Technology these days is so advanced that one can do almost anything from a mobile phone, from handling banking transactions to browsing the internet. At the core of this technological revolution is the 'app', or application software. Apps are computer softwares designed to perform single tasks or multiple related specific tasks, and can be found on mobile phones such as the iPhone.
With technology the way it is, there is almost no reason for the food and beverage (F & B) and hospitality industries to fall behind. That being said, many hoteliers, restaurateurs and major airlines have stepped up and produced brilliant apps that combine form and function in simple, stylish and convenient packages.
Hoteliers lead the pack, with apps that allow guests additional comfort and convenience during their stay. Many hotels offer basic 'search and book' apps that allow users to book rooms directly from their phones. However, some have gone a step further to truly make their app an essential travel companion. The Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts Concierge app, for example, has a user-friendly interface that allows visitors to select a hotel and learn about the various activities in its city, as delivered by the hotel's concierge, including things like restaurants and daily itineraries.
Some hotels have even gone a step further, including new and unique functions and services on top of the standard features. The W Hotels app, for instance, allows guests to order room service straight from their mobile phones, as well as deliveries of other things, such as champagne, to any other W Hotel room in the world. The app also features a specially curated musical selection by the brand's Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L'Acqua, a first for a hotel brand.
Airlines are also keeping up with hotels, with some providing apps that go beyond allowing passengers to check-in and check their flight statuses. For one, Cathay Pacific has included comprehensive city guides in its app, featuring information about the sights, dining options, hotels and other useful tidbits about the traveler's city of choice. It is thus a really good travel guide, on top of being useful for flying. Other airlines, such as American Airlines and Continental, offer ways to book flights without leaving the apps themselves. Continental even includes airport maps and a currency converter in its app.
On the F&B side of things, many apps have been produced to help diners look for good restaurants in their vicinity or according to cuisine served. In Singapore, apps such as the Makansutra Eating Guide based on the popular local television series, HungryGoWhere (picutred, left) and BuUuk (pictured, right) allow users to quickly search for restaurants, and even read and submit their own reviews and ratings. These apps provide an up-to-date and convenient way for hungry diners to suss out their next delicious meal.
http://ehotelier.com/hospitality-news/item.php?id=P21152
With technology the way it is, there is almost no reason for the food and beverage (F & B) and hospitality industries to fall behind. That being said, many hoteliers, restaurateurs and major airlines have stepped up and produced brilliant apps that combine form and function in simple, stylish and convenient packages.
Hoteliers lead the pack, with apps that allow guests additional comfort and convenience during their stay. Many hotels offer basic 'search and book' apps that allow users to book rooms directly from their phones. However, some have gone a step further to truly make their app an essential travel companion. The Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts Concierge app, for example, has a user-friendly interface that allows visitors to select a hotel and learn about the various activities in its city, as delivered by the hotel's concierge, including things like restaurants and daily itineraries.
Some hotels have even gone a step further, including new and unique functions and services on top of the standard features. The W Hotels app, for instance, allows guests to order room service straight from their mobile phones, as well as deliveries of other things, such as champagne, to any other W Hotel room in the world. The app also features a specially curated musical selection by the brand's Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L'Acqua, a first for a hotel brand.
Airlines are also keeping up with hotels, with some providing apps that go beyond allowing passengers to check-in and check their flight statuses. For one, Cathay Pacific has included comprehensive city guides in its app, featuring information about the sights, dining options, hotels and other useful tidbits about the traveler's city of choice. It is thus a really good travel guide, on top of being useful for flying. Other airlines, such as American Airlines and Continental, offer ways to book flights without leaving the apps themselves. Continental even includes airport maps and a currency converter in its app.
On the F&B side of things, many apps have been produced to help diners look for good restaurants in their vicinity or according to cuisine served. In Singapore, apps such as the Makansutra Eating Guide based on the popular local television series, HungryGoWhere (picutred, left) and BuUuk (pictured, right) allow users to quickly search for restaurants, and even read and submit their own reviews and ratings. These apps provide an up-to-date and convenient way for hungry diners to suss out their next delicious meal.
http://ehotelier.com/hospitality-news/item.php?id=P21152