Alyson Dombey provides a European perspective on various online channels such as GDS distribution, the merchant-model, and other alternate online distribution mechanisms. Alison also shares some of the outcomes/conclusions of the HITEC session which was geared around the GDS as component of overall distribution.
The Merchant-Model, Channel Management, On-Line Distribution, eDistribution. These words are thrown around quite a bit these days in the hospitality industry. What do they all mean? Here's an update from High Country Hospitality's Scott Anderson.
Bob Gilbert - HSMAI President & CEO talks about how HSMAI helps sales & marketing professionals in finding the right tools in todays age of information overload. Gilbert also provides information about HSMAI's Foundation project called 'ClearingHouse'. Finally, the interview features information about HSMAI's new conference/marketplace geared around the lucrative airline contract market segment.
Since 1977, Visual One Systems has provided software systems to the hospitality industry. Their Windows-based products, using a Microsoft SQL database, include property management, sales & catering, restaurant point-of-sale, back-office accounting, and golf course management. Mike Gadbury - Managing Director of Visual One Systems (Europe) provides the HITEC audience with an update about V1's products and activities outside the US.
The Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) program is recognized as THE symbol of achievement and competence in hospitality information technology knowledge. Developed jointly by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA), the designation elevates the professionalism of both the recipient and the industry by helping to set standards for the field. Those who earn the CHTP designation demonstrate a higher level of dedication to their profession.
StayOnline's Antonio DiMilia joins us in New Orleans, shortly after the announcement of their co-marketing agreement with AT&T Wireless. The announcement also includes Historic Hotels of America. StayOnline will have the opportunity to mix technology with history for those hotels that go wireless. StayOnline's technology, cost vs. no-cost solutions and catering to those hotels that serve business travelers are topics included in this interview.
John Carres has 1,040 rooms. His property is putting on a large event and needs a solution to help manage the process. Carres wants and needs to fill those rooms. Give Passkey a call in Quincy. Mass. This is more than just a commercial. Paul and Jon talk about how they have teamed up to make this and other events happen - seamlessly. Why is it good for Boca and how easy is it to get done? Click 'play' and listen.
Pegasus Solutions is the critical technology backbone of the hotel industry, powering the majority of electronic hotel reservations around the world. Roland Tanner joins us to discuss the latest Pegasus technology initiatives, including the company's efforts to develop single-point-of-entry rate management tools for hotels. We cover security, ease of use and other advantages of this new solution.
Aloha Technologies, makers of Aloha point-of-sale software and information solutions, last month announced that Mark Hamilton has been hired as Director of PMS Solutions for the company's newly acquired property management systems (PMS) suite of solutions. Aloha purchased Fabco Systems, a leading supplier of property management systems (PMS) in the hotel and lodging industries, earlier this year. Hamilton provides some insight into Aloha's most recent move.
Tina Samson has a lot on her plate. She's CFO at the Loews Hotel Universal Orlando. With kids out of school, that property will soon be busy when families come to see Mickey and Minnie. She's the chairperson of HFTP's ProLinks, which we discuss in this streaming audio interview and finally, she's the President-Elect for the HFTP. We also get her thoughts on this year's HITEC and tell you about next year's dates and location. That's a lot of information in less than 10 minutes. Check it out before you head to New Orleans.
With more and more consumers surfing the web for airfare, hotel and vacation packages, Visual Frenzy Media has answered the call and offered streaming video tours of hotels. Wouldn't it be easier to book a hotel if you knew what it looked like, inside and out? In this streaming audio interview, Hugh Argo tells how and why Visual Frenzy puts it all together and how it can benefit a consumer and hotel.
New Orleans is a city rich in history, culture and nightlife. However, before the sun goes down, for three days, June 24-26, thousands of hospitality professionals will take part in over 60 educational sessions and listen to more than 100 speakers at HITEC 2003. HFTP's Angie Greer has worked all year in preparation for these three days of educational sessions. In this streaming audio interview, she discusses some of the highlights. We hope to see you there bright and early.
It's less than a month away! HITEC, produced by HFTP, is the largest, most comprehensive showcase of hospitality technology in the world. HITEC 2003, takes place June 24-26, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. HFTP's Frank Wolfe joins us for a preview of some of the feature this year and also talks about a new program for members, called 'Pro Links.' Check out this streaming audio interview as part of your HITEC planning.
The times…they are a changing. I'm borrowing a line from Bob Dylan to describe Onity's answer to the current and perhaps future economic climate, especially as it relates to the hospitality industry. While the industry recovery continues, Onity has just launched two revolutionary programs featuring their impressive variety of products. How can a hotel refuse free locks, CCTV, climate and energy controls, safes and more? Pascal Metevier explains in this streaming audio interview. If you spend any money on your hotel, you'll want to listen.
Pegasus Solutions' Chairman and CEO John Davis delivered the keynote address at this year's Multiunit Lodging Operators & Owners Forum in Denver. On hand were several of the nation's management company executives and multi-property owners. Hear a preview of what one of the leading software providers for hotels and on-line merchants has to say about current business relationships between hotels and on-line merchants.
Channel Management, On-Line Distribution, eDistribution. These words are thrown around quite a bit these days in the hospitality industry. What do they all mean? For hotels, the bottom line is profits and the AH&LA's eCommerce Committee is working hard for hotels to maintain and increase profits through a series of seminars explained in this streaming audio interview with High Country Hospitality's Scott Anderson. Here's one you don't want to pass up. Click on the link to listen in.
Lately, HFTP President Wendy Zurstadt has been running in and out of airports, flying coast to coast on HFTP business. She's meeting the members, talking with them, trying to get them more involved. There's a push on for volunteers, especially internationally. Wendy is also explaining the leadership and planning process the HFTP is going through. In this streaming audio interview, we cover the upcoming Club and Hotel Controllers Conferences and the new The Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Clubspublication.
Six Continents Hotels jumped a little higher on the on-line distribution bandwagon this week as inventory from 3,300 properties appeared on
Hotel Information Systems (HIS) unveiled its new web-native epitome Enterprise while in attendance at HITEC in late June in Chicago and we caught up with Seth Christian to talk about that and what Hotel Information Systems is workign on. An industry veteran who made his mark with Suburban Lodges and then founded HotelTools, Christian shares his thoughts on this unique product, the recent HITEC show and what's down the road for HIS. His busy schedule did not permit us to get him on camera so we used the phone. Check out this streaming audio interview and them send him an email:
During HITEC 2002 in Chicago, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP ®) presented a Technology Award of Merit to five hospitality technology pioneers at the 30th Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC ®). Roger Lane, Richard Maloney, Dietmar Müller-Elmau, John Pignataro and Robert Sanford were selected by members of HFTP's International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame as individuals who have made a significant innovation or breakthrough that established a path for others in hospitality technology.