Streaming into 2021: PPDS launches latest Philips MediaSuite into warehouses across EMEA

Next generation experience: Latest Philips MediaSuite hospitality TVs feature stylish new design options, plus enhanced functionality, features and benefits for users and managers. 

PPDS is delighted to announce the latest models of its ground-breaking Philips MediaSuite hospitality TVs – the HFL5114 and HFL6114 – are now available in warehouses across EMEA. 

Further building on PPDS’ commitment to providing market-leading products and solutions to the hospitality sector, the latest MediaSuite models span six size options – ranging from 32” to 75” – each designed to ensure the highest and most personalised end user experience available in the market. 

Available in 43”, 50”, 55”, 65” and 75”, the HFL6114U series provides stunning 4K UHD (3840x2160) picture quality and comes with a brand new, super-slim, silver metal bezel design, together with a stylish matching stand.  

The HFL5114U, optimised for wall-mounted installations, is available in 43” and 50” options and matches the 6114U’s 4K UHD capabilities, while the 5114 – available in 32” and 43” – provides a high quality FHD option. Both are designed with a stylish black bezel.

Philips MediaSuite: Streaming with new benefits 

As with previous models, these latest release MediaSuites with Android TVTM OS have Chromecast built-inTM, allowing guests to stream and view content – be it photos, movies, music or even presentations – instantly and in up to 4K from their compatible laptop or mobile device (IOS, AndroidTM or Windows) with just the touch of a button and with no new apps or additional hardware required. 

Users also have access to thousands of popular apps on Google Play, including popular services such as local news, weather and traffic information, as well as content streaming from providers such as YouTubeTM, Deezer and Spotify, plus Disney+ and Netflix.

Elaborating on the features of the new Philips MediaSuite range, Jeroen Verhaeghe, Global Product Manager at PPDS, said: “As a market leader, we continue to drive the market forward. With the HFL5114 and 6114, we’re driving the market up another gear. Bringing even more features and benefits to hoteliers and guests and once again cementing our position as the brand of choice for innovation in Professional TVs.”

Voice control, enhanced security and Netflix ready

The new 5114 and 6114 MediaSuite TVs come pre-installed with exciting new features and functionality for an enhanced and more personalised user experience. 

These include Google Assistant’s voice control functionality*, latest security updates, and a more personalised and intelligent content selection. Plus, the ability to embed Netflix – the world’s most popular streaming platform with more than 203 million paid memberships – allowing users to enjoy seamless access to all their favourite movies and shows. 

Next generation hospitality TVs: Set for sustainability

With the latest version of Android TV OS, introduced in October 2020, all existing HFL6014 and HFL5014 models can be updated to include these benefits as a part of the PPDS ‘extended lifetime’ guarantee. Allowing older models to be upgraded to bring cutting-edge experience to life for longer and building on the company’s strategy to spearhead a more sustainable way of working for the AV industry. 

“At PPDS, we always place customer experience at the heart of what we do. Entertainment is a big part of the experience when staying in a hotel. With our TVs running on Android TV OS, our extended lifetime guarantee ensures guests can always enjoy a home from home experience, choosing to watch or listen to their own content on or through the big screen, rather than their smaller personal device. Likewise, for hoteliers, having the ability to upgrade their fleet of TVs to ensure expectations are met, rather than being forced to invest heavily in new models is invaluable – for them and for the planet.”

About PPDS

PPDS is a trading name of TP Vision Europe B.V. (“TP Vision”) and MMD-Monitors & Displays Nederland B.V. (“MMD”), registered in the Netherlands, with their head offices in Amsterdam. TP Vision and MMD are wholly owned subsidiaries of TPV Technology Limited (“TPV”), the world’s largest manufacturer of monitors and a leading provider of display solutions.

PPDS exclusively markets and sells Philips-branded professional displays, covering professional TVs, signage and LED solutions, worldwide under trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V.

By combining the Philips brand promise with TPV’s manufacturing expertise in displays, PPDS employs a competitive and focused approach to bring innovative products to market – from its 10” touchscreen through to unlimited LED displays. Designing solutions that make a positive impact, both for resellers and for end-customers – at the right time and in the right places.

Google, YouTube, Android TV and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi launches Emirati Cuisine Programme

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the Emirati Cuisine Programme (ECP), a new initiative that will enhance Emirati food offerings in the capital's hotels, raise the profile of local cuisine, and promote Emirati culture and traditions.

The programme, being launched in line with UAE national day, aims to increase the number of local dishes being offered at top hotels through a series of incentives, training courses, and promotions. 

As part of the programme, DCT Abu Dhabi will oversee the training of hotel chefs through a series of virtual remote training videos, led by acclaimed Emirati chef Khulood Atiq, to ensure that the food meets the standards of authenticity and quality of true Emirati cuisine.

“Food is an intrinsic part of every culture,” said HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi. “It can tell the story of a nation and express cultural identity in a way that transcends words. The inspiration to create the ‘Emirati Cuisine Programme’ came from DCT Abu Dhabi’s desire to give visitors the chance to experience the beauty and hospitality of Emirati culture through food.

“Hotels are a crucial consumer touchpoint for any destination, and by making more Emirati food available at hotels, we are aiming to make our cuisine more accessible to visitors, no matter how long or short their stay is.
Source

Zonetail Partners with Routier to Bring AI Contactless Multilingual Guest Messaging

Routier announces an integration partnership with Zonetail Inc. (TSXV:ZONE, OTCQB:ZTLFF) that can enable 25,000+ Zonetail partnered hotels across North America to facilitate contactless mobile communication between guests, staff, and local businesses. Routier is a leading provider of AI-enabled hotel guest-engagement and omni-channel messaging solutions that connect guests and staff via SMS/text messaging, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook, Line, etc., and provides a unified dashboard to hotel teams to communicate with guests on their preferred messaging channel of choice. Zonetail is a mobile platform that connects guests to hotel amenities and services, as well as local businesses, such as restaurants, shops, attractions and other specialty services. These businesses pay Zonetail a fee to communicate with the highly valued, yet difficult to reach hotel guests. The advertising and transactional revenue generated, allows Zonetail to offer it's platform at no cost to its hotel partners.

Together, the joint Routier + Zonetail solution is providing a compelling business model and digital safety net for recovering properties in the wake of COVID-19. Guests can now engage with both hotel staff and the local neighborhood via the Zonetail Hotel Platform or through Routier's unified communications platform, MessageHub, while hoteliers use Routier's unified dashboard to respond to guest queries coming from the app channel or other messaging platform. As a multilingual guest concierge, request and guest satisfaction management tool, and maintenance-tracking platform, MessageHub enables recovering properties to maintain high quality guest-centric experiences that fully comply with social distancing concerns, regardless of reduced labor resources. Routier's AI Bot answers guests' requests or directs them to the relevant department to have a staff member resolve an issue in person. Property teams can utilize Routier's workflow to manage and track all guest and staff processes and communicate in 65 languages automatically.

Why the Wusthof Classic Chef's Knife is my last chef's knife

I still, remember the moment I cut something for the first time using a really sharp knife. The Wusthof Classic 8-inch chef’s knife was a wedding gift I got almost 15 years ago. I sliced tomato with it while preparing a BLT sandwich and lo and behold: There was no squishing involved and the tomato, though now separated in two, maintained its structural integrity. That’s when I understood why chefs and food writers are always campaigning against dull blades. In the years since, I’ve used a host of different knives while cooking dinners for my family, making cookies for events and testing recipes for two cookbooks I’ve written. And one thing I’ve discovered is that, in a pinch, I could always make do with just one good knife:

Wustohf Classic Chef’s Knife

It’s versatile enough to carve up a pineapple for a summer barbecue and make quick work of a handful of fresh herbs from our garden. It’s the knife I keep reaching for again and again, even as my collection has grown.

For More Details Click Below :

www.nbcnews.com/shopping/kitchen/best-chef-knife-wusthof-n1232421

Starbucks Adds Impossible Sausage to U.S. Menu in Blow to Beyond Meat

Key Take Away

Starbucks Corp. is adding an Impossible Foods Inc. sandwich to its U.S. breakfast line-up, a blow to rival Beyond Meat Inc. in the battle for plant-based dominance. The coffee behemoth announced it’s adding an Impossible sausage, egg, and cheddar sandwich to its summer menu at the majority of its roughly 15,000 U.S. locations.

The company is also testing direct-to-consumer sales.Consumers are rapidly adopting plant-based meat substitutes that increasingly taste and feel like food made from beef and pork. This trend appears to have persisted amid the COVID-19 pandemic 

For More Information Click Below :

www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-23/starbucks-adds-impossible-sausage-to-u-s-menu-in-blow-to-beyond?sref=3BKwKPWy

New Virtual Restaurant Brands Company Virturant Out to Save the Restaurant Industry

Key Take Away

Virturant, the startup virtual delivery-only restaurant company launched in January 2020 to save the restaurant industry, creates an entirely new revenue stream for eateries with extra capacity looking to earn more money.  By making productive use of underused/unused kitchen staff and operational hours, restaurants can increase revenue and profitability.

It’s easy to manage orders on these platforms with innovative tablet integration software – as all four delivery apps are managed by one tablet and one printer all supplied by Virturant.

The Model

By entering into a licensing agreement, restaurants can go from producing the items on their existing menu, to also offering entirely new items

“In addition to a new customer base, the magic in our model is that peak ordering demand for delivery is different from peak serving time for the typical sit-down, fast-casual restaurant,” said Jon Register, CEO, Virturant.

For More Information Click Below:

www.restaurantnews.com/new-virtual-restaurant-brands-company-virturant-out-to-save-the-restaurant-industry-061620/

This AR Could Be The Norm Going Forward

The smart distance awareness device

Smart Distance Awareness Device

The Aura Aware is a smart distance awareness device that helps employees and customers remain a safe and healthy distance in public spaces. 

Our patented technology scans the room to detect if anyone is within the 6 feet distance. A red alert warns employees and customers when they have gotten too close.

learn more

Plant-based meat maker Growthwell snares $11.4m in Temasek-led funding round

Key Take Away

Plant-based meat manufacturer Growthwell Group has clinched US$8 million (S$11.4 million) in a funding round led by Temasek to set up local research and development (R&D) Centre and to launch a new product line with an Israeli start-up.

Started in 1989, Growthwell specializes in vegetarian food solutions for food and beverage businesses and organisations in Singapore, Australia, India and the United States.

For More Information

www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/growthwell-snares-114m-in-temasek-led-funding-round

COVID-19 Employee Health Check Platform

A robust platform for conducting health assessments when the frontline needs it most. Employee safety equals guest trust.

How does the Health Check Platform work?

• A mobile app that can record symptoms and gather a temperature check prior to entering the premises 

• Enterprise-ready reporting capabilities and printable summary reports instilling customer confidence  

• Can be integrated with Harri’s timekeeping system to collect PPE attestations 

• Supports confidence and trust amongst team members

  The Health Check-In Action

  Health Check Mobile App

• Built into Harri Live, a native mobile app for ops teams, managers can complete symptom screenings and employee temperature checks prior to employees entering the location 

• Ability to log symptoms results prior to the employee entering the workplace

• Employees who do not pass the screening process are signalled to be sent home and HR is notified for awareness

  Customer-Facing Employee Health Report

• Easily generate and print a Health Check summary for guest-facing purposes

• Options include a unique design for display on a restaurant front door and delivery and/or drive-thru orders

  Enterprise-Ready Reporting and Tracking System

• Robust tracking and reporting of health checks at the unit, area and enterprise level

• Proactive alerts for above-unit managers related to failed health check

  PPE In-Use Image Capture

• Employees punch into Harri’s Team Hub timekeeping system, creating a visual audit trail of PPE equipment in use

• AI-powered object-detection determines if a mask is present at the time of the clock in and produces alerts

  Employee PPE Attestations

• Employees attest to being provided PPE prior to starting their shift, complying with numerous local directives

Karnataka permits bars, clubs to sell liquor at MRP

The move by the Karnataka government is part of its plans to shore up revenues from excise and help the cash-starved state in its battle against COVID-19 and the economic uncertainty that shrouds it.

The notification by the excise department says that establishments with cl-4 (clubs), cl-7 (hotels and boarding houses) and cl-9 (bars and restaurants) outside containment zones and malls or shopping complexes be allowed to resume sales to ensure its stock like beer does not expire and add to their losses.

The excise department notification comes at a time when the B.S. Yediyurappa-led state government has eased lockdown restrictions in most parts of Karnataka including Bengaluru, its growth engine, that has been classified as a red zone.He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should declare Covid-19 as a national disaster and that Yediyurappa should demand a ₹50,000 crore special package for Karnataka.

With taps from the centre drying up, Karnataka has already increased excise prices by 17-25% (depending on slabs) that would help raise at least ₹2,000 crores. The state had set a fiscal target of ₹22,700 crore for the current year and has been clocking high sales ,when liquor sales started in the state.

Manu Chandra, the head of the Bengaluru chapter of the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) says that selling liquor at MRP would deplete the investments of such establishments.

The liquor that we have in our stores right now is essentially capital or investment that’s lying with us which whenever we open we may be able to sell at whatever margins we used to

He adds that owners of these restaurants pay a higher renewal fee and the MRP model would hit its “economics for a six".

He says that the lockdown happened at the end of March and much of the stocks had depleted with restaurants normally waiting till the beginning of April to replenish. He says that not everyone in the business may be able to sustain this model and may write to the excise department to stop liquor sales and only keep the kitchen open.

An artificial 'tongue' of gold to taste maple syrup

The new method—a kind of artificial tongue—is validated in a study published today in Analytical Methods, the journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, in the United Kingdom.

The "tongue" is a colorimetric test that detects changes in colour to show how a sample of maple syrup tastes. The result is visible to the naked eye in a matter of seconds and is useful to producers.

1,818 samples tested

The artificial tongue was validated by analyzing 1,818 samples of maple syrup from different regions of Quebec. The syrups that were analyzed represented the various known aromatic profiles and colours of syrup, from golden to dark brown.

"We designed the 'tongue' at the request of the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers to detect the presence of different flavour profiles," explained Simon Forest, the study's first author. "The tool takes into account the product's olfactory and taste properties."

Maple syrup has a molecular complexity similar to that of wine. Its taste is delicate, without bitterness, and it has a subtle aroma. During the production process, specialized human tasters are employed to judge which profile each batch fits into.

Red for the best, blue for the rest

The researchers compare the artificial tongue to a pH test for a swimming pool. You simply pour a few drops of syrup into the gold nanoparticle reagent and wait about 10 seconds.

If the result stays in the red spectrum, it has the characteristics of a premium quality syrup, the kind best loved by consumers and sold in grocery stores or exported.

If, on the other hand, the test turns blue, the syrup may have a flavour "defect", which may be treated as an industrial syrup for use in processing.

60 categories of taste

Caramelized, woody, green, smoked, salty, burnt—the taste of maple syrup has as many as 60 categories to fit into. Maple syrup is essentially a concentrated sugar solution of 66 per cent sucrose and 33 per cent water; the remaining one per cent of other compounds determines the taste.

Too much variation in temperature over a weekend, for instance, can greatly affect the taste profile of the product.

The artificial tongue developed at UdeM could someday be adapted for tasting wine or fruit juice, Masson said, as well as be useful in a number of other agrifood contexts.

"High-throughput plasmonic tongue using an aggregation assay and nonspecific interactions: classification of taste profiles in maple syrup," by Simon Forest et al, was published May 5, 2020 in Analytical Methods.

Neat little App! Text & Get Recipes based on the ingredients you texted

https://cookmagic.recipes/

or click here

COVID-19: How is the Foodservice Industry Coping?

The world's latest crisis - COVID-19 - has taken over our lives, irreversibly shifting our economy, society and lifestyle. But how has it affected the foodservice industry - and what big changes are on the horizon? Find out more about how coronavirus has impacted our industry and what foodservice operators should consider when adapting their business to life as our 'new normal'.

How is the industry changing?

Though the pandemic is still in its early stages, we've already seen a considerable shift in how consumers are getting their food, and how local restaurants and foodservice providers are responding.

1. Local farm shops are booming

One of the biggest shifts has been that of consumers turning to local farms for their fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy produce. While grocery stores have experienced severe shortages in supply, farms shops have been able to offer local shoppers a steady stream of fresh goods.

Another big advantage of local produce is that people know where their food is coming from, which not only helps them feel more secure about avoiding shortages from hard-hit countries, but also helps them contribute to the local economy, supporting local businesses that otherwise might not have been able to ride out the storm.

2. Restaurants are shifting to take-away or delivery models

Restaurateurs have been quick to adapt their business model to offer their customers more flexible, pandemic-friendly dining options. This has caused a surge in take-away and delivery service options, not only from quick service or fast-casual restaurants but also from higher-end restaurants.

While the commission fees of delivery service providers can be off-putting for many restaurateurs, there's good news on the horizon. Many delivery services are adapting their business models by reducing or eliminating their fees or opting for a flat-rate, subscription option so restaurants can get a better return on their margins.

But what about food safety concerns? Most restaurants have implemented stringent health & safety regulations to protect both their staff and their patrons - covering everything from sourcing, to preparation and service. In China, foodservice operators like McDonald's have responded with contactless pick-up options where customers don't have to make any contact with the staff.

3. Independent businesses are seizing the day

As many international chains such as McDonald's, Subway, KFC and Burger King have decided to close stores altogether, there's a growing opportunity for small, independent businesses to fill the gap. These businesses are more agile and flexible as they employ fewer staff and are therefore able to react quicker to serve local customers. These customers are likely to spread the word throughout their local communities, further boosting the success of these businesses and building a loyal customer base that's likely to stick around well after the dust has settled.

Food & workforce safety tips

Here are the key factors that any foodservice business should consider.

• Set up clear protocols for your establishment and communicate these to all of your partners, suppliers, employees and customers.

• Employees handling food should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds and wear gloves, a mask and/or hairnet as recommended.

• Employees should stay at least 2 meters away from customers and coworkers, to comply with social distancing recommendations. 

• While 'open food' areas such as buffets do not pose an increased risk, customers and employees should continue to behave in a hygienic manner. Where possible, food should be pre-packaged

  For restaurants offering a delivery service:

• Delivery staff should be well-trained and adhere to public health advice regarding the collection and delivery of orders.

• Drivers should wear clean (and when necessary, protective) clothing, and sanitize their hands before and after every transaction.

• Delivery vehicles should be kept clean, in good condition and free from sources of contamination. They should be disinfected regularly.

• Where possible, 'contactless delivery' options should be offered - where food can be left at the front door or on the porch.

• You may want to consider limiting the range of menu items on offer to simplify the production process and streamline your operation.

• Food packaging should be controlled, to make sure that it is suitable for different food types (some packaging is not suitable for hot food).

Tribal Casinos Are Turning to Technology to Protect Employees

 The safety of staff on casino grounds was anything but assured. Just as hotels have struggled with the prevalence of staff-related incidents including, but not limited to, injury, harassment, and assault, bustling casinos have endured the development of similar, concerning trends. Casinos, after all, invite an influx of guests from around the world, with studies showing that 26% of the population gambles along with a 4.1% increase in Indian gaming revenues. As patrons are caught up in games of chance and, subsequently, feel their inhibitions lower with the consumption of alcohol, incidents seem to happen at a higher frequency.

Not Leaving Staff Safety to Chance

Pauma Band of Mission Indians, a tribal casino in San Diego County, came under fire for 'unfair labor practices' when they put a stop to union organization. The organization was in affiliation with Unite Here's work to raise awareness for hospitality staff safety

 "The use of ESD technology has had a very positive impact on how our team members view their personal safety and how grateful they are the company made it a priority to outfit them with these devices before they were even mandated by local jurisdictions. Team Members have used these devices not only when they felt threatened or intimidated by someone but also when they were ill and could not get to a phone to call for assistance. 

With the provision of Bluetooth-enabled staff safety devices, employees are empowered to call for help in the case of an emergency, both on and off property, utilizing their smartphone or a small, standalone device. The distress call promptly transmits the precise location of the employee, sending real-time updates as they move throughout the property after sending the alert. As you might imagine, the adoption of this solution represents a pivotal step for tribal casinos hoping to transform their staff safety practices well into the future.

According to industry veteran, Joel Moore, CRDE, CHE, VP of Hotel Operations at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, "The use of ESD technology has had a very positive impact on how our team members view their personal safety and how grateful they are the company made it a priority to outfit them with these devices before they were even mandated by local jurisdictions.

The First Step Towards a Safer Future for Staff

 The River Rock Casino and Resort in Richmond is one of the first hotels in Canada to adopt the new technology, arming their staff with the React Mobile panic button platform.

River Rock Casino employees are provided a React Mobile standalone LTE device that is easy to use and, more importantly, discreet and easily wearable. If an employee feels threatened or in need of assistance anywhere on the property, they can simply press a button on the device, which will signal for help through a smartphone app and share the employee's location to security services.

In addition to the React Mobile safety system, River Rock has a 24-hour highly-trained security team as well as a state-of-the-art surveillance system.

Choice Hotels Announces Commitment To Clean Initiative

Building on the existing dedication to cleanliness at its nearly 6,000 franchised hotels in the United States, Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced a new initiative: Commitment to Clean. The initiative is Choice Hotels' holistic approach to supplying franchisees and their employees with the tools they need to help Choice-branded hotels achieve superior levels of cleanliness, and address health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commitment to Clean leverages Choice's long-standing relationship with Ecolab, the industry expert and global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention technologies and services; guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization and the U.S. Travel Association; and Choice's membership in the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Safe Stay Advisory Council, to provide hotels with the latest resources and training.

The Commitment to Clean initiative builds on Choice Hotels' long-standing cleanliness protocols, and enhances the existing program with guidance developed in response to the pandemic, including recommendations related to deep cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene, and social distancing best practices and protocols.

Protocols

• Heightened cleaning protocols for high-traffic areas such as the front desk, fitness centers and pools, as well as other high-touch surfaces throughout the hotel, using hospital-grade disinfectant approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to combat the spread of COVID-19

• Housekeeping "on-demand" option that allows guests to request delivery of additional toiletries, towels, linens or coffee without having a housekeeper enter the room.

Products

• Design enhancements to help facilitate contactless check-in and check-out, such as plexiglass partitions at front desks for added protection and key drops for guests' use upon departure.

• "Clean seals" on certain high-touch items in guest rooms to provide reassurance of sterilized condition.

Communications

• On-property signage and decals reiterating CDC social distancing guidelines, personal sanitation guidelines and the importance of surface cleaning.

• Communications from front desk staff to guests about precautions taken for their safety and comfort, and reminders about additional safeguards available at guests' choosing.

Coronavirus Pushes a Traditional Industry to Go Digital

 Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center innovates its food and beverage service to reach customers to combat the novel coronavirus restrictions. Updates to recent delivery services include a new delivery app addition to the restaurant's repertoire, alongside the advanced WeChat ordering options. The unveiled WeChat online menu allows customers to pre-order online and set up a pick-up time at the restaurants

The novel coronavirus pandemic of 2020 quickly brought the topics of public health and non-contact services into the public eye. 

Bilingual Ordering and Social Distancing

For the convenience of surrounding businesses, residences and embassies, a clear bilingual system created the newest WeChat ordering function. Guests can easily find Paulaner Bräuhaus's full Bavarian menu,

'Bilingual services are very important to Kempinski Hotel Beijing. We hope guests, both Chinese and foreign, can have a simple and easy-to-use platform to enjoy the services of the five-star hotel at such a time,' Hotel Managing Director Brice Péan explained. Continuing to describe the benefit to guests, he said, 'This system allows customers to take the food without having to wait after they arrive at the store, reducing contact and gatherings.'

Numerous Take-out Platforms and 100s of Five-star Food Delivery Services

Kempinski Hotel Beijing implemented more stringent safety standards, including mandatory temperature checks for all kitchen and restaurant employees; a requirement to present public health certificates in public areas ;air sanitisation in the dining area daily; strict ingredient regulations; and frequent disinfection of all equipment. 

Paulaner Bräuhaus's operating hours have been adjusted to 12:00 to 21:00. Kempi Deli's operating hours have also been adjusted and are now from 8:00 to 20:00.

 At the same time, we hope to explore how to reduce the number of plastic products to lessen the environmental impact caused by excessive packaging, as we have the opportunity to create sustainable development of this entire industry,' Brice Péan, the Hotel Managing Director

.

Kempinski Hotels launches "Kempinski White Glove Service"

High quality and sophisticated service combined with authenticity and personal care are one of the highest maxims of Kempinski Hotels. To provide the most outstanding level of service and guest comfort even during and after the current situation, the international luxury hotel group with European roots has launched the "Kempinski White Glove Service". Kempinski Hotels have now reopened their doors, the Kempinski operational strategy and quality management team has launched this extensive service covering all areas of the luxury hotels while keeping in line with the regional safety and health regulations as a top priority.

To fully support the execution of the "Kempinski White Glove Service", an extremely comprehensive guidebook has been launched by the operational strategy and quality management team. The 50 pages guidebook meticulously treats any kind of measures to be taken in all departments of the luxurious hotels ranging from arrival of the guests to set-up of public areas, food & beverage to housekeeping as well as spa areas to meeting spaces. 

While hotel teams obviously have to keep their distance to the guests of at least 1.5 metres, all furniture in public areas has to be rearranged to keep social distancing rules for the convenience of guests.

Absolute privacy is offered to guests who upon check-in and during their stay decide not to allow any hotel team member to enter their room during their full stay period at the hotel. While usually a "Do not disturb" sign is used temporarily, the new "Privacy" sign assures that requested services will still be handled, but in front of the guest's room door.

'Hilton CleanStay with Lysol Protection' to Launch June 2020

Hilton announced a new program to deliver a standard of cleanliness and disinfection in Hilton properties around the world. In a first for the hospitality business, Hilton will collaborate with RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, and consult with Mayo Clinic to develop elevated processes and Team Member training to help Hilton guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out

Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protection, as the program will be called in North America, will be a rigorous system that incorporates RB’s trusted know-how and scientific approach to cleaning practices and product offerings. Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team will advise and assist in enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols.

 The goal of Hilton CleanStay is to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind when they stay at any of Hilton’s more than 6,100 properties representing 18 brands

Hilton CleanStay was developed to meet evolving consumer expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research indicates that consumers have heightened concerns regarding hygiene on their journey, and trust in cleanliness standards will be critical to restarting travel

RB will bring key talent and Lysol experts in hygiene and disinfection to the multi-year partnership, leveraging over 130 years of science-based research and thought leadership to support awareness, training and education, and product delivery and systems. RB and Hilton are also exploring opportunities to expand the program into a global partnership.

While full details for the program are still in development and expected to be announced soon, hotel brand standards under consideration include:

• Hilton CleanStay Room Seal: Add an extra measure of assurance by placing a room seal on doors to indicate to guests that their room has not been accessed since being thoroughly cleaned.

• 10 High-Touch, Deep Clean Areas: Extra disinfection of the most frequently touched guests room areas – light switches, door handles, TV remotes, thermostats and more.

• De-clutter Paper Amenities: Remove pen, paper and guest directory; supplement with digital or available upon request.

• Focus on Fitness Centers: Improved guidelines for disinfecting the hotel Fitness Center, possibly closing for cleaning multiple times daily and limiting the number of guests allowed in at one time.

• Clean and Clean Again: Increase the frequency of cleaning public areas.

• Guest-Accessible Disinfecting Wipes: Provide stations at primary entrances and key high traffic areas, for instance, a station to allow guests to wipe the elevator button before pressing.

• Contactless Check-In: Hilton will double-down on its award-winning Digital Key technology for guests who desire to have a contactless arrival experience. Guests can check-in, choose their room, access their room with a digital room key and check-out using their mobile devices through the Hilton Honors mobile app at participating hotels. Hilton will continue to expand its Digital Key capabilities to common doors and access points throughout the hotels.

• Innovative Disinfection Technologies: Hilton is exploring the addition of new technologies, like electrostatic sprayers – which use an electrostatically charged disinfecting mist – and ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and objects.

Zoom now worth more than American Airlines ,Expedia ,Hilton combined

Teleconferencing app Zoom is now valued more than the market capitalization of three billion -dollar travel and hospitality companies in the US .As of April 17,Zoom had a market value of American Airlines ,Expedia and Hilton stood at $ 34 billion .

It gained over$200 million daily users in March during worldwide lockdowns.