Articles tagged “apps”

Hyatt is an early adopter of a new form of customer service for hotels: using Facebook Messenger to connect with guests, because in today's world, the key to being relevant is engaging with consumers on the platforms they are using.

The Avis Budget CFO said its core business and Zipcar haven't felt a major impact from ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft. When the punch eventually comes it could be Zipcar that takes the body blow.

Online travel agencies used to be primarily concerned with handling bookings but now Expedia, Trivago, Booking.com and TripAdvisor are all making moves to give hoteliers executable intelligence about the market and other business-to-business services.

In and outside the travel industry, Airbnb's website has been a model of smart design. Its new Apple TV app likely will set a standard, as well.

Hilton Worldwide unleashed its latest feature, the digital key, as part of its app. Yet as Hilton pushes forward in the technology world, is it possible to maintain staff and guest relations in an increasingly digital environment?

The challenge for TripAdvisor is whether it will win by being an all-encompassing app or whether it is better to be more focused like Expedia's or HotelTonight's apps. In phasing out its City Guides app, TripAdvisor is putting itself in the comprehensive camp.

While some airlines and hotels talk up how much they are investing in technology and mobile, in particular, the users of some of their apps are giving them a big thumbs-down.

Some suggest there are too many airline and airport apps. Maybe yes. But with its easy bookings functionality, this new KLM app is a keeper.

We expect any sharing would be limited to alliances for now, and even that would be partial data exchange.

This app is by no means a game-changer. But you have to admire Four Seasons' effort to create a hotel app giving guests access to every service available in the hotel. And there are plenty of humans around to follow through.