Retailers for the past several years have seen consumer spending stagnate and while the NRF estimates that retail sales in 2016 will grow 3.1 percent – an improvement over the 10-year average of 2.7 percent-- it’s still not predicted to be the blockbuster year that brands have been hoping for. Slow growth coupled with new...
Attending HITEC 2016 is about more than an introduction to the latest hospitality technology that will impact the industry; it's also a chance to make connections, source new solutions and consultants, prospect for new customers, and even collect competitive intelligence to help your brand remain on the cutting edge. From LG to...
Mobile is replacing desktop as the primary means of online access in the home
As mobile usage becomes ubiquitous, the path to purchase is becoming less defined. Shoppers are always connected, well-informed and often quick to convert both digitally and in-store. The traditional shopping phases still exist, but once smartphones are...
With just under 45 days until the world’s largest hospitality tech show, the countdown is officially on. If you are not familiar with it, the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is a four-day event, complete with expert speakers and an incomparable list of exhibitors—all with the hopes of continually...
Last month, Hilton Hotels, in partnership with IBM, introduced “Connie,” the first Watson-enabled robot concierge for the hospitality industry. Named for the founder of Hilton Hotels, Conrad Hilton, Connie can tell guests where to eat, what to do nearby, and what they need to know about the hotel’s amenities and services. Connie...
When you’re traveling far from home, do you skip the standard tourist destinations in favor of atypical adventure? Do you set a rule that you will not eat at global chain restaurants you’re already familiar with, instead opting for local establishments? If so, you’re contributing to a growing trend in which travelers seek to...
By Mike Ford, Co-Founder and Managing Director, SiteMinder
Managed guest relationships, integrated technology systems, and improved data collection and security are the three most critical needs of hoteliers when it comes to distribution and online marketing. That is the finding of a whitepaper SiteMinder recently produced in...
One of the most vital components of a successful company is an effective branding strategy that creates deep interest and loyalty among its targeted consumers. Although this is a clear focus in many industries, the branding of many travel technology companies speaks primarily to the functionality of products, while failing to connect...
Starfleet Research, the IT market research arm of Starfleet Media, today announced the availability of the new eBook: 'Upgrading the Hotel Guest Experience with Next-Generation Technologies.' The eBook was underwritten by Agilysys, a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services.
Today,...
It’s hard to drive travel app adoption but signs show that some are succeeding, and some are not.
With millions of apps to choose from, why should a consumer choose your travel app — and why should they keep it on their phone? It’s a question being debated across the industry as new travel apps take off, and others close their...