beacons recognize iHg rewards Club members and send relevant notifications directly to a guest ’ s smartphone .
Global Update
Plenty of F & B programs pledge a commitment to sustainability , but Belmond properties have a new certification to back up that promise .
All Belmond ’ s hotels were subjected to a rating by the Sustainable Restaurant Association ( SRA ), which asked more than 100 questions focused on three pillars — sourcing , society and environment — about topics such as the percentage of produce sourced locally and energy efficiency .
Restaurants in nine Belmond hotels received SRA ’ s highest rating . Standout examples include Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara , California , which was recognized for its certified organic and biodynamic drinks and the fact that the kitchen composts all food
Chefs work in the garden at England ’ s Belmond Le Manoir aux
Quat ’ Saisons , which achieved the highest overall SRA rating in the group .
Serving up SuStainability — and proving it
waste . Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Peru mainly employs staff from the local area and works with schools to teach children cooking and nutrition .
“ It is truly remarkable that a global group as eclectic and diverse as Belmond has not only committed to putting its sustainability credentials to the test , but also shown the level that can be achieved when there is a dedication at all levels to operate responsibly ,” says Mark Linehan , SRA managing director .
Belmond and the SRA will complete the sustainability rating again next year , and many hotels already have established plans to improve , such as sourcing more wildcaught fish and giving staff time off to volunteer in the community . new beaCon to gueStS
One of the more buzzedabout recent innovations is Apple ’ s iBeacon technology , an extension of location services
beacons recognize iHg rewards Club members and send relevant notifications directly to a guest ’ s smartphone .
on iOS devices that alerts apps when a device approaches or leaves a location with an iBeacon .
Earlier this year , IHG implemented iBeacon technology in a selection of hotels in China . Beacons in participating hotel lobbies and restaurants recognize IHG Rewards Club members using the IHG app in close proximity and send notifications such as food-andbeverage promotions and room-rate offers directly to a guest ’ s smartphone . Guests may receive a message pointing them to the IHG Rewards Club member benefits landing page in the IHG App , or they may be notified as they approach the hotel restaurant or bar that they can earn IHG Rewards Club points for dining .
“ We are using iBeacon technology to drive more personalized and meaningful interactions with our guests ,” an IHG spokesman explains . “ Our use of iBeacon technology reinforces how our digital capabilities can add value for our guests .”
At press time , IHG reported that it is prioritizing getting the “ technology absolutely right ,” as opposed to scaling the use of iBeacons quickly across its properties .
IHG also is testing other digital capabilities to improve interaction with guests . Pilots include mobile room-key technology , mobile check-in and checkout , mobile folio and the IHG Translator App for Apple Watch . IHG also signed an agreement with Amadeus to develop the first cloud-based guest reservation system for the hospitality industry .
16 HOTELS September 2015 www . hotelsmag . com