TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
URVENUE | September 17, 2022
Hapi, the hospitality industry's leading platform for fast and cost-effective connectivity between technology systems, has announced an integration with UrVenue, a unique non-room inventory booking engine and operations platform for hotels. Through the integration, UrVenue can push and pull data from the industry's leading Property Management Systems by writing to a single Hapi API.
As more consumers look to book all parts of their travel experience online, hotel operators are introducing creative ways to sell assets beyond the room. Leveraging Hapi's ability to connect UrVenue's PXMS with PMS systems, hotels will have unified booking and itinerary building capabilities. After booking a hotel room, guests are empowered to book additional experiences across multiple categories - activities, recreation, dining, entertainment, amenities, daylife, nightlife, and curated packages.
Meanwhile, Hapi is exposing event streams and transactional APIs at scale, helping hotel companies innovate faster by removing integration, development and deployment challenges. The secure integration between the two companies will allow hoteliers to access critical data in a short amount of time with little to no development work on their end.
"The digital guest experience is critical today, and UrVenue is providing a unique solution to non-room inventory management that also includes a powerful booking engine, We're excited to help broaden the number of hotel companies and technology solutions they can connect to. Hapi has become the de facto API standard for connectivity and we're proud to be helping hoteliers at both property and corporate levels access and action their data."
-Luis Segredo, CEO of Hapi.
UrVenue is the latest hotel technology solutions provider to turn to Hapi for Property Management System connectivity rather than building 1:1 integrations with each provider.
Hapi and UrVenue are 100% aligned on our goal to create a more modern digital guest experience, while overcoming the biggest pain point in the hospitality industry – the fractured booking journey, said Deron Pearson, Chief Executive Officer at UrVenue. "This partnership is a great example of how innovation comes from collaboration between organizations that share a passion for challenging the status quo.
ABOUT HAPI
Hapi is a disruptive Cloud Data Hub that exposes event streams and transactional APIs from hotel systems at scale, designed to solve the hospitality industry's data management challenges while addressing high integration costs. Developed by hotel technology innovators, the secure, scalable, cloud-based data streaming platform is based on an open model, to which multiple layers of encryption, authentication and governance are added. Hapi now serves 6,000 hotels globally, including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Sonesta Hotels, Accor, Hyatt Hotels, Rosewood Hotels, Margaritaville and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. In 2021, the company achieved Hotel Tech Report's Global Customer Support Certification, a stamp of approval on its dedication to customer success. Visit Hapi at www.hapicloud.io
ABOUT URVENUE
UrVenue is a hospitality technology company that introduced the industry's first Property Experience Management System (PXMS). As a full-stack technology solution, UrVenue Enterprise enables commerce, operations, data insights and knowledge management for venue and resort experiences and bridges the fractured booking journey with its unified booking capabilities. UrVenue was built specifically for hospitality venues including nightclubs, dayclubs, restaurants, lounges, pools, resort beaches, sportsbooks, special events/shows, recreation, and more. Since 2011, UrVenue's technology has been the trusted solution for clients ranging from independent venue operators to global organizations including Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Club Med, Circa Resort & Casino, Tao Group, Resorts World, The Venetian, Mohegan Sun, Paris Society, and Zouk Group. For more information, visit urvenue.com. Follow us on social: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Read More
DESTINATION AND TOURISM
Cabana | September 30, 2022
Cabana, the modern, mobile hospitality company with a fleet of high quality, high-tech campervans, today unveiled Austin, Texas as its next major market launch, with bookings set to formally open early next year. Cabana’s Austin debut demonstrates momentous growth as the organization’s fourth U.S. market, with established operations in Los Angeles and Seattle, as well as San Francisco, which the company announced earlier this year. Austin marks one of several U.S. expansions Cabana plans to introduce over the course of 2023.In conjunction with the upcoming launch, Cabana also announced a new partnership with Austin-based hospitality company, New Waterloo. Leaning on New Waterloo's local expertise and 13 years in hospitality management––while leveraging Cabana's combination of technology and passion for exploration––the two organizations are excited to bring this unique travel experience to Austin residents.
“Texas is chock full of unexplored and underrated gems waiting to be discovered,Whether you’re camping in Big Bend National Park or touring the wineries of Texas’ Hill Country, Cabana’s mission has always been to create the most seamless travel experience imaginable. We’re delighted to be partnering with New Waterloo to make this a possibility for Texans and those visiting the Austin area. Through our trip planning capabilities and easy-to-use technology, we’re eager to see how Austinites explore with Cabana.”
-Cabana CEO and founder, Scott Kubly
New Waterloo will manage day-to-day operations on-site and Austin locals can anticipate travel-inspired events and pop-ups as part of the ongoing collaboration.
Nearly 80% of Americans planned to take a road trip this summer, and Cabana’s numbers further this point, with 25K nights booked over the last two years. As desire for hassle-free travel options increases, Cabana will offer complimentary, contactless trip planning to those road-tripping out of Austin, complete with campsite reservations and experience recommendations. Anticipated top trip requests include Big Bend National Park and West Texas, the Hill Country, tailgating, and Texas’ beaches.
To celebrate the launch, Cabana will be hosting a pop-up in the Artist Lounge at Austin City Limits across both weekends of the event (Oct. 7 – 9; 14 – 16). Interested guests can also join the waitlist to be the first to know about trip availability at cabana.life/austin.
About Cabana
Cabana is a modern, mobile hospitality company with a fleet of high quality, high-tech cabanas (camper vans), designed to create a seamless, unique, and integrated travel experience. Cabana is revolutionizing the future of connected travel through innovative technology and high-touch trip planning. Combining passion for travel with easy-to-use technology and the most cost-efficient and operationally effective vehicles on the market, Cabana provides travelers with the convenience and technology needed for frictionless travel, empowering the explorer in everyone and creating opportunities for serendipity, wonder, and exploration.
Read More
DESTINATION AND TOURISM, HOSPITALITY TRENDS
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | October 31, 2022
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula in Wanning, Hainan, a distinctive destination for a luxurious escape offering immersive experiences and unforgettable moments for guests of all ages.The oceanfront resort is set on Shenzhou Peninsula, a natural treasure located off the east coast of Hainan Island with a comfortable tropical climate, fresh air, golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. Nestled among lush gardens with stunning views of the South China Sea to the south and a tranquil inner sea to the north, the resort provides a welcoming environment to relax, indulge and play. It is also just a short distance from popular scenic, cultural and lifestyle attractions, including surfing spots boasting spectacular waves, and world-class golfing at The Dunes located just 10 minutes’ drive away.
“With the opening of Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula, we are excited to welcome guests to experience all the pleasures of a tropical resort in awe-inspiring surroundings, elevated by the luxurious comfort, theatrical dining experiences, exceptional amenities and welcoming service that the Grand Hyatt brand is known for,”
-Terence Ng, general manager, Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula.
Design
Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula’s contemporary design combines the essence of relaxed coastal living with Hainan’s unique cultural heritage infused with Southeast Asian influences. This is expressed in Balinese-inspired architecture and interiors styled with a graceful Hainan touch. Natural materials and nature-inspired aesthetics also create a sensory connection to the destination. Buildings are clustered throughout the lush grounds and along the waterfront, creating an inviting mix of spaces for rest and relaxation.
Guestrooms
Starting at 570 square feet (53 square meters), the resort’s 262 spacious guestrooms and suites are havens of modern comfort with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies that maximize extraordinary garden or ocean views. The resort also features unique kid-themed rooms that add a touch of magic and adventure to family holidays with fun themes such as “curious universe” and “fantasy dream.”
Guests staying in Grand Club guestrooms and World of Hyatt Elite members can enjoy access to the Grand Club lounge, which provides a gorgeous panorama of the sea. Grand Club privileges include personalized check-in and check-out service, continental breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening cocktails and exclusive use of the club’s outdoor pool.
Dining
Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula’s lineup of world-class dining options engages guests in an exciting journey of flavors that celebrate some of the finest culinary traditions. Embracing seasonality and sustainability, Yu restaurant specializes in traditional dim sum and authentic home-style Cantonese and Hainan cuisine, with indoor and outdoor areas and three private dining rooms with a sea view. Luigi’s is a cozy trattoria-style restaurant serving handmade Italian comfort food. At Pool House, guests can relax to the sound of the waves while savoring the delights of an Asian barbecue accompanied by signature Tiki cocktails in a sophisticated beach club atmosphere. The Lounge offers an elegant environment to enjoy a cup of coffee or Chinese tea while catching up on emails, gathering with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment between activities.
River Pavilion will open next year and feature three unique dining and bar concepts devoted to the finest experiences of Japanese cuisine and beverages, including sushi, yakitori, and Japanese beer and sakes.
Guest Experiences
Shenzhou Peninsula’s warm tropical climate is perfect for swimming in all seasons. The resort features three swimming pools, including an indoor pool, the Grand Club pool, and an oceanfront pool with recreational activities for kids, designed to create special family moments. Other offerings include a 24-hour fitness center, mahjong and karaoke. Camp Hyatt kids’ club is also available offering games, entertainment and activities, including a rock-climbing wall, a movie house, and a kitchen to inspire budding young chefs.
Oceanfront Weddings and Events
From intimate gatherings to gala events, Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula elevates every occasion with versatile venues that exude modern sophistication, heightened by natural light and sea views. The resort offers more than 27,900 square feet (2,600 square meters) of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a 6458-square-foot (600-square-meter) Grand Ballroom, three 1,076-square-foot (100-square-meter) Grand Residence venues and two spacious lawns, setting the stage for an exceptional meeting, event experience or an enchanting wedding by the sea. Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. To learn more about Hyatt’s commitment, please visit: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness.
About Grand Hyatt
Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities and resort destinations, each Grand Hyatt hotel is uniquely designed to be a captivating destination within a destination. Grand Hyatt hotels deliver welcoming and elevated service, first-class accommodations and an abundance of options within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture and bold and vibrant design. Grand Hyatt hotels boast inventive restaurants, luxury spas, fitness centers, and business and meeting facilities. For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit grandhyatt.com. Follow @GrandHyatt on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #GrandHyatt.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2022, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,150 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 72 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Residence Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, and JdV by Hyatt™; and the Inclusive Collection, including Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®; Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Vivid Hotels & Resorts®, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.
Read More