and online orders stands at 38%, emphasizing the need for continued innovation in seamless operational integration.
· Rapid Prototyping and AI Adoption Highlight Innovation Urgency Amidst Infrastructure Challenges: Despite 79% of restaurants prioritizing new dining experience prototyping, satisfaction with their technological infrastructure is notably low, at just 22%. This highlights a pressing need for enhanced, adaptable technology solutions to support ongoing innovation and efficiency improvements.
2024 could be a pivotal year for restaurants to overhaul their technology infrastructure, investing in adaptable, scalable solutions to support rapid innovation to meet evolving consumer expectations. Based on the findings from the study, restaurants will increasingly focus on creating more engaging, story-driven dining experiences, harnessing technology and community partnerships to deepen emotional connections with their guests. The report surveyed 127 restaurant executives across the U.S. and Canada and outlines how restaurants use integrated technology solutions to enhance customer experiences and connections.
- 5/5/2024
STUDY: Property Managers Lean Into AI
AI use among property managers and owners has climbed 63% since November, according to Hostaway’s AI Report, which provides an in-depth analysis of artificial intelligence adoption within the short-term rental STR industry.Other top findings include:Increased AI Adoption: A significant rise in AI usage has been noted, with 70% of respondents now using AI tools, up from 43% in November 2023. This marks a pivotal shift in the industry's approach to modern technological solutions. This is inline with finding from HT's Lodging Technology Study: 70% hoteliers say AI for predictive analytics has moderate to major potential,
Strategic AI Applications: Property managers are deploying AI for dynamic pricing (41%), enhancing guest experiences (30%), and improving marketing strategies (29%). These applications are proving essential for operational efficiency and competitive advantage.
Time and Cost Efficiency: While 31% of respondents have not observed a reduction in costs due to AI implementation, 35% reported substantial time savings, equivalent to four additional workdays per year. This figure increases to 47% among those managing over 26 properties.
Prevalent Tools and Concerns: The most widely used AI tools include both the paid and free versions of ChatGPT. Despite the advantages, 65% of participants expressed concerns about AI's ability to foster genuine human connections, and 54% were skeptical about AI handling complex guest issues.
Optimism About AI's Future: Overall, 75% of property managers and owners are optimistic about AI, with 61% recognizing it as a competitive edge in the marketplace.
The report offers STR managers and owners a valuable perspective on how peers are leveraging AI to streamline operations, improve guest experience and enhance profitability. It addresses common concerns and highlights areas where AI may not fully replace human interaction, particularly in managing nuanced customer relations.Hostaway surveyed 500 property managers and owners, revealing critical data on the integration of AI technologies in their operations.Saber Kordestanchi, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Hostaway, said: "Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the short-term rental industry. Our latest survey not only tracks this evolution but also helps property managers understand the practical benefits and limitations of AI. As leaders across the vacation and short-term rental sector, we're committed to equipping our customers with the tools they need to succeed in a digitally driven market.”Hostaway is at the forefront of vacation rental management software, offering advanced solutions that integrate seamlessly with major platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. Known for its robust feature set and exceptional customer support, Hostaway remains dedicated to improving the efficiency and profitability of property managers worldwide.
- 5/5/2024
Hospitable, Breezeway Partner to Help Self-Managed Properties
Self-managers are getting the chance to bring their property operations in line with the biggest management companies as a result of a partnership between vacation rental management platform Hospitable and property operations specialist Breezeway.This is the first time that Breezeway has integrated with a Property Management Software (PMS) specifically dedicated to owners managing rentals themselves, without the help of a third-party property manager.Hosts leveraging Breezeway’s tools can now seamlessly sync reservation and listing data from Hospitable’s PMS directly into the operations platform, allowing for effortless real-time management of their rentals. By plugging booking data into Breezeway’s powerful suite of tools, which automate and optimize tasks like maintenance coordination, cleaning scheduling, and guest communication, hosts can maintain and run properties more efficiently.The partnership aims to level the playing field for those who might have limited resources or struggle to exceed the industry standards expected of bigger rental companies. By allowing self-managers to sync their PMS data with a cutting-edge operations platform, hosts are equipped with the tools needed to streamline their operations and drive higher quality stays.Hospitable’s PMS is designed from the ground up with the unique needs of self-managers in mind. With a solid foundation in core technology solutions and a strong focus on community support, Hospitable empowers the growing segment of vacation rental investors who choose to manage their properties independently.Pierre-Camille Hamana, Founder & CEO of Hospitable, said: “Self-managers are the backbone of the vacation rental industry, but they often struggle to professionalize their business and services simply because they don’t have the resources to compete with larger rental managers.“Through our integration with Breezeway, hosts can sync their data with professional-grade operational tools, boosting the ease and efficiency of their day-to-day management. Such a big part of running a rental is managing back-of-house operations, which can be time-consuming and expensive if you’re a solo host with limited resources. Giving self-managers the option to automate their operations, from organizing cleaners to scheduling maintenance, is going to be a game-changer.”Jeremy Gall, Founder & CEO of Breezeway, said: “Every stay, whether it’s managed by a property management company or singular host, should offer the highest standards of quality and cleanliness. It also shouldn’t be a total headache to manage a rental by yourself.“Partnering with a PMS that champions self-managers means we’re bringing operational tools to the fingertips of so many hosts who have previously lacked the resources to drive the same level of quality, through their operations, as the larger property managers. We believe hosts should have access to the tools they need to efficiently manage their operations whether they own one rental or 20. Raising the standards and elevating the quality will drive the entire industry forward for guests, hosts and property managers.”Founded in 2016, Hospitable is a vacation rental software provider offering a suite of tools that empower hosts to automate the most time-consuming elements of hosting.Breezeway, a platform for managing all the work of maintaining and cleaning short-term rental homes, has helped thousands of hosts and managers deliver the highest quality hospitality experiences for millions of guests – across more than 250,000 homes in 80 countries. - 5/5/2024
Ooma AirDial Now Available in Canada
Ooma, Inc., a smart communications platform for businesses and consumers, announced that Ooma AirDial , a solution for Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) replacement, is now available in Canada.
POTS is being rapidly phased out in all Canadian provinces. The two dominant providers of POTS service – Bell Canada and TELUS – have both announced plans for copper network decommissioning.
This impending “copper sunset” is a challenge for businesses with mission-critical equipment such as fire alarm panels, elevator phones, building entry systems and industrial controls that rely on POTS lines. Even before copper lines are shut down, businesses face significant hikes in monthly rates as legacy carriers encourage their customers to move away from POTS.
Ooma AirDial delivers turnkey replacement for POTS lines through an analog-to-digital phone service that is built specifically for compatibility with business equipment and life-safety devices, and is designed with regulatory compliance in mind. A fully integrated solution, AirDial provides hardware, software, wireless connectivity and remote management – all from a single vendor.
Ooma has been providing cloud-based telecommunications solutions in Canada since 2005 and currently maintains an office in Vancouver for software engineering, product development, customer support and research.
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