Robot chef arms trained to make delicious omelettes

Key Take Away

Roboticists, from the University of Cambridge in collaboration with domestic appliance company Beko, used machine learning to train the robot to cook to the necessary level, a matter of subjective choice.

Teaching a robot to prepare and cook food is a challenging task since it must deal with complex problems in robot manipulation, computer vision, sensing, and human-robot interaction, and produce a consistent end product. The results show that machine learning can be used to obtain quantifiable improvements in food optimization

For More Information click below :

www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2020/06/04/robot-chef-arms-trained-to-make-delicious-omelettes.html

7 chef movies on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube that every foodie must watch

We’ve seen movies that can make you hungry, we’ve seen cooking shows that inspire you to try a new cuisine, now it’s time to see movies on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube that will make you look at food from a different perspective – a chef’s perspective. From the action to the budding romance, these movies will take you through everything that goes on inside a kitchen.

If you are foodie and food is your BAE then watch out these movies :

• THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY – AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

• BURNT – YOUTUBE

• JULIE AND JULIA – NETFLIX

• COOK UP A STORM – NETFLIX

• NO RESERVATIONS – NETFLIX

• JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI – NETFLIX

• MOSTLY MARTHA – AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

For More Information Click Below :

www.gqindia.com/binge-watch/collection/7-chef-movies-on-amazon-prime-video-netflix-and-youtube-that-every-foodie-must-watch/

Kolkata restaurants to reopen from June 8 with new innovative measures to ensure social distancing

Key Take Away

The nationwide lockdown has led to various restrictions being lifted in many parts of the country, restaurants in Kolkata are also set to function from June 08 .In this regard, they have come up with various innovative measures to ensure social distancing as well as smooth functioning .

There are quite a few interesting measures which include: glass partitions between tables, an option to place an order on phone from the table, virtual instruction cards to inform guests about the new guidelines, a marked waiting area for those queuing up at the entrance door.

For More Information Click Below :

www.timesnownews.com/kolkata/article/kolkata-restaurants-to-reopen-from-june-8-with-new-innovative-measures-to-ensure-social-distancing/602755

Five ways hotels can use technology for a better guest experience

An interesting story about a hotel and its guest experience. The incident goes back to the early 70s when there was no internet and travellers would make hotel bookings through travel agents or phone calls. A couple in their mid-50s arrived at a hotel which was located far from the city. Little did they realise that the booking they made via phone prior to their arrival was tentative and not confirmed. On learning that the hotel was full, they were forced to look elsewhere.

The incident didn’t leave them happy as they weren’t prepared for this situation. The hotel was also helpless and couldn’t do much to accommodate them. This situation could have been avoided if both the hotel and the couple had a confirmed booking! Now imagine if this incident had occurred in today’s era: the guests would have most likely damaged the hotel’s reputation all over the Internet through negative reviews and posts. Technology has changed the way we travel, experience and share the hotel experience and I believe, the change is for good! I couldn’t have imagined myself in a situation like that of the couple. Using technology, new-age travellers are preparing their own itinerary and replacing the traditional travel agents. On the other hand, hotels are also experiencing broader visibility through platforms that bring travellers from all over the world together. They are able to use technology and provide value-added services, comfort and convenience to their guests which were not the case in the past. Here are five viable technology solutions that can help hotels serve their guests better and personalize the experience:

1. Mobile bookings are gaining popularity and have increased to 25% of online bookings by 2017. What is more interesting for hotel owners is that 40% of leisure travellers and 36% of business travellers book overnight accommodations in hotels using their mobile phones. Hotels should take advantage of this growth to engage with the travellers, especially with the rise in Millennial travellers who are highly dependent on their Smartphone. Having the hotel’s booking engine optimized for mobile viewing can offer guests a convenient option to book. Hotels can also try connecting with their guests pre-arrival through mobile apps that can help in a variety of ways, like assisting guests with directions, sending notifications of the seasonal packages and offers, or inviting a repeat stay from an old guest. Strong mobile promotions can be used as key marketing and sales strategy by hotels. Hotels can also look at integrating Beacon technology that will help them gather guest data in order to offer personalised services. The technology allows hotels to engage with the guests on a personal level by pushing special offers based on their location, request for special services, access to view maps, or connect with the hotel’s social media channels. Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International have already implemented beacon technology.

2. Tablets are growing in popularity among the new-age generation as seen in a recent survey that found that the number from 1 billion people worldwide in 2015, (representing nearly 15% of the global population) has reached 1.43 billion in 2018. So, hotels should consider providing tablets to enhance the guest experience and use it for multiple marketing purposes. Here’s how:  Front desk: Front desk is one of the busiest areas of the hotel which is mostly accessed by the guests, hence it’s good to use tablets at the front desk to check-in/out the guests and take their quick feedback. It can also be used for digital signage by displaying information on nearby attractions, local map and to encourage guests to sign up for future email marketing. Consider the OnSpot Social app that collects email addresses and guest data to engage with them through various digital marketing strategies.  Rooms: After Wi-Fi, guests are expecting hotels to provide tablets in the rooms. Seeing this rising demand, many hotels have started investing in tablets and are installing third-party apps to give their guests the control of room lights, AC, TV and more.  Restaurants/bars/spas: Another effective area where guests are more likely to engage with tablets is a hotel’s point of sale to browse through the menus and packages. Hotels can encourage guests to give real-time feedback on the services.

3. Self-check-in New-age travellers like to be on self-sufficient to save time and effort. Self-check-in technology can play a role in providing convenience to the guest while also easing the burden on the front desk staff. This technology allows guests to check-in via tablets or phones using a QR code that captures their expected time of arrival and sends the notification to the hotel. Checking-out the guest can also be done via smartphones or tablets from the luxury of the guest’s room using technology like a mobile-optimized hotel software. Self-check-in technology also eliminates errors and speeds the process. Ritz Carlton uses this technology for their guests to check-in via QR codes through their mobile app.

4. Live chat. While there have been many debates over the merits of embedding a live chat feature on a hotel’s website due to the cost and infrastructure involved, it is one of the best ways to connect with a potential guest. Live chat may be expensive, but it helps in increasing sales while providing a convenient platform for interaction. Research suggests that 52% of travellers visit your hotel’s website after seeing you on an OTA. With a live chat option, a hotel can tap into such travellers easily. This simply means that people prefer websites that can immediately attend to their queries while they are in the process of making a booking. This also helps eliminate website bounce rates as the live chat assists guests through every stage until they complete their action. Engaging potential guests through this feature will make them feel valued and can convert lookers into bookers. As many buying decisions are purely based on convenience, a live chat option could lead guests to stay and not move on to your competitor hotel’s website.

5. Door opening technology No, this technology is not for burglars, it’s for the hotel guests to open room doors using a mobile. This technology is similar to the self-check-in technology where guests receive a code on their mobile app through which they get control to their room door. Open Ways introduced this technology that uses a Crypto Acoustic Credential system for electronic access control in hotels. The system can also be integrated with many other services such as concierge or security. It can be activated on a guest’s handset without him paying a visit to the reception. Hotel chains like Hilton and Starwood provide the luxury to their guests to unlock their rooms using a Smartphone app. Travelling today is much easier than it used to be a few decades ago. Now, travelling is all about instant gratification for travellers. Millennial is a dominating segment that often looks for hotels that offer quick services and technology allows hotels to deliver what they expect. So, strike the iron while it’s hot!

About The Author

Soumyadeep Roy.

Completed hotel management from IHM Bhubaneswar (Batch 2001- 2004). I started my career with a small property in Bhubaneswar named Triumph Residency as Trainee Front Office Assistant. Then I continued my journey with different other hotels like Lemon Tree Hotels Gurgaon, Intercontinental The Grand New Delhi, The Clarks Inn Shahibabad (East Delhi), The Claridges, New Delhi and Taj Bengal Kolkata. The journey was through Front Office operation and Room Reservation. I have started my career in academics since 2017 with Amity University Kolkata as Assistant Professor.

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All views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organisation, committee or other group or individual.

A reassuring robot is helping customers enjoy their drink

Key Take Away

Robo-bartenders are shaking up South Korea's cafe and bar culture as the country transitions from intensive social distancing to what the government calls "distancing in daily life".

At the Cafe Bot Bot Bot coffee bar, where the robot arm shakes up mojitos and other cocktails, manager Kim Tae-wan also pointed out that the 'drink bot' can provide consistent quality to their mixes that human bartenders can't.

For More Information Click below :

economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/a-reassuring-robot-is-helping-customers-enjoy-their-drink/not-entirely-human/slideshow/76211161.cms

Japan hotels, restaurants seek new revenue streams

Key Take Away

Japan’s hospitality sector is adapting its offerings to include daily room use and takeaway services to bring in much-needed revenue during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

High-end hotels have rolled out campaigns inviting businesses to use their spacious, WiFi-equipped rooms for telecommuting.

In Tokyo, the ANA InterContinental offers half-day (three hours) and full-day (nine hours) plans for one or two people to use its twin or double rooms for remote working.

The Hotel Granvia Osaka is also offering daily plans (nine hours) for remote working.

For More Information

www.ttgasia.com/2020/06/05/japan-hotels-restaurants-seek-new-revenue-streams/

New study calculates cost of post-pandemic housekeeping

Key Take Away

Hotel operations platform Optii Solutions has been working with hotel partners to calculate the cost of implementing the new cleaning requirements

Before the pandemic, a standard leisure room took an average of 39.3 minutes to clean and cost $9.42 in terms of staff time, based on a guestroom accommodating one or two people.

According to Optii, incorporating the new cleaning protocols will push the cleaning time for a standard leisure room up to 42.3 minutes at a cost of $10.12. The cost increases when children stay in the room (45.2 minutes at a cost of $10.80 per room), and decreases for business travelers (31.8 minutes to clean at a cost of $7.60 per room.) 

For More Information

www.hotelmanagement.net/housekeeping/new-study-calculates-cost-post-pandemic-housekeeping

Top Dining-Out Trends for a Post-Pandemic Society

Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management projects five dining-out trends affecting restaurants, bars, and consumers that are emerging in a post-pandemic world. The trends were presented by Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School.

Top Dining-Out Trends in a post-pandemic society:

• Dining-Out Trend #1 Transparency and Communication

• Dining-Out Trend #2 Innovation and Creativity

• Dining-Out Trend #3 Contactless Technology and Virtual Presence

• Dining-Out Trend #4 A Collaborative Community

• Dining-Out Trend #5 Reset!

"While these are signs that we see today, the next 12 months will give us better clarity of the way forward," said Cheng.

IDeaS and SIHOT Expand Partnership to Provide Seamless Two-Way Data Integration for Hoteliers

Key Take Away

IDeaS, the leader in revenue management solutions, announced a new technology integration with SIHOT.

The two-way data integration between IDeaS' revenue management solutions and SIHOT's leading property management software, SIHOT.PMS, will help the global hotel industry accurately forecast business demand, maximize occupancy and ADR, and increase overall operational effectiveness through automated pricing decisions.

For More Information

www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4099020.html

Hilton College Initiates First-ever Hospitality Hackathon (HC3), Sponsored by HFTP; Challenges Students From Hospitality Programs Across the Globe

Key Take Away

The University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, in partnership with Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), are addressing the immediate need for creative and thoughtful solutions that will assist hospitality companies to put their businesses back on track

The idea for the HC3 was first proposed by Arlene D. Ramirez, CHAE, CHIA, CAHTA, CHE, Hilton College instructional assistant professor, and HFTP Global past president.

The main objective of HC3 is to produce initiatives that can be easily implemented within an operation, and are not necessarily tech-centric. She floated the idea to hold a virtual student competition during the College's spring faculty meeting.

Registration for HC3 is FREE and is now open.

For More Details

www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4098978.html

https://youtu.be/Y8fJC5-z1fo

MHRIL moves ahead with expansion plan amid Covid-19

Key Take Away

Mahindra Holidays Resorts India Ltd is moving ahead with its planned capacity expansion even after the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the hospitality industry. In contrast, MHRIL will start work on two new resorts in addition to an ongoing project in Goa.

Club Mahindra is working with various experts in healthcare, facility management, and technology to implement enhanced safety procedures and contactless services

For More Information

hospitality-economictimes-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/hotels/mhril-moves-ahead-with-expansion-plan-amid-covid-19/75845291

Absolute Hotel Services introduces Hotel Bond; assures 50% bonus on the purchase

Key Take Away

Absolute Hotel Services has introduced a new initiative “Hotel Bond ”, a product offering assured extra bonus of 50% more value of the bond face value.

It is available in India region for all the brands of AHS including U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, and Eastin Easy.

The offer is valid up to March 2021 and stays dates can be decided any time later and not at the time of buying

For More Information

www.hotelierindia.com/business/10968-absolute-hotel-services-introduces-hotel-bond-assures-50-bonus-on-the-purchase

Restaurants rebel against delivery apps as cities crack down on fees

Key Take Away

When Pitas and Sticks, a Greek restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, get an order from Grubhub, owner John Stamos gives each bag a personal touch, printing out a small note with a simple message: Grubhub orders are killing his business

Restaurant owners are trying to figure out ways to stay in business during the coronavirus pandemic, which has hampered their industry. Many restaurants have had to close their doors to customers, while others have turned to food delivery apps such as Uber Eats and Grubhub to fill the void.

Outside a Bareburger restaurant in Brooklyn, a new sign appeals to passersby: "Support your local restaurants & order directly with them.

For More Information:

www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/restaurants-rebel-against-delivery-apps-cities-crack-down-fees-n1211456

Swiggy starts home delivery of alcohol

Key Take Away

Food delivery platform Swiggy started doorstep delivery of alcohol in Jharkhand through the ‘Wine Shops’ category on its app.

To ensure the safe delivery of alcohol and in compliance with applicable laws, Swiggy has introduced measures such as mandatory age verification and user authentication to fulfill orders. All orders will carry an OTP which needs to be provided by the customer at the time of delivery. This is being done to put a cap on the quantity which is being ordered

For More Information:

economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/swiggy-starts-home-delivery-of-alcohol/articleshow/75863663.cms

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

The Boutique Hotel Crisis Guide to Travel

Key Take Away

BLLA held a digital forum recently on the subject of The Boutique Hotel's Crisis Guide to Travel. Leaders in the Travel Industry discussed the current crisis of COVID-19 and how travel restrictions are currently affecting the industry as well as what the future might look like

As recovery begins, it's clear that the boutique industry and travel are inextricably intertwined.BLLA encourages you to reach out with continued questions and concerns - together, we can #SaveBoutiqueHotels and continue the #BoutiqueStrong initiative.

For More Information

www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4098772.html

The Corona virus may not be the biggest threat to the hospitality industry

Key Take Away

The travel industry has come to a halt with the COVID-19 virus causing a third of the world's population to stay home and forcing the majority of the world to practice social distancing. 

With the travel industry at a stand-still, hoteliers are taking the opportunity to revisit their technology partnerships to be in a strong competitive position when the market rebounds and travelers take to the skies, roads, and hotel beds. The last thing the industry and hoteliers need right now is the loss of trust when travelers return.

For More Info

www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4098756.html

Marriott to launch a virtual meeting offer

Key Take Away

Starting with Australia and New Zealand, Virtual Meetings by Marriott Bonvoy Events aim at offering clients a large scale of remote meeting possibilities.

A new adaptation for the world number one to the world after COVID-19 pandemic.

For More Information

hospitality-on.com/en/mice/marriott-launch-virtual-meeting-offer

ET Hospitality Leadership Forum: Leela Group’s Anuraag Bhatnagar on 'Work From Hotel' model

Key Take Away

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Indian luxury hotel chain have received enquiries for work from hotel availability.

The COO also mentioned that hotels can look at mini staycations, as people will tend to move out from their houses and stay in a hotel for a change. Safety and sanitisation are going to be a new luxury

The group has partnered with leading certification company Bureau Veritas to revamp the hygiene protocol of all its hotel

For More Information

https://hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hotels/et-hospitality-leadership-forum-leela-groups-anuraag-bhatnagar-on-work-from-hotel-model/75766444

NRAI teams up with Dotpe for digital ordering and payment solutions

Key take away

By deploying the Dotpe’s QR-based digital commerce and payments solution, the restaurant fraternity represented by NRAI will be able to reorient their operations by connecting with their customers directly through WhatsApp

Here's how it works :

Guests can scan the QR code placed on the tables from their own mobile phones, and view the entire menu of the restaurant on the phone just like an e-commerce catalogue.

For more information:

https://www.hotelierindia.com/fb/10908-nrai-teams-up-with-dotpe-for-digital-ordering-and-payment-solutions