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.
Hyatt the latest to announce breach
The hotel industry faces yet another in a string of data breaches, this time from Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Reuters reports. The breach, announced by Hyatt in late December, was discovered on 30 November.
The breach involved malware in the payment processing system that stole credit card information. It is unclear how many of the company’s properties were affected by the breach.
Since October, several hotel companies have announced breaches, including Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
and Trump Hotel Collection.
Expedia completes HomeAway buy
Expedia took a big step into the sharing economy in December by completing its acquisition of vacation rental platform HomeAway. Expedia now holds more than 63 million shares of HomeAway common stock, which represents 64.8% of outstanding common stock. The companies initially announced the deal’s value at $3.9 billion.
“We couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to create even more robust experiences for our shared global traveler audience and for HomeAway's homeowners and property managers all around the world,” Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a news release announcing the completed acquisition.
Caesars places check-in kiosks around Las Vegas
Caesars Entertainment Corporation has debuted multiple self check-in kiosks throughout its resorts scattered along the Las Vegas Strip.
The new kiosks are meant to keep check-in times low at its hotels. Caesars officials say the kiosks are part of “the first fully-integrated self check-in program in Las Vegas that incorporates email, text, web, mobile app and kiosks.”
While guests check in, the kiosks will verify guests’ IDs, take payment information and give them a printed key if their room is ready. Guests whose rooms are not ready at the time of check-in will receive an alert when their room is available.
“As the owner and operator of our resorts, we have the capability of providing our guests with the latest in innovation and hospitality-focused technology, offering a more social and integrated experience,” Tariq Shaukat, EVP and chief commercial officer of Caesars Entertainment, said in a news release announcing the kiosks.
Aria in Vegas controls guest stay with in-room tablets
Speaking of Las Vegas, the Aria Resort & Casino has introduced a new program utilizing in-room tablets that lets guest control their stay from dining to spa packages and even adjusting the heat and lighting.
The functions of the new tablet systems include:
- The ability to order in-room dining, schedule breakfast and book reservations;
- Setting housekeeping preferences;
- Ordering personalized “in-room packages” for special events or celebrations;
- Schedule spa services;
- Adjust heat, lighting, wake-up calls and television settings;
- The ability to read multiple publications; and
- A built-in agenda and communications system for meetings.
Uber could operate as an OTA
A recent report from CNBC says Uber could be position itself to operate more like an online travel agency. The company has recently filed patent applications for a program called “Uber Travel,” which would aim to allow users to not just get rides, but book flights and accommodations.
Uber’s new program would recommend flights, create an itinerary for travelers at the airport and book accommodations. The report also said the new Uber Travel ecosystem could offer comparisons between traditional hotels and sharing-economy accommodations.
This potential expansion into booking comes just months after Uber officials increased their footprint in the travel space by partnering with Hilton.
Compiled by Sean McCracken.