Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/708225
Jul-Aug 2016 43 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com robot, Dash. The robot provides quick and seamless delivery of snacks, toothbrushes and other amenities to hotel guests. Virtual reality is the next step. Imagine virtual reality being able to 'evolve' interior design by tailoring this to individual guests' needs and wants, from holographic wall art to the development of different hotel wings or rooms to offer a taste of cultural experiences from around the world? What are your thoughts and takeaways in terms of harnessing such technology and innovation in the context of corporate/business travel? At IHG, we have a strong track record of innovation and leadership - we were the first to develop a computerised reservations system, the first to introduce online bookings and the first to have apps on all mobile platforms. We also continue to build on our strong track record in innovation; we are using digital content to enhance the guest experience across the entire Guest Journey, and we will be rolling out the industry's first cloud-based Guest Reservation System (GRS) in 2017. This new GRS will enhance value for guests, owners and our hotels. It will also allow us to continue to offer the most innovative and efficient technological solutions at all stages of the guest journey. "It's about strengthening our brand affinity with guests by cultivating on-going, intentional two-way relationships." NICK BARTON, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER FOR IHG ASIA, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA Looking forward, we're trialling several digitally-driven innovations to provide more personalised and interactive experiences for our guests including our collaboration with Stay. com, mobile check-in and check- out capabilities, mobile room key technology and our IHG ® Translator App for Apple Watch ™ . What are the disruptors of the future that will impact how IHG views hotel design, service and value in hospitality? Earlier this year, we released our most recent IHG Trends Report on Meaningful Membership: Transforming Membership in "The Age of I" which refers to today's changing world. There is a growing desire among consumers for individuality and inclusivity at the same time, fuelled mostly by social media. This desire for individuality and inclusivity is already proving a disruptor in the industry and will become more so in the future. For us, it's about strengthening our brand affinity with guests by cultivating on-going, intentional two-way relationships with them, ensuring each experience with IHG is personalised to their needs and preferences, based on Left: InterContinental Singapore Meetings and Banquet team strives to cater to individuality; bottom: Savioke Relay Dash Guest provides quick and seamless delivery of snacks, toothbrushes and other amenities to hotel guests.