6.10.2017
- Croatia is becoming a tourist destination that provides digital solutions for hotel operators whose quality is on a par with those provided globally
- Vinotel Gospoja on the island of Krk is the first hotel with a comprehensive technology solution for hotel operators
- Advanced services for hotel industry: PMS (Property Management System), mobile app for hotel guests, and Hotel TV will considerably facilitate hotel operations and increase the satisfaction of hotel guests who are currently looking for more flexible services and interactive communication
Antonija Mandić, Saša Kramar, Ivana Beli Oštarčević and Franko Toljanić
Hotels are currently primarily focused on technology and the opportunities it provides. Consequently, 60% of hotels use mobile websites in order to present their services, 40% of them use the mobile app, 53% of hotels use digital signage technologies, whereas 11% of them provide the guests with the opportunity of check-in over their mobile phone. Online booking in Croatia is also soaring, and hence the annual revenue growth rate from online booking in hotel accommodation by 2020 stands at 28%.*
Through the new services for hotel industry that have been launched today in Vinotel Gospoja in Vrbnik on the island of Krk, Hrvatski Telekom is absolutely keeping abreast with international trends, by presenting the only Croatian comprehensive technology solution for hotel operators. HT has launched three new services for hotel industry: Hotel PMS (Property Management System), developed in co-operation with Remaris, the mobile app for hotel guests in co-operation with Combis, and Hotel TV, developed in co-operation with Cronex.
Accurate records on hotel guest consumption, fast and automated check-in and check-out of guests, automated system for internal and external booking management, the possibility of monitoring consumables consumption, instant insight into housekeeping and business reports are only a few advantages of the new PMS system.
Hotel PMS is effectively integrated with Hotel TV and the mobile app for hotel guests, through strong communication channels with the guests, which gives the opportunity to personalise the services provided to each guest.
Whilst through Hotel TV hotel visitors can enjoy a wide range of TV programmes and attractive films, as well as gain access to different hotel promotions, e-store, and tourist information, the hotel app can be used anywhere they go.
You only need to touch the screen of your mobile phone or tablet several times to check-in or check-out, make a booking at the wellness centre, book a restaurant table, or order room service, to name a few.
The mobile app for hotel guests is integrated into a newly-developed portfolio of Combis, a member of the HT Group, primarily focused on tourism. Combis has made a breakthrough in this vertical in co-operation with a team of IT consultants that keep abreast of specific requirements of individual industry or market.
This is all a part of a unique hospitality platform developed for the purpose of integration and interoperability of all products and services for hotel operators. Services for hotel operators connected in this way will enable a quality, personalised, and customer-adapted placement of different products and solutions. Moreover, they will ensure a pleasant stay for hotel guests, as well as simple and interesting planning of their free time both inside and outside of the hotel.
Hence, Saša Kramar, Member of the Management Board of Hrvatski Telekom and Chief Operating Officer for Business, stated that, according to the current indicators concerning the impact of technology, hotels are striving for optimal and the most effective services. "Since we feel highly responsible for the development of the digital society in Croatia, our mission is to provide our customers with the opportunity to use the latest global technologies and trends, in order to help them reach their clients, in this case hotel guests, in the simplest and the fastest way", concluded Kramar.
Modern technologies in hotel industry significantly facilitate business, saving both money and time, and considerably positively affect guest satisfaction. Hotel guests are currently looking for a more laid-back approach, as well as more flexible services and interactive communication.
"We have been intensively working on the expansion of the eco-system of services specialised for hotel, hospitality, and tourism industry, with the best partners in the region and the most advanced technologies. Hence, the hotels that use our services operate on a par with the global market players. Depending on the specific user requirements, HT combines all the services and the technologies currently available – fixed, mobile, and cloud. Hrvatski Telekom has thus far successfully implemented over 150 projects and provided hotels with comprehensive ICT solutions", noted Ivana Beli Oštarčević, Director of ICT Department in HT.
Franjo Toljanić, owner of Vinotel Gospoja Hotel, stated that Hrvatski Telekom is a quality partner with the potential to deliver several ICT solutions that are imperative for the achievement of higher effectiveness in business operations.
"We have been aiming to achieve the maximum integration amongst the solutions, provide quality and reliable hotel solutions, and, finally, save the time that we would otherwise spend on controlling a large number of contractors. The entire project has been implemented meeting the specified deadlines with continuous control of the implementation. We are delighted with the implemented solutions and the support provided by ICT Department of Hrvatski Telekom."
* Research studies: statista.com, cnbc.com, hospitalitynet.org