 In This Issue
October 2008 |
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| Magazine Sections |
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| Cover Story: |
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| Wynnovation |
| 10/09/2008 |
| Author: Abigail A. Lorden |
| Wyndham Hotel Group is ushering in an era of innovation that focuses on next-gen guest room technologies, sustainability, and connectivity for its guests. In this exclusive interview, HT sits down with senior level executives to discuss the company's deliberate strategy for tying IT development to revenue goals, and the 1,000 page document that paved the way. Also go inside the Wyndham guest room for a look at some of the proprietary solutions that are already boosting guest satisfaction, and a preview of what's still to come.
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| Platforms: |
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| Luxury IT Debuts in Las Vegas |
| 10/09/2008 |
| Author: Abigail A. Lorden |
| Las Vegas has, for at least the past decade, been a center of innovation or the U.S. lodging industry. With the debut of CityCenter, a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Dubai World, opening late next year, the U.S. is setting a new benchmark for luxury-meets-technology in the lodging industry.
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| Front Burner: |
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| Going Green Can Mean Greener Market Shares |
| 10/09/2008 |
| As more and more Americans embrace an environmentally conscience lifestyle, the question remains: "Does this trend really represent a market opportunity for the hotel and travel industry?" The answer is yes. |
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| On Property: |
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| Gambling on Technology |
| 10/09/2008 |
| Author: Christina Volpe |
| Vendors are upping the ante in casino technology with next-generation solutions that are set to revolutionize the way that patrons gamble. Server-based gaming and mobile gambling are already hitting the casino floor.
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| Point of Service: |
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| 6 Steps to Better Self-Service |
| 10/09/2008 |
| Author: George Koroneos |
| Self-service isn't a people replacement or a guaranteed cash cow, but if done right, the technology can bring a huge boost to your business. Hospitality Technology offers a list of best practices when considering and installing kiosks.
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| Service Systems: |
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| How Fast is Your Drive-Thru? |
| 10/09/2008 |
| Author: Vicki Powers |
| When it comes to the quick service restaurant market, drive-thru's represent one of the largest areas of growth potential. Find out the latest trends and updates, from order confirmation boards to drive-thru timers.
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| In-Room Advantage: |
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| Hotels Lock it Up |
| 10/09/2008 |
| Author: Christina Volpe |
| As the demand for locking solutions that offer a higher level of security and usability increase, vendors are responding with next-generation solutions that are both easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. Contactless RFID and NFC cell phone compatibility are the newest in locking offerings.
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| Killer Apps: |
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| Union Square Streamlines Employee Training |
| 10/09/2008 |
| Author: Adam Riess, Director, New Business Division, Union Square Hospitality Group |
| With nearly a dozen restaurants in their portfolio, the Union Square Hospitality Group was in need of a training solution for their accountants and controllers that is as individual as each of their locations. That's when management threw out their traditional handbooks and embraced wikis.
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| Last Words: |
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| Understanding PCI Version 1.2 |
| 10/09/2008 |
| Author: Cihan Cobanoglu |
| Version 1.2 of PCI DSS, released just this month, includes several key areas that are important for hospitality operators to understand. Anti-virus software, data storage, and public-facing web applications are just some of the areas addressed.
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| Vantage Point: |
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| Tech-savvy guests spend more |
| 10/09/2008 |
| Author: Glenn Withiam, Director of Publications, Cornell Center for Hospitality Research |
| Travelers with a high readiness to use technology are also inclined to travel more often and pay a relatively high room rate. By learning more about your guests' preferences and habits, hoteliers will be able to understand how to effectively use technology to better serve patrons. |
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