Some of the contactless technology solutions we ’ ve created include a mobile remote feature deployed to over 300,000 rooms that allows a guest ’ s personal device to completely control the guest room TV , alleviating the need to touch the in-room remote . Additional features include in-room concierge services where guests can order room service or request more towels straight from their TV . We ’ ve also invented a housekeeping app that instantaneously alerts staff and guests when a room has been cleaned and sanitized . These innovative technologies have given guests greater peace of mind during their hotel stay .
Another area of focus has been expanding our high level of customer service . We ’ ve made significant investments to increase the caliber and capabilities of our professional services , starting with our employees and contractors . In addition , WCI is delivering CCTV to increase security . Thousands of people pass through a hotel on a daily basis – hoteliers can protect guests and staff by implementing technology focused on video surveillance security ( hotels are also protecting their hotel ’ s reputation while creating a safe , comfortable environment for guests and team members ).
Circling back to my earlier point , I ’ ve personally seen the greatest impact through fostering relationships with our hotel partners during this time of need . I ’ ve learned that you should never underestimate the power of something as simple as a handwritten note , a gesture I ’ ve
always made a point of doing with all of the many hotel partners I meet with . This was made even more of a focus during the past year . Letting our hotel partners know that we are there for them at any time is something that we pride ourselves on .
At WCI , we are constantly trying to find new ways to take our partners from liking us to loving us . As a result of our consistent focus on our hotel partners , WCI was able to provide much-needed financial relief to over 2,000 of our hotel partners during the height of the pandemic to do our part in helping the hospitality industry overcome the unforeseen challenges of the past year .
What trends are you seeing as tech leads the way out of the pandemic , especially for the luxury sector ?
We believe that the pandemic has accelerated many of the technology trends that were previously in place in addition to generating a demand for new technologies . The pandemic showed us that hotels that had a well-executed technology strategy were able to adapt quickly to the changes in guest and operational needs . Hotels that leverage technologies to digitize the guest experience will continue to see future success and set them apart from their competitors .
One of the most significant trends to come out of the pandemic is the need for personalized experiences , especially among luxury guests . Today ’ s consumers say that personalized experiences , cleanliness , and privacy are now the most desirable luxury amenities . Travelers are looking for greater control over their stay , and one way to offer these experiences is through technology .
54 ILHA