Hotel News Now’s Tech Impact Report each month features a news roundup from the hotel technology sector. Subscribe to the free monthly report here.
Expedia announces plans to purchase HomeAway
Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi saw how quickly the sharing economy was growing in the accommodation space, and he knew the company needed to reach out and grab a piece of it, according to a report from HNN’s Sean McCracken.
On 4 November, Expedia executives announced plans to acquire the vacation rental company for $3.9 billion. The move marks Expedia’s second large acquisition of 2015, after the company took control of rival Orbitz and seized control of 75% of the OTA market, with Priceline holding the majority of the balance.
Aloft serves up roomservice via emoji
First came keyless room entry. Next came a robotic butler. Now there’s roomservice that can be ordered via a text message with an emoji.
The emoji menu debuted on 21 October at the Aloft Manhattan Downtown – Financial District. Guests are able to text a single emoji, or a combo of
emojis, to order items directly from the front desk. The debut Aloft TiGi Menu features six different kits, including: The Hangover (vitaminwater, Advil, bananas); The Munchies (Doritos, Snickers, etc.); and The Re:Fresh (toothpaste, razor, etc.).
Airbnb in London
There are more than 11,000 Airbnb listings that are in direct competition with hotels in London, according to a look at data culled from InsideAirbnb.com and analyzed by HNN sister company STR Global.
As of early September, there were more than 25,000 total listings on Airbnb in London, but more than half of those listings represent entire home or apartment rentals and another small portion (just more than 400) are shared rooms.
In related news, HVS Consulting and Valuation prepared a report for the Hotel Association of New York City, stating Airbnb cost New York City hotels $451 million in revenue between September 2014 and August 2015. However, in a report from HNN’s Bryan Wroten, some hoteliers in New York City said that they aren’t feeling Airbnb’s impact to the degree outlined in the report.
TripAdvisor, Booking.com enter Instant Booking partnership
Priceline’s Booking.com has started participating in TripAdvisor’s Instant Booking platform. Over time, Priceline brands priceline.com and Agoda.com are likely to list inventory on the platform, according to an email from TripAdvisor sent to Hotel News Now.
TripAdvisor first launched the booking platform to U.S. consumers in June 2014, with a gradual rollout to other global markets expected over time.
Wyndham joins TripAdvisor’s Instant Booking platform
Wyndham Hotel Group has joined TripAdvisor’s Instant Booking platform. Starting this fall, travelers shopping for hotels on TripAdvisor can book Wyndham properties, according to a news release.
The Partridge Inn offers Tesla charging stations
The Partridge Inn has teamed up with Tesla Motors to provide Tesla Destination Charging. Tesla High Power Wall Connectors add 58 miles of range per hour to Model S, charging the vehicle overnight, according to a news release.
How to improve data security
Hotels, even smaller ones, can be tempting targets because they have a high volume of credit and debit card transactions, and that card information can be resold at a premium if stolen, according to a report from HNN’s Sean McCracken.
Experts speaking during a recent webinar provided tips for hoteliers to improve data security. Among them were:
- Learn to communicate;
- establish physical security;
- keep inventory;
- acquire insurance; and
- know who you’re working with.
Compiled by Alicia Hoisington.