TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
Optii Solutions | August 04, 2022
Optii Solutions, the leading hotel operations software, announced that it has added multiple new languages to its platform, to further support its European expansion. Several additional languages are also in development with release dates in the next 30 to 60 days.
With travel, tourism, and hospitality drawing a particularly diverse workforce from around the world, the need to seamlessly communicate across languages and avoid errors is critical. Optii is designed to break down gaps and lags in communication with the goal of increasing productivity and establishing a repeatable and scalable guest experience within a hotel. Language barriers can disrupt the gains hotel operations would otherwise achieve from the implementation of technology, because instructions or staff communication is missed or misunderstood. Seamless translation to 20 languages within the same technology platform avoids this. It also leads to a better work experience for the staff who can choose to work in the language they are most comfortable with.
The company has for some time supported core languages that are prevalent in the industry and workforce, but with shifting demographics, the need to add more languages is critical. This has proven true especially in the European market, where Optii is expanding with several new hotel group customers.
“As we grow into new markets, the make-up of the workforce looks different and we need to account for that. Being a customer-centric technology provider, a lot of our roadmap items come from our customers. This is the case with our latest expansion into several European markets. Not only will we deliver on the customer needs, but we can also play a small part in bringing their workforce together and breaking down barriers.”
-Katherine Grass, CEO, Optii Solutions
About Optii Solutions
Optii Solutions is a hotel operations solution that leverages smarter technologies such as artificial intelligence, analytics, messaging and mobility to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of housekeeping and service delivery departments. For further information, please visit: www.optiisolutions.com
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CRUISE
Holland America Line | July 04, 2022
With pent-up demand and the U.S. Independence Day travel rush approaching, premium cruise line Holland America Line reported a surge in interest for Alaska cruising to the bucket list travel destination during June for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
"People are excited to travel again while reconnecting with family and friends in a meaningful way,We're seeing the pent-up demand leading to increased booking as guests realize cruising is a hassle-free way to enjoy unique destinations such as Alaska."
-Beth Bodensteiner, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for Holland America Line
Our summer travel inquiries and bookings show people are feeling safe to explore again, Alaska is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer. A preferred partner, like Holland America Line, helps us provide clients with convenient departures to and from our own back yard to this amazing place, without the added cost of airfare.Michelle Glass, vice president of travel for AAA Washington
"With the cost and recent challenges with air travel, we are seeing excitement and traction from guests within driving distance of our cruise homeports such as Seattle and Vancouver, We recently invested in local marketing near our homeports and we're already seeing that pay off."
-Kacy Cole, vice president of marketing and e-commerce for Holland America Line
Overall, Holland America Line continues to see a high level of interest in cruises that are only a short flight or drive away from guests' homes. On round-trip sailings from the United States, the cruise line visits 225 different ports in 91 different countries, serving more international destinations on cruises sailing round trip from a U.S. homeport than any other brand. The line's homeports in the United States include Seattle, San Diego, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale. In addition, Holland America Line operates more Alaska cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, than any other cruise line.
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HOSPITALITY TRENDS
Bodhi | July 21, 2022
Software Development LLC has announced three new configurations for the Bodhi intelligent building management platform: a Smart, Premium, and Luxury Hotel Room.
“Bodhi is all about the guest experience, Guests can use their phones to unlock the room door, turn on the lights, control the TV and request linens or their car, all of which they love, because it saves them time and headaches,”
-Greg Michelier, partner at Software Development.
Bodhi saves management time and money as well, including at least 35% of guestroom energy costs and the prevention or mitigation of leak, flood, and mold damage, which are the largest source of insurance claims for commercial property.
Now management can offer the guest better facilities and better service for a lower cost. It’s a win-win-win.
The Bodhi Smart Hotel Room is a perfect, low-cost solution with climate and lighting control, energy savings, keyless room entry, leak and mold protection, and advanced control and amenities via the browser-based Bodhi Guest App.
The Bodhi Premium Hotel Room combines the power of Crestron and Bodhi technology to add Amazon Alexa control and Crestron lighting, shading and climate systems to the Bodhi Guest App and Bodhi protection and savings.
The Bodhi Luxury Hotel Room adds a Crestron touch panel and Alexa for super-simple control of lighting, shading, climate and entertainment systems, together with Bodhi protection, savings and the Bodhi Guest App.
With Bodhi, the entire property will work better, more safely and efficiently, giving guests, management and staff a better experience.
About Bodhi
Bodhi is a cloud-based platform that controls, schedules and manages virtually all of the technology installed in hotels, resorts, offices, homes, and multi dwelling unit residential developments (MDUs). It simplifies and enhances Crestron, Lutron and other control systems, or may be used on its own.Contact Bodhi today at info@bodhi.software.
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