Hughes Network Systems LLC, a provider of broadband satellite networks and services and managed network solutions, unveiled a new Digital Concierge kiosk service that helps hoteliers enhance the guest experience with touch-screen kiosks while also making employees more productive.
Hughes unveiled the new kiosk solution today at the HITEC 2011 hospitality technology conference in Austin, Texas.
Fully managed by Hughes, the Digital Concierge service enables guests to access real-time hotel and local information, such as dining, entertainment, transportation, weather, cultural events, special offers and brand loyalty information, 24/7 from convenient interactive touchscreen kiosks. The self-service kiosks offer great convenience to guests while improving hotel operational efficiency by freeing up valuable staff time to attend to more "high touch" service tasks, Hughes said. As a hosted solution, it significantly reduces the cost, complexity and IT involvement in deploying and managing the system.
"Nothing beats the personal touch, but today's tech-savvy travelers also expect the convenience of easy, at-your-fingertips information without waiting," Daryl Stokes, director, Hospitality Solutions at Hughes, said in the announcement. "Hughes Digital Concierge extends that convenience to the hotel lobby and other high-traffic areas, leaving them with a highly-favorable impression of the hotelier's service. As with guest Wi-Fi, digital check-in and digital services, Digital Concierge service will soon be a must-have competitive differentiator for 'hotels of the future.'"
As a managed service, Hughes Digital Concierge puts hoteliers in full control of the kiosk's content and operation through an easy-to-use Web interface. Guests can be continuously updated with information such as weather forecasts, sports scores, news headlines, travel information and lifestyle features. Serving up easy-to-read maps and directions to local points of interest is simple when connected to a nearby printer. And Digital Concierge can boost business by promoting on-premises services such as restaurant specials, entertainment events and other accommodations. Hoteliers can also share in ad revenue with local businesses by providing them advertising space for a fee on their Digital Concierge kiosks.
Hughes Digital Concierge is available immediately. It has been tested, approved and is in-use in hotel properties and franchises across North America, the company said.
