Innovation

📦 W Sydney partnered with global leader IRIS to enhance guest experience with a digital ordering platform. The five-star hotel, boasting 588 rooms and suites, was a notable opening in 2023 at Darling Harbour. IRIS app empowers guests to personalize their stay using their smartphones or tablets, offering instant access to hotel amenities, dining options, and local attractions. Within the first 6 months, W Sydney saw a significant increase in room service orders and ancillary revenue. The app's integration ensures increased F&B revenue, optimized staff workflows, and reduced operational costs for the hotel.

📱 IRIS partners with W Sydney to elevate guest experiences with a mobile ordering platform, enhancing the luxury hotel's operational efficiencies. W Sydney, a five-star hotel with 588 rooms, opened in 2023 and quickly adopted IRIS's innovative hospitality app. Within six months, W Sydney noted a substantial increase in room service orders and ancillary revenue. The app allows guests to access hotel services and local info directly from their smartphones, contributing positively to the hotel’s reputation for modern luxury services.

🍴 Brian Malarkey, a "Top Chef" alumnus and California restaurateur, opened Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge in Bend, Oregon, in mid-June. Teaming with brother James and chef Tony Torres, the 11,000-square-foot venue reflects a "modern cowboy" style and offers steaks, seafood, and wood-fired dishes. They source food locally and raise their own chickens and beef. Additionally, Malarkey inaugurated Le Coq, a French-inspired steakhouse, on June 27 in San Diego with Tara Monson as the executive chef.

📈 Global restaurant digitization market expected to reach $29.6 billion by 2032. Virtual Dining Concepts introduces Linked Eats, a suite with 12 tech tools for real-time analytics. Blackbird Labs, backed by American Express, launches Blackbird Pay, a Web3 restaurant rewards app and payments platform. Despite numerous SaaS solutions, one in five operators feel overwhelmed by tech stack choices. New entrants continue to innovate, leveraging AI and data analysis to create niche software solutions for internal and market needs.

💾 Shiji, a provider of enterprise management structures, offers rapid, large-scale deployment of Property Management Systems (PMS), a boon for clients like TIME Hotels. TIME Hotels CEO, Mohamed Awadalla, emphasizes the need for a seamless technology foundation to support expansion. Shiji's PMS ensures minimal downtime during the integration of new properties, optimizing time and cost efficiency. Learn more about Shiji's PMS capabilities and benefits for the hospitality industry. #Shiji #Hospitalitytechnology #ShijiPMS

💰 Midlands-based Parogon Group reports a 10.9% increase in total sales to £24m for the year ending 30 June 2024, with like-for-like sales up 3.5%. EBITDA rose to £1.9m from £0.7m, and site-level profits went up by £1.2m to £4.6m, thanks to £3.1m in capital investment. The group, operating venues such as The Swan With Two Necks and The Orange Tree, is expanding its Willow brand, with the Trentham site's covers growing by 3.6%. A new Willow Telford site is due to open in September.

📺 Skift research indicates that about 70% of hotel guests prefer technology for a personalized and comfortable stay. In 2024, it is essential for hoteliers to use TV customization technologies to enhance guest satisfaction and increase revenue. This includes property content management systems for up-to-date in-room TV content, direct messaging for personalized communication and promotions, dedicated promotional TV channels for event enhancement and additional revenue, and group upsell opportunities through hotel control. These tools help hotels stand out, build loyalty, and ensure the hotel's offerings align with their brand goals.

🏨 W Sydney, a five-star hotel at Darling Harbour, collaborates with IRIS for a digital guest experience app. The technology enhanced guest satisfaction and operational efficiency, leading to increased room service orders and ancillary revenue in the first 6 months. W Sydney's B&F director Anand Prabeer acknowledges the app as a game-changer for the hotel's service and revenue generation. IRIS' VP of sales and marketing, Graham Rushin, expresses enthusiasm about the partnership and ongoing efforts to meet guest expectations for efficient service.

✈ Travelport, a travel technology firm, has struck a deal with Finnair, the national flag carrier of Finland, to offer multi-source content including New Distribution Capability (NDC) and traditional content through the Travelport+ platform. Finnair's Vice President Jenni Suomela emphasizes the aim to provide value and improved experiences for travelers. Damian Hickey of Travelport highlights the commitment to retail-ready content for agencies, ensuring efficient travel retailing.

🛫 AXA Hong Kong & Macau partners with Trip.com to launch Trip.com Travel Smart, offering three insurance plans covering medical expenses up to HKD 1.5 million, personal liability up to HKD 2 million, along with baggage, delays, and cancellations. Policies are manageable via AXA’s Emma app, enhancing travellers’ peace of mind and providing a seamless experience. Customers can earn Trip Coins for purchases on the Trip.com platform.