Sun City Rooms go Online with Guestlink Global

Sun City has taken a lead in the South African hospitality industry by commissioning the first major installation of Guestlink Global, an interactive TV system operated by guests in their rooms.

The system offers guests unlimited internet access, e-mail, the facility to review their bills, watch videos and, for the first time, set their own infallible yet gentle wake-up call - all via their Guestlink TV.

Unlike previous systems where the Internet could only be accessed by a limited number of users at any one time, Guestlink Global Interactive Television provides an unlimited number of guests with simultaneous access. Messages are delivered reliably, accurately and promptly, and the system keeps a record of all the guest's messages received during their stay.

The Guestlink Global Interactive Television system is supplied by TTS Telcall Television Systems, the distributor in the Southern African region. Riku Karlsson, Vice President of Operations of Guestlink in Finland, said TTS was appointed as regional distributor because of its long-term plan to be the supplier of choice to the hospitality industry worldwide. "TTS shares our culture and undertakes to provide the high level of professional service demanded by this industry," he said.

Sun City's Director of Operations Steven Bagg said the installation of the system in the rooms of the Palace of the Lost City, the Sun City Hotel and the Cascades Hotel, was all part of a programme that kept the resort abreast of world technology - or ahead of it in some instances. "Our guests are extremely sophisticated travellers who are used to the best the world has to offer. Services such as these ensure return visits."

"TTS met the requirements in a number of key areas," said Graham Wood, financial director of Sun City. "It was important to us that the interactive television supplier we chose should offer an all-inclusive service. TTS supplies the television and upgrades the cable system, provides movies, software and hardware, and maintains the system once it is installed. All this is on a rental basis for a period of five years. The company is also well established with a good track record, having been in operation for 27 years."

According to Senior Operations Specialist in the Sun City computer department, Freddie Siebert, the system is used with either a user-friendly remote control or wireless keyboard, obviating the need for cabling between the keyboard and the television. This means the unit will be able to be used from any part of the room.

Now standard for all guests staying at the Palace of the Lost City and the Sun City Main Hotel, this first of its kind system will shortly also be installed at all the resort's hotels.

"In-room Internet is now a standard requirement for international visitors and we at TTS are continually being asked by leading hotels for this service. The new Guestlink Global system is the first of its kind and will fulfil all the guests' expectations", says Sam Danon, MD of TTS.

Currently in over 1 300 hotels and in more than 250 000 rooms, Guestlink is the technology leader in interactive hotel communication systems. Because this is the main focus of their business, Guestlink is able to develop and improve the system regularly. In terms of the agreement between TTS and the hotels, all income generated by the system is shared equally.

Ends.

For further information please contact Lara Ross at Sun International on 011 780 7684 or Ronel at TTS on 011 466 1803.

Sam Danon
MD
27-11-466-4603
TTS - Telcall Television Systems