Hotel Communication Network (HCN), the world leader in guestroom tablets for hotels and resorts, is transforming the way operators are driving revenues and engaging with guests. Taking advantage of advances in AI technologies, HCN has developed an industry breakthrough by creating the first human-looking AI Concierge persona capable of addressing guests individually with full voice integration and providing voice-activated access to all guest services during their stay at HCN partner hotels. To make this technological achievement even more compelling, HCN’s new ad-supported revenue model makes the entire platform highly subsidized with a possible revenue share for hotels.
“Hoteliers, particularly those in the 4-star category, are facing smaller margins and increased competition,” said Kevin Bidner, HCN CEO. “They are desperately seeking more revenue and a way of increasing guest satisfaction, especially if it differentiates them from their competitors. The HCN AI Concierge Tablet + ad strategy solves these problems. Ads enable hoteliers to get this first-of-its-kind amenity at a highly subsidized rate (or possibly no cost), plus earn a share of the ad revenue to increase bottom-line profit. We are rolling out this platform globally with one of worlds’ biggest brands, and we invite the rest of the industry to take advantage of this compelling opportunity.”
HCN will debut its all-in-one, ad-supported, human-looking AI Concierge tablet in Booth #2803 at HITEC Indianapolis, to be held June 16-19 at the Indiana Convention Center.
Peer-reviewed research shows that the average hotel guest spends 3.5 active waking hours per day in the room, creating the ideal time to deliver brand messaging to guests. While serving as a personal concierge, HCN tablets are actually a marketing engine in each guestroom, providing hoteliers with a highly targeted communication platform capable of integrating loyalty programs for deep personalization. This is a game changer, since the tablets can integrate with hotel property-management systems and other guestroom technologies, such as blinds, thermostats, roomservice, housekeeping and more. Because of this deep integration, tablet usage rates often exceed 90%, compared to QR codes and mobile apps which often average less than 20% utilization.
NEW! Tablet Content Transfers to Guests’ Mobile Phones
HCN’s in-room tablets are only the starting point. With millions of guests per day using this digital marketplace, HCN has added a mobile platform that mirrors in-room tablet content to guests’ mobile phones. This enables every traveler to take the AI Concierge with them wherever they roam to serve as a personal assistant throughout their stay.
“HCN has been working for this moment for many years: the convergence of technologies that makes tablets an invaluable asset with a breakthrough conversational AI Concierge for every guest with nothing to download, provided right on the tablet,” Bidner said. “At the same time, the advertising model is allowing us to provide this service at a low to no cost to the hotels, even with the potential for profitable rev-share. It’s a true win-win.”
Terry Donnelly, HCN Chief Revenue Officer and architect of the advertising and ecommerce revenue platform, said the impact and reach of brand messaging for hoteliers on the tablet is tremendous.
“HCN’s messaging capabilities ensure that 100% of guests see the promotional content created by our hotel partners,” Donnelly said. “With our AI Concierge capabilities, the ability to serve guests comprehensively is now accessible for every hotel. Guests can access any amenity in the hotel, buy tickets for any local event, tour or attraction, and maximize every minute of their stay with exactly the kind of content and services they desire.”
Driving Revenue, Loyalty Point Redemption
With the HCN ad-supported model, hotels receive a state-of-the-art AI Concierge platform that will grow with guests’ needs. The multilingual platform can motivate travelers to become a loyalty program member or encourage existing members to redeem points and access the benefits they have earned while staying at the hotel. In addition, the hotel property can promote revenue-generating programs, services and amenities, driving upsell and cross sell opportunities.
“Travel is an $11 trillion market,” Bidner said. “HCN has turned its tablets into a global marketing medium capable of reaching millions of hotel guests with highly personalized offerings tailored to their profile with the hotel. The return on investment is instantly positive. If a hotel sold just one more dinner, spa treatment, scuba lesson, or cabana each day, and then multiplied that across every property, the additional revenue potential per year would have a significant, measurable, and durable impact.”
Hotel brands that don’t want to adopt an ad-supported model can still achieve a healthy and immediate return on investment with HCN’s traditional fee-paid tablet model, Bidner said.
“Even if the hotel decides to remain ad free, they can generate far more revenue with HCN tablets than without them,” he said. “For example, by using the tablet to opt out of housekeeping — a program that HCN calls ‘Guest Choice’ — that alone will offset the cost of the tablet. Each opt-out saves the hotel $15-$30 per room; the cost of an HCN tablet is significantly less than that. In addition, each HCN tablet replaces the need for peripheral room equipment — the phone, TV remote, clock/radio, and smart room controls are rolled into each device, along with interactive and AI enabled features (such as direct in-room messaging/marketing, hotel and local restaurant meal delivery, AI-based itinerary planning, merchandising, event communication, guest surveys, interactive city guides, local shops, and early/late check out), to give guests the best in-room experience possible.”
To meet AiMe (pronounced Amy) and discover a radically new way to drive revenues and guest engagement, stop by Booth #2803 at HITEC Indy.
