Lodges, eating places battle to remain afloat as meals costs soar
KISII, Kenya July 30 – In the previous couple of weeks, Kenyans have been struggling to deal with the rising value of meals costs led to by adversarial climate and rising enter prices which have been worsened by the Ukraine struggle.
In response to the Kenya Nationwide Bureau of Statistics, the inflation fee for meals costs rose to 12.4 % in Could 2022, up from 7 % in Could 2021.
This enhance in meals costs has been largely affected by hoteliers in Kisii County with most of them struggling to take care of their workers and clients and make revenue from the enterprise.
Chatting with KNA in Kisii city, Dayprin Resort Supervisor, Mercy Moraa mentioned the excessive value of meals has largely affected her enterprise.
Moraa famous that she has been compelled to ration a few of the meals on the menu with out altering their costs in order to take care of their purchasers.
She identified they’ve diminished the servings of meals stuffs they buy every day in order to take care of their revenue and day by day manufacturing.
As well as, the resort Supervisor mentioned they’ve diminished the variety of staff within the facility from eleven to 6 in order to maintain the enterprise afloat.
Moraa famous the variety of clients had additionally diminished since just a few individuals can afford meals in lodges whereas others decide to hold packed lunches from their houses.
“We now have advised our clients of the anticipated change in costs of meals in order to arrange them to regulate to the gradual change fairly than a sudden one,” she added.
Moraa identified that there was a scarcity of meals stuffs in sure supermarkets with the institutions limiting the variety of particular objects as soon as should purchase.
The supervisor famous the amount of meals waste had additionally diminished on account of a discount within the amount of meals they cook dinner in order to chop losses.
Equally, Mwenge Resort Supervisor Lameck Oiro mentioned his enterprise was struggling because of the present inflation as much less clients have been visiting the place.
As a substitute of decreasing the variety of staff at his resort, Oiro identified that he has opted to have them work on day shifts to deal with the low buyer prove on account of elevated meals costs.
“I’ve been compelled to scale back our bills on day by day meals stuff purchases in order to reduce waste. I’m urging the federal government to look into the costs of meals stuff in order to allow each resident to afford meals,” he mentioned.
Wycliffe Atandi, a Supervisor at Stageview restaurant famous he needed to lay off 10 % of his staff because of the current inflation within the nation.
He mentioned that he has been compelled to regulate costs of some meals to take care of the resort’s revenue margin.
The resort Supervisor identified that the client’s satisfaction was a high precedence and as such, he has opted in opposition to decreasing the amount of meals served.
“My enchantment to the nationwide authorities is that they need to cut back the price of dwelling for the frequent mwananchi as life has turn out to be very costly,” mentioned Atandi.
Because the meals costs rise, lodges and eating places are actually being compelled to print new menus and alert clients of the brand new modifications previous to providing them providers.
Inns and eating places cannot levy service cost by default, says CCPA
The Central Client Safety Authority (CCPA) on Monday barred inns and eating places from levying service cost by default in meals payments, and allowed prospects to file complaints in case of a violation of the norms. There shouldn’t be any assortment of service cost by another identify, it added.
The inns have to obviously inform the buyer that paying the service cost is on the client’s discretion, the CCPA mentioned.
The rules empower shoppers to complain in opposition to the apply underneath varied provisions of the Client Safety Act, tagging it as an ‘unfair commerce apply,’ and a violation of client rights.
“No restriction on entry or provision of companies primarily based on assortment of service fees shall be imposed on shoppers,” it added.
“It’s a part of the rules, which implies that authorized motion may be initiated in opposition to the restaurant by the CCPA, as underneath the brand new Client Safety Act it’s empowered to take motion underneath related parts of the legislation,” Bijon Misra, a famous client rights activist and founding father of Client On-line Basis, which pioneered the ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ marketing campaign, advised Enterprise Normal.
Misra mentioned what’s going to occur now could be that eating places and inns will begin together with the ‘service cost’ within the worth itself, which might inflate the invoice.
CCPA additionally mentioned that service cost can’t be collected by including it together with the meals invoice and levying GST on the whole quantity.
If any client finds {that a} resort or restaurant is levying service cost in violation of the rules, she or he can request the institution involved to take away it from the invoice quantity.
“Victory for the widespread man is that after this, if anyone doesn’t need to pay service cost, he cannot be pressured to try this,” Misra mentioned.
He mentioned as a optimistic fallout of the choice, waiters and others in inns is likely to be tempted to supply higher service to the shopper within the hope of ‘tip’.
The CCPA, within the tips mentioned a tip or gratuity is in the direction of hospitality acquired past primary minimal service contracted between the buyer and the resort administration, and constitutes a separate transaction between the buyer and workers of the resort/restaurant on the client’s discretion.
Solely after finishing the meal, a client could also be ready to evaluate the standard, in addition to service, and resolve whether or not or to not pay a tip, and in that case, then how a lot.
The choice to pay a tip by a client doesn’t come up solely by coming into the restaurant or inserting an order.
“Due to this fact, service cost can’t be added within the invoice involuntarily, with out permitting shoppers the selection or discretion to resolve whether or not they need to pay such a cost or not,” the rules mentioned.
In the meantime, in line with an official assertion, an aggrieved client can lodge a grievance on the Nationwide Client Helpline (NCH), which works as a substitute dispute redressal mechanism on the pre-litigation degree, by calling 1915 or by the NCH cellular app. They’ll additionally file complaints with the Client Fee.
In line with an official assertion, the choice to completely bar service cost was taken after plenty of complaints had been registered within the Nationwide Client Helpline (NCH) by shoppers on levying of service cost.
Customers complained that eating places had been making service cost obligatory and including it to the invoice by default, suppressing that paying such a cost was elective and voluntary, and embarrassing shoppers in case they resist paying service cost.
“Numerous instances regarding levying of service fees have additionally been determined by client commissions in favor of shoppers, holding the identical as an unfair commerce apply and in violation of client rights,” the official assertion mentioned.
How The Industries Of Journey & Meals Can Profit One One other In A Submit-Pandemic World
Tim Hentschel, Co-Founder & CEO of HotelPlanner
Tim Hentschel, Co-Founder & CEO of HotelPlanner, is somebody who lives and breathes journey. He launched HotelPlanner.com in 2003, on the peak of the dot-com period after an informal dialog over beer on what the largest problem to reserving resorts was for vacationers on the time.
Quick ahead to in the present day, the journey expertise firm is among the world’s high facilitators of particular person, group and company bookings, specializing in negotiated group lodge charges, prolonged stays and extra for every little thing from weddings to sporting occasions. This reserving empire gives a world portfolio of over 50,000 resorts, and continues to thrive, regardless of large setbacks within the journey house as a consequence of Covid.
Although the world noticed a lower in journey, HotelPlanner surprisingly not solely continued to obtain buyer calls, however extra so than in years prior. In response, Hentschel determined to launch a world gig-based journey agent reservations platform the place distant brokers can take buyer calls from wherever, at any time. Thus permitting prospects the flexibility to talk with precise folks, reasonably than chatbots or pre-recordings.
Hentschel at present lives in Singapore, however has traveled extensively the previous a number of months together with prolonged stays in Manila for the World Journey & Tourism Council International Summit and New York Metropolis for the NYU Hospitality Funding Convention, the place he was a speaker.
“As we come out of the pandemic, the largest barrier to journey now stays the ever-changing, complicated and complicated Covid testing, vaccine documentation, and quarantine necessities between nations, particularly within the Asia-Pacific,” explains Hentschel.
The brand new journey norm.
“With regards to culinary journey, in Asia-Pacific, Covid remains to be negatively affecting eating places and bars probably the most, provided that they’re a couple of 12 months behind of their restoration in contrast with remainder of the world. Nevertheless, in Europe and the Americas, most individuals have returned to crowded bars and eating places with out masks. In a room of 100 folks, you may even see just some nonetheless carrying masks.”
Based mostly on all of his latest journeys, we chatted with Tim Hentschel, Co-Founder & CEO of HotelPlanner, on all issues journey, together with the way it’s been affected by Covid and sensible recommendation for the typical traveler; how the journey and meals industries can strengthen each other in a recovering post-pandemic world; silver linings and extra. This is what he needed to say.
Do you suppose that variances in Covid restrictions is a deterrent? What do you see as discouraging for the typical traveler to journey overseas proper now?
. . . There are various residents in Asia-Pacific who merely aren’t touring till it turns into a lot simpler between nations. Europe is now beginning to actually take off with EU journey, and is prone to have a powerful summer season journey and August vacation season. Along with 40-year excessive inflation and about 20% larger prices for flights and resorts, the #1 disincentive for inbound vacationers to the US is the 24-hour Covid testing requirement that the US authorities nonetheless has in impact.
The US service trade is dropping hundreds of thousands a day in unrealized income from inbound vacationers who’re nonetheless holding off on their US journeys. Hopefully the US authorities will take away that testing requirement. After they do, will probably be an enormous catalyst for inbound journey to American shores.
Now that we’re getting previous the worst of the pandemic (hopefully), what do you see as the brand new norm of worldwide journey?
The brand new norm for worldwide journey will in all probability embrace having to obtain numerous apps to add your vaccine documentation and Covid take a look at, and the complicated and complicated means of touring nation to nation with disparate insurance policies. I believe issues will easy out so there’s parity and predictability between nations, however in all probability not till 2025.
Cellular app in telephone to indicate covid-19 take a look at outcomes for journey.
My recommendation is to analysis the most recent Covid insurance policies for every nation alongside your itinerary. Work out what documentation or app it’s worthwhile to use. Get your paperwork so as. Apart from Covid, with a lot pent-up demand, I counsel all vacationers to e book their journeys as far upfront as doable to make sure availability, but in addition to lock in a decrease price.
When it comes to planning a serious journey my high three suggestions embrace reserving early, researching every nation’s Covid protocols (however checking for any last-minute modifications) and contemplating journey insurance coverage, however learn the advantageous print.
Do you discover that Covid restrictions and protocol have put a damper on leisurely actions for the traveler?
The reply relies on what nation you are speaking about, however normally, the final two years have been very powerful on leisure journey. Most every little thing within the leisure house was canceled or made digital. The excellent news is that leisure journey is main the globe’s restoration as hundreds of thousands at the moment are touring to go on that epic or unique trip they’ve all the time dreamed about, or to get married or attend a marriage, or simply to attend a stay occasion like a Broadway present in NYC, or to lastly take their youngsters to Disney World.
With regards to ingesting and eating particularly, what are the variations amongst numerous nations and cities you see?
Individuals nonetheless need to drink and dine in teams, not alone. We’re social beings. However what I’ve seen alongside my worldwide travels is an absence of transparency and consistency with Covid protocols. For instance, masks could also be optionally available within the lodge foyer, however you continue to have to indicate proof of vaccine to get into the lodge restaurant. That does not make sense. Or perhaps it is a hospitality convention I am attending and the town has already eliminated its indoor masks or vaccination coverage, however the convention organizers or the convention venue are nonetheless requiring proof of vaccine.
Culinary journey.
Has culinary journey taken successful?
Culinary journey was impacted simply as a lot as some other leisure exercise. Throughout Covid, if a foodie wished to expertise unique delicacies, they in all probability needed to order it for native supply or cook dinner it themselves at dwelling.
Within the US, I’ve seen a major uptick in advertising and marketing and occasions for Brewery and Vineyard excursions, Meals excursions, and Meals and Wine and Beer Festivals. Culinary occasions are all returning robust. Each the restaurant and journey industries have actually been disrupted with Covid.
Is there a silver lining wherever?
If there’s any silver lining with Covid, it compelled eating places and journey firms to innovate and evolve, work with skeleton crews, and rent and fireplace extra rapidly and neatly. Hopefully, the everlasting change is far cleaner eating places, resorts and occasion areas. The everlasting modifications are: Enhanced cleansing, higher air filtration methods, and hand sanitizer stations all over the place.
What are some methods you see the 2 industries of meals and journey coming collectively in new, fruitful methods due to what has occurred?
Eating places and resorts and stay occasions are three pillars of the service trade, the fourth pillar of being the airways. They should work extra intently collectively now as a result of they depend upon one another for survival. For instance, a lodge or restaurant might must hire out its occasion house extra typically to stay worthwhile. And the occasion organizers want extra distinctive and versatile resorts and eating places to host their occasions. It is a symbiotic, mutually helpful, interdependent relationship.
Has Covid turn into a catalyst for optimistic change in any means that you simply see?
The optimistic change for the whole service trade, which was hit the toughest, is that they’re now main the globe’s post-pandemic restoration. And I believe plenty of trade executives are realizing that ‘we’re all on this collectively.’ I believe it will lead to extra firm partnerships that the world has by no means seen earlier than. Motels partnering with eating places. Eating places partnering with airways. Stay occasion organizers partnering with resorts, and many others.
Meal served on board of airplane.
What have been a few of your favourite eating experiences across the globe?
The delicacies in Singapore is famous and my household and I’ve actually loved increasing our culinary palettes the previous two years whereas we lived there. Now that I’ve relocated my household again to London, I am wanting ahead to genuine British pub fare like Fish & Chips; Bangers N’ Mash, or Sheperd’s Pie. And the Indian delicacies in London is world well-known too. However to reply your query immediately, a few of my favourite eating experiences across the globe had nothing to do with the meals, and had extra to do with the chums or household or enterprise companions I used to be with. Who you dine with could make all of the distinction.
What are your present favourite eating places?
Present favourite restaurant for date evening is the Quilon on the Taj Buckingham Gate in London and with the children, it is Benihana’s.
Taylor Swift parties, events before Eras Tour in Denver on July 14, 15
Whether or not you’re going to Taylor Swift’s concerts at Empower Field at Mile High next week, you’re in good company.
Fans of the singer-songwriter and her Eras Tour, which plays Denver on Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, scrambled to snag tickets the moment they went on sale earlier this year, ensuring both instant sell-outs and disappointment.
But anyone can attend these parallel yet separate Swift-themed events, in which boutique hotels, promoters, bars and upscale shopping complexes cater to people coming to (and from) the shows in downtown Denver. Getting a piece of that action means meeting fans where they are. Literally.
Here’s a quick roundup of Swift-related events that are open to the public, both free and paid. Watch for The Denver Post’s photo slideshow and review of the tour’s opening night in Denver, to be posted on July 15 on denverpost.com/things-to-do/music, and check out a review and photos of her 2018 Reputation Tour show at Empower Field at bit.ly/44dZdAz.
Taylor Swift silent disco
The McGregor Square complex across from Coors Field in Lower Downtown is diving in early with a silent disco and related events on Saturday, July 8. Each $30 admission includes a silent-disco headset to hear a pair of DJs spinning Swift hits “from every era to dance and sing along to,” as well as beer or seltzer included and access to a friendship bracelet-making station, “the Eras Tour must-have accessory.”
There are, of course, Swift-inspired cocktails such as Champagne Problems and Lavender Haze, and The OG and Rally bars will also be serving Swiftie cocktails. Tickets are $30 per person, or $10 for people who book a room on the same night at the Rally Hotel on-site. eventbrite.com or finallyhotel.com
Early Taylor Swift pre-parties
Other events are popping up a week early to take advantage of the run-up to the show: the Queer Taylor Swift pre-party at Denver’s Goldspot Brewing Company welcomes Gaylors (Swifties who theorize that she’s secretly gay) and everyone else with a costume contest , friendship bracelets and flash tattoos, from 3 to 8 pm on Saturday, July 8. The event is free but donations will be collected to benefit nonprofits Khesed Wellness and The Delores Project. eventbrite.com
On July 13, the night before the first concert, Mile High Spirits is also holding a pre-party featuring “all Taylor Swift, all night long” music ($10; eventbrite.com).
Swifties at the Station
The 1-7 pm celebration on July 14 and 15 at Denver’s Union Station will feature DJ Chris C playing fan-favorite Taylor Swift tunes, a “face rhinestone artist” and a pop-up by LINK x LOU “to help you level up your friendship-bracelet game,” organizers wrote. You can also pose for photos in a booth and enter a Best Dressed raffle for prizes that include a one-night stay at The Crawford with a $100 Denver Union Station gift card.
“Terminal Bar will also be pouring special Taylor Swift cocktails, including the Cruel Summer, a Taylor Spritz, a Blank Space and a Lavender Haze, made with Tito’s Vodka, black tea, lavender, Butterfly Pea Syrup, lemon and soda water,” according to the press release. Anyone who buys food or drink from Terminal Bar on July 15 can also take a free TukTuk ride directly to Empower Field from 3:30 to 7:30 pm Events are free but RSVPs are encouraged via eventbrite.com. More at denverunionstation.com/events/swifties-at-the-station
“You Belong With Me” at Thompson Denver
The year-old Thompson Denver hotel is also going the lux route on July 14 and 15 with its Champagne Problems brunch, featuring specials by the bottle or glass, the Lavender Haze cocktail throughout the hotel, a “special merch stand for the ultimate friendship bracelets and temporary tattoos” (think 13 and 22, organizers said), and a “Cruel Summer” party in Reynard Social with Eras songs by Cyberkid. Note: Overnight hotel rates for these dates start at about $800. hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/denth-thompson-denver
Taylor Swift Glam Makeup Experience
LoDo’s Maven Hotel and Poka Lola Social Club joined forces at The Dairy Block for a Glam Makeup Experience on July 14 and 15, with Denver artist Makeup by Peaches “helping fans to rock Taylor’s signature red lip or add a pop of glitter and color to your already fabulous outfit,” organizers wrote. Timed slots are available 2-6 pm both days for $10 per person. Poka Lola will have the Champagne Problems and Lavender Haze cocktails on both days. Registration is required at eventbrite.com. More at themavenhotel.com
Swift City
This elaborate tailgate party will be set up across from Empower Field along Federal Boulevard from 3 to 6 pm on July 14 with food and drinks, activity booths, DJs, selfie backdrops and more ($25). If you can’t go to the show, they’re also hosting a listening party during it ($25) and a 21-and-up post-concert dance party ($25). The Can’t Stop Won’t Stop bundle includes all of the events ($60). eventbrite.com
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.
RateGain Results for FY23 out; PAT Grows 8X YoY
Noida, May 19, 2023: RateGain Travel Technologies Limited (NSE: RATEGAIN), a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for the hospitality and travel industry, today announced its financial results for Q4 & FY23 ending on March 31, 2023, reporting record revenues and profitability with robust growth and operational efficiency contributing to higher margins.
In an environment where most technology companies are dealing with both growth and cost pressures, RateGain continues to show robust revenue growth at 54.2% YoY to INR 5,651.3 Mn and substantial improvement in operating margins to 15.0% for FY2023, up from 8.3% in the prior year; on the back of operating leverage playing out and driving cost efficiencies across different businesses.
As the travel industry gets ready to move away from legacy technology and tap into the AI revolution powered by cloud, RateGain, one of the pioneers of AI and cloud technologies in travel and hospitality is emerging as a trusted partner for leading hotel chains and travel brands to leverage AI to transform their existing revenue management, distribution ecosystem as well as drive better outcomes from their marketing efforts.
With the advent of new LLM models and the increasing demand for hyper-personalization, travel and hospitality brands would need more data than ever before to deliver a seamless experience while controlling costs and improving ROI on their marketing and distribution efforts.
RateGain is well-positioned to capture this opportunity with over 370 billion data points consisting of travel intent, searches, and rate updates across 700+ partners including leading hotel chains, OTAs, airlines, and car rentals. The variety, volume, and scale of data processing as well as its reliable technology with up to 99.9% uptime makes RateGain ready to help the travel and hospitality industry leverage AI with accurate insights and unlock new revenue through seamless guest acquisition, retention, and wallet share expansion.
The company’s ability to innovate and consistently drive outcomes at scale for customers has helped in recording new contract wins of INR 1,308.0 Mn in FY2023 and has a healthy pipeline of INR 3,810.2 Mn as it goes into the new year.
For Q4FY23, the quarter ending March 31, 2023, compared to the same quarter last year the company reported:
- Operating Revenue at INR 1,829.3 Mn v/s INR 1,078.8 Mn (+ 69.6% YoY)
- EBITDA at INR 322.1 Mn v/s INR 153.6 Mn (+109.7% YoY)
- PAT at INR 337.9 Mn v/s INR 116.1 Mn (+ 191.0 YoY)
- EBITDA margin at 17.6% v/s 14.2/li>
- PAT margin at 18.5% v/s 10.8%
For FY23 compared to the same period last year, the company reported:
- Operating Revenue at INR 5,651.3 Mn v/s INR 3,665.9 Mn (+ 54.2% YoY)
- EBIDTA at INR 845.6 Mn v/s INR 305.6 Mn (+177.0% YoY)
- PAT at INR 684.0 Mn v/s PAT of INR 84.2 Mn (8.1x YoY)
- EBIDTA margin at 15.0% v/s 8.3%
- PAT margin at 12.1% v/s 2.3%
The company continues to have strong customer relationships that are helping in building predictive, stable and sustainable revenue streams. The Annual Recurring Revenue stands at an all-time high of INR 7,745.1 Mn and the LTV to CAC for FY23 came in at 21.3x which is 7x higher than the benchmark for SaaS companies.
Sharing his views on what helped in driving the performance this quarter, Bhanu Chopra, Founder and Chairman, RateGain Travel Technologies, said, “As we complete our first full year of listing, I would like to commend and congratulate the entire RateGain family on a record year. We continue to use AI capabilities to advance our mission of building an integrated tech stack that allows our customers to acquire guests, engage & retain them and have a wallet share expansion. The travel industry continues to witness strong demand across key geographies, we are well positioned to capture and partner with our clients to deliver innovative solutions to optimize their revenue strategy. With continued momentum across all business lines along and our continued investments into RG Labs specially in areas of AI and now Generative AI — we continue to lead digitization of the industry”
Commenting on the key metrics, Tanmaya Das, Chief Financial Officer, RateGain Travel Technologies, said, It has been a standout year for the company in terms of performance across all key areas contributing to record revenue with commendable margin improvement. This is a validation of the underlying business fundamentals and the value we continue to drive for our customers. We witnessed balanced growth across our three verticals with an improvement across all key metrics contributing to a stellar year, which is a true reflection of the efforts of the entire team. Adara integration continues on track, and we are pleased with this new addition to the RateGain ecosystem. With a strong pipeline across verticals, we are well positioned to deliver value to our customers and stakeholders.”
The company continues to add to its headcount and saw a 17.7% increase YoY with a total headcount of 713. With the expansion of the headcount, the company has also been able to reduce its attrition rate which currently stands at 21.1% by leveraging unique upskilling and learning programs to create new opportunities for existing employees.
RateGain also ended the year on a high by increasing its award tally to 13 for the year, being recognized across its people, products, and marketing practices. RateGain was recognized by SaaSBOMi, the leading community of SaaS founders in India as the SaaS Startup of the Year, as well as received recognition by Entrepreneuer.com for its founder, Bhanu Chopra as Founder of the Year.
About RateGain
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited is a global provider of SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality that works with 2800+ customers and 700+ partners in 100+ countries helping them accelerate revenue generation through acquisition, retention, and wallet share expansion.
RateGain today is one of the world’s largest processors of electronic transactions, price points, and travel intent data helping revenue management, distribution and marketing teams across hotels, airlines, meta-search companies, package providers, car rentals, travel management companies, cruises and ferries drive better outcomes for their business. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in India, today RateGain works with Top 23 of 30 Hotel Chains, Top 25 of 30 Online Travel Agents and all the top car rentals including 8 Global Fortune 500 companies in unlocking new revenue every day. For more information, please visit rategain.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this document relating to future status, events, or circumstances, including but not limited to statements about plans and objectives, the progress and results of research and development, potential project characteristics, project potential, and target dates for project-related issues are forward-looking statements based on estimates and the anticipated effects of future events on current and developing circumstances. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are not necessarily predictive of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.
Contact Media
Ankit Chaturvedi
[email protected]
Global Head-Marketing
A Virtual Education Preview from Solution Providers
How does an industry that is required to offer a relaxed, discreet, unobtrusive, and unencumbered experience for guests and members, reconcile those goals with offering guests and members a secure environment? Every company is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe environment for its employees.
Understanding that there is potential for danger, hospitality properties need to counter it with preemptive response planning. It is imperative for organizations to implement appropriate security measures, collaborate with local authorities and train staff in proper prevention and reaction methods.
Employers can provide a safe and secure working environment by using a thorough security system including access control systems, CCTVs, keycards, and emergency notification devices, along with training the employees about security procedures, and constant improvement of a safety management system program.
HFTP recently hosted a webinar entitled “Safety Systems and Devices” that focused on some of these security measures and devices designed for the hospitality industry to keep people safe and properly protected. The panel for the webinar included representatives from companies who will be exhibiting their safety solutions in the exhibit hall at HITEC® Toronto 2023. Keep reading for advice from the solution providers who participated in the webinar.
HITEC Toronto will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, June 26-29. (Visit the HITEC website for a complete list of the 300+ hospitality technology companies that will be exhibiting at HITEC this year. Register to attend today.)
Did you miss the live “Safety Systems and Devices” webinar? Visit the HFTP 2023 Virtual Education Archive Library to watch the recorded session.
Exploring Smart Safety Solutions with:
- Fiona Moloney, CEO at HelloSOS (Visit HITEC Booth #2533)
- Lucie Deuel, CEO at SIGFLOW
- Sandy Murray Hanson, VP of Sales, Hospitality at ROAR (Visit HITEC Booth #1905a)
- David Branca, NE Regional Sales Manager at PinPoint (Visit HITEC Booth #1150a)
Statistics show that by the year 2025, it is estimated that there will be more than 75 billion IoT connected devices in use. We are in the midst of a digital transformation right now, and IoT is leading the way with solutions such as panic buttons, asset tracking, energy usage monitoring, and more. IoT sensors are solving unique and complex monitoring challenges by combining an intelligent network of sensors and gateways with industry-leading monitoring applications, real-time reporting, and instant SMS text message alerts. It is now possible to connect your sensor data to any platform, deploy plug and play solutions, and manage all sensor activity through a single pane of glass.
These IoT devices include wearable panic buttons that are designed to protect hotel workers who may find themselves alone in vulnerable or dangerous situations and can send emergency, location-tracking alerts with the push of a button. According to PinPoint, “hospitality is in the top five most dangerous industries to work in,” with significant percentages of hotel workers indicating: sexual harassment (58 percent), indecent exposure (49 percent), and verbal abuse or violence (10 percent) from guests or customers.
Smart wearables like panic button devices should allow communication between teams, emergency alerts, crisis communication, smart messaging and scalability. When considering this technology, look for a solution that is:
- Developed for the people who are using it.
- Designed with integrity by people who care and is simple to use, private and secure.
- A truly mobile and smart safety solution that cannot be knocked off or removed easily, is discreet to guests, and easy and comfortable to use.
- Multifunctional (able to do more than one thing).
Other important considerations should be made, as well:
- The product should work within the confines of your current business operations.
- Consider the power source. Can it be unplugged, what is the battery life, and is the hardware discrete to guests?
- Confirm the solution’s accuracy and speed, both indoors and outdoors, during active threats (this is paramount!).
- Determine the level of redundancy provided.
- Does it offer teamwide communication, room messaging, improving operations and scalability?
- Is it Union-tested, does it pass these tests, and does it comply with brand standards?
- Are references provided?
Finally, there are a few things you can do for your end throughout the selection and implementation of a new solution:
- Have your priorities and a plan in place, rather than expecting a solution provider to come up with these for you.
- Perform regular updates and equipment checks, much like changing the oil in your car.
- Make sure your staff understands the system, how and when to use it – as well as the culture behind your protocols. Your staff should have confidence in the system. It will only work as well as your staff understands the protocols and procedures behind it.
For more valuable information, watch the webinar recording or feel free to reach out to any of the companies who contributed their knowledge of these security technologies.
RateGain appointed Yogeesh Chandra as Chief Strategy Officer
New Delhi, April 28, 2023:RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, a global provider of SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality, today announced the appointment of Yogeesh Chandra as its Chief Strategy Officer. Yogeesh has worked at RateGain for over 12 years, playing multiple roles in setting up high-performance teams, go-to-market strategy, customer success, and product management with P&L ownership.
As a seasoned strategist with a proven track record of delivering results, Yogeesh has a deep understanding of the travel and hospitality industry, having worked across commercial teams of leading hotel brands.
In his new role, Yogeesh will oversee RateGain’s strategic planning, business development, and corporate strategy initiatives. He will work closely with the executive team to identify and pursue new opportunities, optimize existing business lines, and shape the future direction of the company.
Bhanu Chopra, Founder and Managing Director of RateGain, said “Yogeesh has played an exceptional role in scaling RateGain over the last decade, and his exceptional leadership, strategic arguments, and industry expertise make him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that he will play a pivotal role in shaping our company’s strategic direction and driving growth to new heights.”
Yogeesh Chandra expressed gratitude to RateGain for the opportunity and said, “I want to thank the management team and the board members for trusting me with this responsibility. Technology and hospitality are both at an inflection point, creating new strategic opportunities for RateGain to grow, and I am excited about the future ahead. I look forward to collaborating with the team and making a meaningful impact on RateGain’s growth trajectory.”
About RateGain
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited is a global provider of SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality that works with 2800+ customers and 700+ partners in 100+ countries helping them accelerate revenue generation through acquisition, retention, and wallet share expansion.
RateGain today is one of the world’s largest processors of electronic transactions, price points, and travel intent data helping revenue management, distribution and marketing teams across hotels, airlines, meta-search companies, package providers, car rentals, travel management companies, cruises and ferries drive better outcomes for their business. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in India, today RateGain works with Top 23 of 30 Hotel Chains, Top 25 of 30 Online Travel Agents, and all the top car rentals including 8 Global Fortune 500 companies in unlocking new revenue every day. For more information, please visit https://www.rategain.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this document relating to future status, events, or circumstances, including but not limited to statements about plans and objectives, the progress and results of research and development, potential project characteristics, project potential, and target dates for project-related issues are forward-looking statements based on estimates and the anticipated effects of future events on current and developing circumstances. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are not necessarily predictive of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.
Contact Media
Ankit Chaturvedi
[email protected]
Global Head-Marketing
Thank You Booking.com For Showing Us The Future
For the last five years, travel has been all about sustainability, recovery, and – for the last few weeks – generative AI. And while all of these are highly relevant topics, there’s only one thing that ties them together – Diversity, and knowing that each person is different and is looking for unique and personalized experiences that cater to their individual needs and preferences.
This is where, at the recently concluded Click. 2023 event, Booking.com showed us the future of travel and hospitality.
The Changing Traveler and the Future of Travel
The 2023 Travel Predictions by Booking.com showcased at the event highlighting the importance of customization. And here’s how the hoteliers can leverage these trends to stay on top.
1. 55% of travelers are planning to spend their vacations off the grid.
As most travelers are looking for off-grid style vacations to escape reality in 2023, a rise in eco-friendly stays that embrace natural surroundings and sustainability is expected.
For those hotels who have already been investing in sustainability, it is pivotal to make the guests aware of the same. They can do so by indicating the sustainability practices implemented on the extranet, which can then be displayed on their property page on booking.com as part of its Travel Sustainable Programme.
Read Also: How Green is your Hotel? Do Good and Show it to the World – on Google
2. 42% of travelers will focus on mental health and mindfulness.
While highlighting the wellness facilities that the hotel currently offers – such as spas, gyms, etc. – is pivotal to drive growth for businesses, it is also important to partner with local businesses outside that provide additional wellness experiences. These additional experiences can then be offered to the guests.
Hotels can also share information about local groups or attractions that might be relevant to certain niche groups – either pre-trip (window between the booking and the actual trip), or during the stay with the help of guest engagement solutions.
3. 43% of travelers will use virtual reality to find travel inspiration.
Metaverse, and virtual or augmented reality offer people a new way to experience travel. While 43% of global travelers claim that technology will inspire their 2023 travel choices, 60% of travelers still believe that such experiences are unlikely to be replaced by in-person travel any time soon.
Investing in high-quality images and extended reality content such as virtual property tours can make the hotel property stand out, and help potential guests imagine themselves in these properties. Thereby inspiring them to experience the stay in the physical world as well.
4. The future of travel and hospitality lies in the understanding that each person is different.
The bold & impressive stance around DE&I was truly the highlight of the event. At the event, Booking.com showed us that it is this diversity that makes travel so exciting and enriching.
The tagline at the photo – “We filter places, not people.” – encapsulates the idea that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of travel. It is through experiences that we get to know different people and cultures, and it is essential that we provide customized experiences that cater to the needs of different individuals and groups.
Here are four tips for hoteliers who might not be already doing this:
a. Show all your facilities that meet the accessibility requirements
Hoteliers should highlight the accessibility features of their facilities and services, such as wheelchair ramps, bathroom grab bars, and designated parking spaces for those who may have mobility needs. They should also showcase their staff’s training to provide assistance to guests who require support and offer information on nearby accessible attractions and transportation options. This information can be prominently displayed on their website and in promotional materials to ensure that all guests feel welcomed and valued.
b. Make your content more gender-neutral and diverse
It is crucial for hoteliers to create content that is inclusive and welcoming to all guests, regardless of gender identity or expression. They can use gender-neutral language in their descriptions of amenities and services to make sure they don’t alienate guests with different gender identities. Hoteliers should also consider creating separate rooms or spaces for guests who don’t feel comfortable staying in traditional male or female accommodations.
c. Show diversity through images
Hoteliers should showcase diversity in their promotional materials, including images of guests from different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures. These images can be displayed on their website, social media accounts, and marketing materials to show potential guests that they are welcome and included in the hotel’s community. They can also highlight local cultural events and activities to encourage guests to explore and learn about the diversity of the surrounding area.
d. Share information around local groups or attractions that might be relevant to certain niche groups
For hotels that attract guests from different countries, it is important to provide information in multiple languages. This includes translating their website, brochures, and other marketing materials into the languages that their potential guests speak. Hoteliers should also consider hiring multilingual staff to assist guests who don’t speak the local language. By providing these services, hoteliers can ensure that all guests feel comfortable and included during their stay.
The Click. 2023 event by Booking.com was indeed an incredible experience that showed us the future of travel and hospitality. The onus is upon us to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in the travel industry, and deliver the perfect experience for every guest.
About the Author
Mark Haywood
SVP & General Manager – Europe and Africa
RateGain