Bookmark & Share
In a bid to improve productivity and customer experience, over 30 hotels here have agreed to test new technologies like robotics, facial recognition, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
This was announced by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on Thursday (23 November) following the launch of the Hotel Innovation Challenge last May that it co-organised with the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA).
The challenge, which crowd-sourced innovative solutions to tackle important issues and boost opportunities in the industry, resulted in 15 winning solutions to-date that are being piloted by the said 30 hotels with the help of technology providers.
This is part of the Hotel Industry Transformation Map (ITM) unveiled in 2016. ITM’s four key strategies comprise innovating through the development of new solutions, building manpower-lean business models, building a strong pipeline of quality talent, and growing businesses through internationalisation.
“ITM has made steady progress in the span of a year, thanks to active participation from our industry and partners. We strongly encourage hotels to participate in its initiatives and push ahead together with us on this journey of transformation to meet guests’ evolving needs in an era of change and disruption,” said STB Chief Executive Officer Lionel Yeo.
Moreover, STB and the SHA-led Hotel Innovation Committee plans to create a new roadmap to guide hoteliers in leveraging on new digital trends and transform their properties into future-ready smart hotels.
The Smart Hotel Technology Roadmap will identify cutting-edge technologies needed by such properties like the use of digital payment wallets and facial recognition at check-in.
To turn this vision into a reality, STB will now work with hoteliers to develop a more comprehensive suite of standards so hotel operators can measure their ITM progress, with a focus on increasing productivity, developing talent and driving innovation.
In particular, Far East Hospitality Management is the first to team up with STB regarding this matter, with a four-year commitment to implement an integrated programme across its entire hotels, including three new properties slated to open in Sentosa in 2019.
Among the new ideas to be piloted at its properties include self-check-in processes, e-housekeeping solutions and the use of artificial intelligence in hotel operations.
This article was edited by Keshia Faculin.
Related Articles:
Shops told to focus on consumer wants to compete with e-commerce
Revamped Century Square to feature a virtual library
Revamped Raffles Singapore to feature three new suite categories