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AmTrav Pitching Gather Guest & Meetings Business Travel Tool at BTN Innovation Faceoff

AmTrav-Pitching-Gather-Guest-and-Meetings

AmTrav, the one connected platform for business travel, today announced that it will be participating in the Innovation Faceoff at Business Travel News (BTN) Innovate on Monday, Oct. 2. The Innovation Faceoff is a competition featuring 13 cutting-edge business travel products, technologies and services developed by suppliers to address industry challenges and support managed business travel and travelers. AmTrav will be pitching Gather, the online booking and travel management tool that extends the benefits of corporate travel management to meeting and event attendees, job candidates, consultants, temporary workers and relocating employees.

"Corporate travel management is all about making things easier for the company and the traveler, but all that goes out the window as soon as it involves corporate guests and meetings attendees," said Elliott McNamee, Product Marketing Director for AmTrav who will be pitching Gather in the competition. "I'm looking forward to sharing how Gather makes corporate travel simple and seamless, even when guests or meetings are involved."

Typically, arranging travel for non-employees and meeting travelers requires close coordination and multiple interactions between travelers, planners and travel agents. The Gather tool allows coordinators and meeting planners to set policies and parameters for guest and meeting trips then invite travelers to book in two minutes or less. From there, travelers can pick their own itineraries, apply their personal loyalty numbers, and take advantage of the lowest NDC and company rates. What's more, guests get guaranteed 24x7 service from AmTrav Travel Advisors if their plans are disrupted - or can use AmTrav's latest Change Trips functionality to easily change their whole trip at once online.

"Even in 2023 companies are stuck using antiquated, agent-dependent processes because their travel software doesn't let guest travelers and meeting attendees book their own travel," said McNamee. "Gather saves travelers, coordinators and planners a lot of time, headache and money."

During the Business Travel Innovation Faceoff, each of the 13 teams will be given seven minutes to pitch their product, technology or service. Presenters will then field questions from a panel of expert judges for four minutes and from the audience for two minutes. At the end of the competition, two trophies will be awarded; one for the winner as selected by the judges, the other being a People's Choice Award Winner.

About AmTrav

AmTrav is an award-winning, modern technology and service platform designed to make business travel personal and productive. Companies of all sizes use AmTrav to book trips, find savings, set travel policies, manage payments and expenses, and keep their travelers safe. Travelers and companies love AmTrav's powerful platform that provides a seamless travel management experience supported by our experts who are always ready to help 24x7. More than 1000 businesses trust AmTrav to go places, meet people, and go further.

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Business Travel

With Stayntouch PMS & Kiosk, Sentral Achieves Service Excellence and Soars in ROI

PR Newswire | October 27, 2023

Stayntouch, a global leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS) and guest-centric technologies, expands their thriving partnership with Sentral, a leading full-building residential hospitality operator. Sentral boasts a network of Class A apartment properties across the U.S., offering flexible living services, authentic local experiences, premium amenities and community connection for residents and guests. Stayntouch PMS operates across 14 properties in the Sentral portfolio, including Sentral Michigan Avenue and Sentral Union Station. These establishments have integrated Stayntouch Kiosk for an elevated guest experience. By effectively utilizing Stayntouch's mobile and kiosk-driven upsell technology, Sentral properties have generated ample revenue to self-fund these systems. Sentral Michigan Avenue achieved a remarkable 253% ROI from their Kiosk subscription within a year, or a 120% ROI from their combined Kiosk and Cloud PMS subscriptions. Similarly, revenue from mobile-based early check-in offerings at Sentral Union Station covers their combined Cloud PMS and Kiosk subscription costs. Todd Butler, Chief Technology Officer at Sentral comments, "Stayntouch PMS and Kiosk has streamlined and enhanced our check-in process. Guests now have the option of a rapid, staff-less welcome experience, presented in a way that avoids any sense of pressure - the upsell decision rests entirely with the guest. The revenue generated from ancillary upsells and offers is significant, surpassing our subscription costs and tech investment with Stayntouch. We're extremely satisfied with the additional revenue to offset costs, all the while providing guests with an enriched stay." Priya Rajamani, VP of Implementation and Support at Stayntouch said, "We are very excited that Sentral has leveraged our platforms not only to enhance their guest experience but to boost their bottom line and generate a positive ROI. Ultimately, our mission is to develop technology to enhance hospitality for hotel operators, staff, and their guests, and we are proud that Sentral has been able to use our technology to reimagine flexible living communities." Sentral aims to roll out the Stayntouch Kiosk at additional properties, seeking to amplify financial benefits while consistently elevating the guest experience. About Sentral Sentral is the leading full-building residential hospitality operator, maximizing NOI lift for Class A owners through superior performance and enhanced experience. The company is redefining home for the modern renter by transforming upscale, multifamily properties into dynamic communities in the nation's most coveted cities. Sentral delivers flexible living services, authentic local experiences, premium amenities, community connection for residents and guests, and a tech-enabled platform that enhances operational efficiency. The company manages over $5 billion in Class A multifamily assets and is backed by world-class firms in technology, hospitality, and real estate, including ICONIQ Capital and Ascendant Capital Partners. Sentral is headquartered in San Francisco and Denver. About Stayntouch Stayntouch delivers a cloud-native and guest-centric hotel property management system (PMS) with a comprehensive library of over 1,100 integrations. Stayntouch's cloud-native PMS empowers independent hotels, hotel groups, and management companies to drive revenue, reduce costs, enhance service, and captivate their guests. In 2022, Stayntouch launched Stayntouch 2.0, a fully integrated technology suite featuring its core cloud-native PMS and guest kiosk solution, a comprehensive chain management module, a seamless booking engine (Stayntouch Booking), a robust payment processing platform (Stayntouch Pay), and a powerful channel manager. Stayntouch 2.0 enables hotels to streamline their operations, maximize and diversify their revenue streams, and deliver an even more enhanced guest experience with the innovation and support of one trusted technology partner. Stayntouch is supported by a team of professionals with deep roots in the hospitality industry and is a trusted partner to industry-leading management companies, including Sage Hospitality, HEI Hotels & Resorts, and EOS Hospitality, innovative independent brands such as Village Hotels, Pod Hotels, and First Hotels, and iconic flagship properties such as the TWA Hotel, Showboat Hotel Atlantic City, and Zoku Amsterdam.

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Travel Technology

Lodging Dynamics to Continue Expansion in Southern California Market

Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group, LLC | October 09, 2023

Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group, a prominent hotel management company, has recently announced that it been selected to manage the Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles Redondo Beach. The hotel owned and developed by Mogul Capital is situated just off the 405 freeway in the South Bay area of Southern California. The growth of Lodging Dynamics into the Southern California market is marked by this management appointment, making this hotel the ninth one managed by the company in the region. Jamie Caraher, CEO and President at Lodging Dynamics, stated, "We are thrilled to continue to grow in California with our longstanding and trusted partner Mogul Capital." [Source – Cision PR Newswire] Caraher expressed gratitude for being in a relationship where their shared interests revolved around delivering exceptional service to guests in premium brand hotels in prime markets. Caraher noted that they were well-aligned in this regard and that, through a dynamic commercial strategy, they were well-positioned to rapidly achieve excellent outcomes for Mogul and their guests. Through Lodging Dynamics' association with Mogul Capital, the company's presence in the Golden State is always expanding. The purpose of the strategic alignment between the two organizations is to deliver great service within premium brand hotels located in prime areas. This growth underlines Lodging Dynamics' reputation as an award-winning operator of premium-brand hotels and its continued dedication to offering quality hotel management services. Lodging Dynamics has been recognized for its excellence in this industry. About Lodging Dynamics Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group, headquartered in Provo, Utah, stands as a nationally acclaimed operator specializing in premium-brand, select service, and extended-stay hotels. One of the select third-party operators approved by both Marriott and Hilton, the company's origins trace back to 1991. With a rich history, Lodging Dynamics has continually delivered award-winning operational services to hotels spanning the continental United States and Hawaii. Its portfolio encompasses the management of hotels affiliated with prestigious premium-brand families, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG.

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Business Travel

Viator with Simpleview to Deliver DMOs Travel Experience Marketplace

Simpleview | September 11, 2023

Simpleview, a leader in destination marketing solutions, and Viator, a top online marketplace for travel experiences, have joined forces. This partnership empowers destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to enhance online engagement, equip partner listings with enticing offers, build tourism brands, instill traveler confidence, and drive business to their partners. Incorporating Viator's vast catalog of tours, activities, and attractions, DMOs can curate unforgettable experiences for travelers. From exploring hidden gems to providing traveler-centric booking solutions, this collaboration positions DMOs to thrive in the competitive tourism landscape. Additionally, it equips destination marketing organizations with a powerful tool to boost website engagement. In addition to its evident benefits for DMOs and travelers, the partnership showcases the strategic alignment between Simpleview and Viator. Combining their expertise, these industry leaders facilitate a deeper connection between travelers and destinations, making it easier for visitors to embark on exciting journeys and immerse themselves in the beauty of the world's most captivating places. Greg Evans, Chief Revenue Officer at Simpleview, mentioned, At Simpleview, our mission is to bridge visitors with unique local attractions. [Source – Cision PR Newswire] Viator broadens horizons for ‘top-of-funnel' or 'out-of-market' visitors and streamlines bookings for the 'in-market' users, embodying the company's dedication to transforming digital interactions into memorable journeys. This partnership empowers DMOs with tools for visitor growth while offering tailored content to fuel travel ambitions. Further, Greg expressed team’s excitement about bringing Viator's capabilities to Simpleview’s CMS. About Viator Viator, a subsidiary of Tripadvisor, specializes in simplifying the process of discovering and booking unforgettable global tours, activities, and excursions. The company offers a broad range of options for travelers, with an extensive catalog of over 300,000 experiences, whether they seek adventures close to home or in far-flung destinations. Committed to ensuring that travelers make the most of their precious leisure time, Viator relentlessly emphasizes quality, catering to various interests ranging from straightforward tours to exhilarating extreme adventures and everything else that is intriguing.

Read More

Hospitality Trends

Track Expands Hospitality Software Portfolio to Reduce Tech Footprint for Short-Term Rental Companies

PR Newswire | October 25, 2023

Minnesota-based TravelNet Solutions (TNS), the leading provider of software solutions for the short-term rental industry, today announced several enhancements and extensions to its flagship product, Track Property Management System. Company representatives at the annual Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) conference will introduce attendees to Track's new Distribution Engine, Payments, and Reviews Management tools with an eye toward consolidating their technology footprint. In July 2023, the company announced an investment partnership with Texas-based Blue Star Innovation Partners (BSIP). TNS CEO and Co-Founder Ryan Bailey then noted that the partnership would help the company, "... develop products and services faster, hire more staff, and pursue our market goals more aggressively." What customers are seeing right now, he says, are concrete steps toward those objectives. "Since the beginning, innovation has been at the heart of everything we do, and it's been driven by our customers' desire to level up and win in this rapidly changing market," Bailey said. "The BSIP partnership has helped us level up ourselves so we can respond more quickly to customer needs and reduce their overall technology footprint. The new products and services we're talking about this week are stellar examples of our commitment to that goal. "In the end, it comes down to building a sales engine that can scale and drive more bookings," he added. TNS' NEXT user conference, held Sept. 2023 in Minneapolis, afforded current customers a sneak peek at the new products. VRMA is the first opportunity for prospects to learn about them in person. What's New? Distribution Engine is a Track add-on designed to make the distribution of rental listings across channels such as Airbnb and Vrbo faster, easier, and more powerful than any competing solution on the market. Users can manage listings on one dashboard, saving the hassle of logging into multiple platforms. Time-saving features such as bulk operations, plus access to a dedicated team of distribution experts, will also help property managers optimize their channel performance. Reviews Management is a feature coming soon to Distribution Engine that greatly simplifies the process of reading and responding to guest reviews. Many operators spend several hours per week managing reviews, which are unique to each channel and require different logins and interfaces. Reviews Management brings the process into one clean interface so users don't have to leave the Track platform to manage this critical aspect of their business. Track Payments is a new payment-processing solution set to formally launch in early 2024. Currently, Track customers rely on third-party payment portals to handle their payments, requiring separate contracts and slow or confusing processes that can tie up revenue. Track Payments will be integrated into the Track platform, giving users greater control and a central dashboard that can track credit activity such as chargebacks and refunds in real-time. New Products, New Tagline In addition to its new products, this week marks the debut of TNS' new company tagline, "Heart of Hospitality." The company says the tagline highlights three major areas of focus: Its software's place at the heart of customers' operations; its heartfelt connection to stakeholders, chiefly customers, owners, and guests; and a continued commitment to its company values of service to others, grit, and building the future. About TravelNet Solutions For more than 21 years, TravelNet Solutions, Inc. (TNS) has provided integrated software and marketing solutions for the hospitality industry anchored by its flagship Track Property Management System and other products under the Track banner. Our single-vendor ecosystem gives growing vacation rental companies all the enterprise-class tools they need to scale. With 70+ integration partners and a growing list of native features, Track helps hospitality pros level up through digital transformation.

Read More

Business Travel

With Stayntouch PMS & Kiosk, Sentral Achieves Service Excellence and Soars in ROI

PR Newswire | October 27, 2023

Stayntouch, a global leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS) and guest-centric technologies, expands their thriving partnership with Sentral, a leading full-building residential hospitality operator. Sentral boasts a network of Class A apartment properties across the U.S., offering flexible living services, authentic local experiences, premium amenities and community connection for residents and guests. Stayntouch PMS operates across 14 properties in the Sentral portfolio, including Sentral Michigan Avenue and Sentral Union Station. These establishments have integrated Stayntouch Kiosk for an elevated guest experience. By effectively utilizing Stayntouch's mobile and kiosk-driven upsell technology, Sentral properties have generated ample revenue to self-fund these systems. Sentral Michigan Avenue achieved a remarkable 253% ROI from their Kiosk subscription within a year, or a 120% ROI from their combined Kiosk and Cloud PMS subscriptions. Similarly, revenue from mobile-based early check-in offerings at Sentral Union Station covers their combined Cloud PMS and Kiosk subscription costs. Todd Butler, Chief Technology Officer at Sentral comments, "Stayntouch PMS and Kiosk has streamlined and enhanced our check-in process. Guests now have the option of a rapid, staff-less welcome experience, presented in a way that avoids any sense of pressure - the upsell decision rests entirely with the guest. The revenue generated from ancillary upsells and offers is significant, surpassing our subscription costs and tech investment with Stayntouch. We're extremely satisfied with the additional revenue to offset costs, all the while providing guests with an enriched stay." Priya Rajamani, VP of Implementation and Support at Stayntouch said, "We are very excited that Sentral has leveraged our platforms not only to enhance their guest experience but to boost their bottom line and generate a positive ROI. Ultimately, our mission is to develop technology to enhance hospitality for hotel operators, staff, and their guests, and we are proud that Sentral has been able to use our technology to reimagine flexible living communities." Sentral aims to roll out the Stayntouch Kiosk at additional properties, seeking to amplify financial benefits while consistently elevating the guest experience. About Sentral Sentral is the leading full-building residential hospitality operator, maximizing NOI lift for Class A owners through superior performance and enhanced experience. The company is redefining home for the modern renter by transforming upscale, multifamily properties into dynamic communities in the nation's most coveted cities. Sentral delivers flexible living services, authentic local experiences, premium amenities, community connection for residents and guests, and a tech-enabled platform that enhances operational efficiency. The company manages over $5 billion in Class A multifamily assets and is backed by world-class firms in technology, hospitality, and real estate, including ICONIQ Capital and Ascendant Capital Partners. Sentral is headquartered in San Francisco and Denver. About Stayntouch Stayntouch delivers a cloud-native and guest-centric hotel property management system (PMS) with a comprehensive library of over 1,100 integrations. Stayntouch's cloud-native PMS empowers independent hotels, hotel groups, and management companies to drive revenue, reduce costs, enhance service, and captivate their guests. In 2022, Stayntouch launched Stayntouch 2.0, a fully integrated technology suite featuring its core cloud-native PMS and guest kiosk solution, a comprehensive chain management module, a seamless booking engine (Stayntouch Booking), a robust payment processing platform (Stayntouch Pay), and a powerful channel manager. Stayntouch 2.0 enables hotels to streamline their operations, maximize and diversify their revenue streams, and deliver an even more enhanced guest experience with the innovation and support of one trusted technology partner. Stayntouch is supported by a team of professionals with deep roots in the hospitality industry and is a trusted partner to industry-leading management companies, including Sage Hospitality, HEI Hotels & Resorts, and EOS Hospitality, innovative independent brands such as Village Hotels, Pod Hotels, and First Hotels, and iconic flagship properties such as the TWA Hotel, Showboat Hotel Atlantic City, and Zoku Amsterdam.

Read More

Travel Technology

Lodging Dynamics to Continue Expansion in Southern California Market

Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group, LLC | October 09, 2023

Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group, a prominent hotel management company, has recently announced that it been selected to manage the Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles Redondo Beach. The hotel owned and developed by Mogul Capital is situated just off the 405 freeway in the South Bay area of Southern California. The growth of Lodging Dynamics into the Southern California market is marked by this management appointment, making this hotel the ninth one managed by the company in the region. Jamie Caraher, CEO and President at Lodging Dynamics, stated, "We are thrilled to continue to grow in California with our longstanding and trusted partner Mogul Capital." [Source – Cision PR Newswire] Caraher expressed gratitude for being in a relationship where their shared interests revolved around delivering exceptional service to guests in premium brand hotels in prime markets. Caraher noted that they were well-aligned in this regard and that, through a dynamic commercial strategy, they were well-positioned to rapidly achieve excellent outcomes for Mogul and their guests. Through Lodging Dynamics' association with Mogul Capital, the company's presence in the Golden State is always expanding. The purpose of the strategic alignment between the two organizations is to deliver great service within premium brand hotels located in prime areas. This growth underlines Lodging Dynamics' reputation as an award-winning operator of premium-brand hotels and its continued dedication to offering quality hotel management services. Lodging Dynamics has been recognized for its excellence in this industry. About Lodging Dynamics Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group, headquartered in Provo, Utah, stands as a nationally acclaimed operator specializing in premium-brand, select service, and extended-stay hotels. One of the select third-party operators approved by both Marriott and Hilton, the company's origins trace back to 1991. With a rich history, Lodging Dynamics has continually delivered award-winning operational services to hotels spanning the continental United States and Hawaii. Its portfolio encompasses the management of hotels affiliated with prestigious premium-brand families, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG.

Read More

Business Travel

Viator with Simpleview to Deliver DMOs Travel Experience Marketplace

Simpleview | September 11, 2023

Simpleview, a leader in destination marketing solutions, and Viator, a top online marketplace for travel experiences, have joined forces. This partnership empowers destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to enhance online engagement, equip partner listings with enticing offers, build tourism brands, instill traveler confidence, and drive business to their partners. Incorporating Viator's vast catalog of tours, activities, and attractions, DMOs can curate unforgettable experiences for travelers. From exploring hidden gems to providing traveler-centric booking solutions, this collaboration positions DMOs to thrive in the competitive tourism landscape. Additionally, it equips destination marketing organizations with a powerful tool to boost website engagement. In addition to its evident benefits for DMOs and travelers, the partnership showcases the strategic alignment between Simpleview and Viator. Combining their expertise, these industry leaders facilitate a deeper connection between travelers and destinations, making it easier for visitors to embark on exciting journeys and immerse themselves in the beauty of the world's most captivating places. Greg Evans, Chief Revenue Officer at Simpleview, mentioned, At Simpleview, our mission is to bridge visitors with unique local attractions. [Source – Cision PR Newswire] Viator broadens horizons for ‘top-of-funnel' or 'out-of-market' visitors and streamlines bookings for the 'in-market' users, embodying the company's dedication to transforming digital interactions into memorable journeys. This partnership empowers DMOs with tools for visitor growth while offering tailored content to fuel travel ambitions. Further, Greg expressed team’s excitement about bringing Viator's capabilities to Simpleview’s CMS. About Viator Viator, a subsidiary of Tripadvisor, specializes in simplifying the process of discovering and booking unforgettable global tours, activities, and excursions. The company offers a broad range of options for travelers, with an extensive catalog of over 300,000 experiences, whether they seek adventures close to home or in far-flung destinations. Committed to ensuring that travelers make the most of their precious leisure time, Viator relentlessly emphasizes quality, catering to various interests ranging from straightforward tours to exhilarating extreme adventures and everything else that is intriguing.

Read More

Hospitality Trends

Track Expands Hospitality Software Portfolio to Reduce Tech Footprint for Short-Term Rental Companies

PR Newswire | October 25, 2023

Minnesota-based TravelNet Solutions (TNS), the leading provider of software solutions for the short-term rental industry, today announced several enhancements and extensions to its flagship product, Track Property Management System. Company representatives at the annual Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) conference will introduce attendees to Track's new Distribution Engine, Payments, and Reviews Management tools with an eye toward consolidating their technology footprint. In July 2023, the company announced an investment partnership with Texas-based Blue Star Innovation Partners (BSIP). TNS CEO and Co-Founder Ryan Bailey then noted that the partnership would help the company, "... develop products and services faster, hire more staff, and pursue our market goals more aggressively." What customers are seeing right now, he says, are concrete steps toward those objectives. "Since the beginning, innovation has been at the heart of everything we do, and it's been driven by our customers' desire to level up and win in this rapidly changing market," Bailey said. "The BSIP partnership has helped us level up ourselves so we can respond more quickly to customer needs and reduce their overall technology footprint. The new products and services we're talking about this week are stellar examples of our commitment to that goal. "In the end, it comes down to building a sales engine that can scale and drive more bookings," he added. TNS' NEXT user conference, held Sept. 2023 in Minneapolis, afforded current customers a sneak peek at the new products. VRMA is the first opportunity for prospects to learn about them in person. What's New? Distribution Engine is a Track add-on designed to make the distribution of rental listings across channels such as Airbnb and Vrbo faster, easier, and more powerful than any competing solution on the market. Users can manage listings on one dashboard, saving the hassle of logging into multiple platforms. Time-saving features such as bulk operations, plus access to a dedicated team of distribution experts, will also help property managers optimize their channel performance. Reviews Management is a feature coming soon to Distribution Engine that greatly simplifies the process of reading and responding to guest reviews. Many operators spend several hours per week managing reviews, which are unique to each channel and require different logins and interfaces. Reviews Management brings the process into one clean interface so users don't have to leave the Track platform to manage this critical aspect of their business. Track Payments is a new payment-processing solution set to formally launch in early 2024. Currently, Track customers rely on third-party payment portals to handle their payments, requiring separate contracts and slow or confusing processes that can tie up revenue. Track Payments will be integrated into the Track platform, giving users greater control and a central dashboard that can track credit activity such as chargebacks and refunds in real-time. New Products, New Tagline In addition to its new products, this week marks the debut of TNS' new company tagline, "Heart of Hospitality." The company says the tagline highlights three major areas of focus: Its software's place at the heart of customers' operations; its heartfelt connection to stakeholders, chiefly customers, owners, and guests; and a continued commitment to its company values of service to others, grit, and building the future. About TravelNet Solutions For more than 21 years, TravelNet Solutions, Inc. (TNS) has provided integrated software and marketing solutions for the hospitality industry anchored by its flagship Track Property Management System and other products under the Track banner. Our single-vendor ecosystem gives growing vacation rental companies all the enterprise-class tools they need to scale. With 70+ integration partners and a growing list of native features, Track helps hospitality pros level up through digital transformation.

Read More

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