Page 30 - GS170302
P. 30
TheMobileBuzz
European hoteliers Going a step further, an additional scan, key code or
Bluetooth-enabled device can unlock the guest's hotel
get tech savvy room door. Alternatively, self-service key-validation
can be enabled using the hotel's existing infrastructure
integrated with Onescan, the company said.
Throughout the hotel stay, Onescan can also enable
guests to order additional services via smartphone, either
through the hotel app or driven directly by visual calls
to action displayed around the hotel. Such services might
include room service, restaurant bookings, shopping,
events, excursions, value-added services and other special
offers available to guests.
When ready to check out, hotel guests can review their
bills; split charges between personal and business
ravel in Europe could become much easier for expenses, if necessary; and pay using appropriate card
mobile-equipped visitors. At the 2017 Travel details without having to leave the Onescan app, Ensygnia
Technology Europe event held in February, noted. Guest receipts are then sent automatically to the
T multiple tech startups blazing new trails in mobile app and by email to each guest. To gain additional
the travel industry showcased their wares in the show's feedback, hoteliers may also invite guests to complete a
Launchpad area. survey using the app.
Leading the charge, Ensygnia Ltd. introduced Onescan, Onescan employs bank grade security to safeguard users'
a smartphone-based hotel check-in and payment system. personal and financial data. According to Ensygnia,
The technology is part of Ensygnia's instant interactive personal data is encrypted and stored in a secure vault
platform designed to encourage user engagement when on the user's smartphone, and the interaction with the
booking trips, ordering goods, registering for services, platform effectively activates permission for it to be
making payments or claiming rewards. Interactions can accessed and used each time the process is triggered.
be triggered via email, text message, website, on-site Travel tech movers
signage ‒ virtually anything smartphones can receive.
Other tech startups featured in the Launchpad included
Ensygnia Chief Executive Officer Richard Harris believes Flyto, whose service enables airline travelers to pay for
the value for hotels is not just the faster check-in, but also flights in fixed monthly installments over an extended
the instant interaction marketing and customer service period, from two to six months, rather than having to pay
that it enables both when guests are staying and when everything upfront.
they are at home. "It delivers a huge increase in guest
engagement," he said. "And of course, for guests, it will A new app from RoomAssistant allows guests direct access
mean they can check in quicker, order smarter and pay to hotel services from smartphone and tablet devices. The
easier." company provides configuration, implementation, and
launch assistance, along with an application programming
Onescan's multipatented system is designed to not interface. At check-in, guests can choose to receive a
only eliminate guest check-in lines, but also provide welcome note containing app download information to
opportunities to enhance the guest experience. Travelers tap into room service, hail a cab, upload a local map and
who use the mobile app to book a room can, upon arrival, receive other guest services.
scan a code in the hotel reception area to check in for
their stay. Scanned codes enable the system to retrieve Upgrade2 launched a sales conversion engine to help
and register the name of the guest, length of stay and hotels deliver more services after reservations are made.
room details, as well as add loyalty data or offer upgrade With the app, guests can customize their stay with add-on
options, if available. services and experiences offered by each hotel.
Each guest is able to view and confirm relevant hotel stay Also in the spotlight was the travel itinerary app from
details directly on a smartphone screen. Onescan sends a Tineri, currently in beta mode, that allows tour operators
copy of guest identification or passport information to the and travel agents to provide clients with interactive
hotel check-in system and keeps the guest's designated itineraries displayed in summary, calendar and detailed
payment method on file, eliminating the need to present formats. It can also link to deeper information and tips on
a physical passport or credit card for identification or to things to see and do at each destination.
make payments. The entire process can be completed in
seconds, the company noted.
30