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Indeco Hotels
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The tradition of royal weddings & heritage hotels – Part 3
The erstwhile royal families of our country symbolized a great sense of pride, power and heritage. They stood by the strong cultural values and traditions of our ancient times that are still relevant today. Heritage properties expressed the very essence of what we are made of; it defined relationship dynamics, brotherhood and greater comradery and companionship with one another, something inherit and visible in every culture. What’s more striking is the way these heritage properties have been preserved for future generations.
In a fast-paced world where culture, by definition, is only lip-service, these heritage properties, now heritage hotels, have been able to uphold the excitement and values that Indian marriages are generally made of. Right from welcoming guests, to making them feel at home, satisfying their taste buds, entertaining them or even when it comes to transporting them to a different realm of local traditions hitherto unknown, heritage hotels have withered the storm of modernity. In fact, it has embraced it to fuse a sense of freshness and sophistication into traditional elements. The way modernity has worked hand in glove with tradition makes heritage hotels an exciting prospect to explore.
Heritage hotels no doubt have redefined how Indian marriages, intricately planned and full of festivities, are conducted. There is fanfare, of course, but Indian marriages never fall short of traditional standards and beliefs. From theme-matching marriage costumes, delectable cuisines, enlivening ambience, delightful décor to rewinding the annals of history, heritage hotels never fail to keep one amused. The beauty, glam and glitter of Indian marriage come to the fore and heritage hotels help sustain them. Here is a piece of advice for to-be couples: Enliven your moments and personalize them to cherish forever through vivid visuals and tailored guest experience by infusing your persona and culture together.
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The tradition of royal weddings & heritage hotels – Part 2
The royal weddings that feature the family members—the royalty—and that of neighbouring kingdoms, mostly related through blood or marriage, are ideal for social get-togethers to recollect the glorious past, or formal meetings to refresh their historical ties and age-long relationships. Most royal families of India are political heavy-weights; royal weddings help nurture strong political ties with local and national leaders. In other words, these royal weddings decide the course of political direction and discourse at any point. History is an evidence to the fact that royal weddings to this day have been able to influence the larger political structure and strata.
The heritage properties of the various royal families therefore have seen the highs and lows of political leadership and even change of guards. Love it or hate it, you just can’t stop these events from transpiring. Anyways, this is another side of what the heritage sites have always symbolized or represented. It is said that a lot can happen in a marriage; royal weddings are much more than what they stand for.
A lot of foreign guests attend these weddings just to enjoy the exuberance and magical vibes of the week long events. Because Indians believe in true hospitality and respect to guests, and thus treat them so, the principle of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (literally “Guest is God") is reflected in every aspect of treating guests. Many of the royal wedding events, mostly gender-specific, such as the Mehendi, Haldi and Sangeeth ceremonies, are confined to private spaces, where men aren’t allowed to participate and enjoy them. The website brides.com lists 14 Hindu wedding ceremony traditions, and, of course, some traditions follow different versions of them. However, it is important to know what traditions to expect and what they symbolize, as no two traditions can be alike!
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The tradition of royal weddings & heritage hotels – Part 1
India is known for its heritage and myriad of ancient cultures. Because it is a land of thousands of traditions and cultural practises, Indian marriages are often big, fat and investment-intensive. The primary reason of course is to uphold the underlying belief system and traditional sentiments in a society where marriages are revered and held sacrilegious next to religions. It is amazing that the tradition of marriages in every culture has been followed up to this day with the same zeal and flavour. Though marriage vows were taken at religious shrines in a simple ceremony, the erstwhile popular royal families of India: the Wadiyars; the Gaekwads of Baroda; the Nawabs of Hyderabad and the royal families of Alsisar, Rajkot, Jodhpur, Bikaner, to name a few, threw lavish and elaborate weddings and receptions in their royal palaces, forts, havelis, bungalows and mansions—considered their heritage properties and historic in many ways.
Heritage properties were used for conducting the royal family-linked events as it was considered auspicious to do so, where a lot of traditional and cultural art forms were performed by local artists much to the delight of the royal family and event guests. A sumptuous palette of rich and diverse cuisines across the dining hall are served to guests, as was the custom with most royal families of India. The scenic settings against the forced backdrop of marriage props were another highlight. Floral arrangements and flower bouquet décor set the tone for a grand setting. The various wedding events, as a matter of timeframe, lasted from four days to even 10 days in some traditions.
Truth be told, royal families within a particular region or kingdom competed with each other to better the other and score quick brownie points incorporating such opulent and luxurious features of wedding arrangements. Needless to say, marriages are made in heaven, but celebrated truly on a grand scale in royal heritage properties. More to come in the forthcoming blog.
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When Heritage Meets Technology…Beginning of a New Hospitality era - Part 3
The question of where the continuum of digital technology suite (discussed in the previous blog) will lead us into the future remains to be answered. But for now let’s remember that contactless technology and touchless operation define the future of how hotel industry will reshape itself to meet the growing customer demands of security, safety and hygiene. Here is some more technology stack that heritage hotels might be wedded to in the coming months.
Being able to locate where hotel staff and guests are located at any given time can open up a world of opportunities to improve the guest experience—anytime, anywhere, just at the click of a button. From delivering services to guests, wherever they are located on the property to helping event staff function more effectively, to turning over hotel rooms faster and beyond, location-based services can turn the tables on. Some employee located-based features are already deployed using SIP-DECT technologies. May be heritage hotels need to start adopting this at some point. All said and done location-based services are here to stay.
It comes as no surprise that if we say heritage hotels all over will quickly come to grips with the use of robots to undertake tasks traditionally humans perform. For instance, robots can assume a concierge role within hotels, welcoming hotel guests and visitors, and offering them with vital customer information. There are some hotels that are consciously using robots for cleaning purposes including vacuum cleaning floors and even for killing germs.
Contactless payments can be indispensable for speeding up payments, and improving customer satisfaction. They can also be made to easily fit into existing customer loyal programs. Gone are the days when guests have to line up in queues for making payments. Mobile contactless payment can prove than useful even if customers don’t have their wallets configured or even if their banking cards have been misplaced. We will continue discussing how technology can enhance the success prospects of the current strategic operational or marketing plans of heritage hotels. But that’s for another day.
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When Heritage Meets Technology…Beginning of a New Hospitality era - Part 2
We dealt with the relevance, rather the significance, of Heritage hotels against the backdrop of modernity and its impact on the age-old traditional way of living. We lost quite a lot of it, but take heart as not all is lost. Heritage hotels that have played a major role in boosting tourism over the years, in an effort to ensure total safety for guests following the outbreak of COVID-19, need to innovate in order to stay relevant in the game. Hotels globally are taking the digital route to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Therefore, heritage hotels too need to adopt digital transformation to fight the outbreak hands-on clinically.
Contactless technology in hotels is fast gaining adoption, from automatic check in, to touchless operation with a desk clerk. Other forms of contactless technology include passport information, facial recognition or membership programs. With the help of a mobile app, guests can participate in a contact check-in process from start to finish.
As a continuance of touchless operation, eliminating room keys is not only environmental friendly, but also takes the hassle of guests requiring to handle it. Now, with just the simple press of a button on their phone, guests can easily unlock their doors. This also means that guests do not need a separate room key. Voice command operation that can control various appliances such as light control, thermostats and TV are viewed as the futuristic room. Voice-activated tools including Alexa and Google Home are providing the guests option to not only monitor or adjust the temperature, but also order room services and so on.
Futuristic, as they may seem, in every sense, these go-digital initiatives are already part of the ongoing process to revive the hopes of an already ailing industry that has seen its worst fall during the pandemic in recent times.
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When Heritage Meets Technology…Beginning of a New Hospitality era - Part 1
The hospitality sector is ushering in a new era where marriage of heritage and technology is inevitable. Thanks to the outbreak of one of the worst pandemics in the history of mankind. The hotel industry went through its most testing times last year with millions of jobs lost, zero business, hope and confidence drained and uncertainty looming in at large. In fact, there is, perhaps, no other industry than hospitality that employs so many people in our country directly or indirectly.
Heritage hotels, an integral component of the hospitality industry, has fast turned out to be an enduring trend with travellers, whether domestic or overseas, in our country, offering the very best in authentic hospitality and traditional lifestyle and culture.
Heritage Hotels - A background
Heritage hotels are usually forts, palaces, bungalows, havelis, castles or stately homes and residences that have been delightfully restored to meet the comforts of today’s travellers who expect the right blend of traditionalism and modernity. The flavour and character of traditional homes are tastefully retained. These hotels previously functioned as private residence, played hosts to many elite and distinguished personalities, and carry within their living spaces memories of the indelible past and rich legacy passed down to several generations. Therefore, their new “avatars” are merely a continuance of “Atithi Devo Bhava” or the Indian way of treating guests with utmost love and respect.
Indeed, most of the heritage properties that have been transformed to heritage hotels still have their owners staying in residence, and provide the most personalized hospitality or ‘homely’ experience that one would generally expect staying at someone’s home. Heritage properties, typically, range from small properties to large modern hotels with luxury amenities. Therefore, a guest in any heritage hotel is guaranteed of capturing and reproducing memories that are entirely unique. But what has changed in the heritage hotel segment? Did we say the interface of technology with traditional cultural expression? May be yes. We will discuss the wedding of heritage with technology in the subsequent part series of the blog.
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Heritage Tourism in 2021 - Part 2
We’ll continue discussing from where we left in the previous blog. In terms of unadulterated heritage tourism, take for an example of Budapest—this ancient city lends some splendid delights including historical bath and architectural grandeur that can transport one back in time—and all these and more can turn more exciting on the backdrop of a sizzling nightlife, of which its characteristic ruins pubs form a predominant part.
India is naturally a heritage site for travel and tourism. This is because of its long-standing obsession with culture, tryst with time immemorial and its generous hospitality to its guests from all over the globe. The older a country, the more charm and significance its history holds. And this rings true for locals and visitors alike.
The most popular states that form incredible heritage sites include Rajasthan, TamilNadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, just to name a few. There are many regions in these states that provide a substantial amount of history, thereby invariably occupying the top of the charts of India’s most visited heritage tourist sites. If you love authentic stories, these places have a lot of stories to tell, besides the amazing aesthetic and visual treat they lend—something that hooks people in and makes them coming back longing for more and more experience.
When these heritage tourist sites are equipped with decent infrastructure including public transportation, connectivity and basic amenities, in addition to hotels, resorts and delectable local cuisines and arts, tourism becomes the order of the day. Heritage tourism is a major contributor to local economy as well as the GDP of the country. That is why the travel & hospitality industry needs the joint participation of the state and central government and private players in restoring the lost glory of a region and building the infrastructure for leisure and business tourism. Will 2021 be the year of heritage tourism in India? We will continue discussing the likely prospects for recovery in the subsequent blog.
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Heritage Tourism in 2021 - Part 1
Another new year is upon us, and how the global travel & tourism industry is going to fare is to be seen. The travel & hospitality industry is not without challenges and 2020 proved that it isn’t any cakewalk any more. The post-pandemic world is undergoing sweeping changes and the travel & hospitality sector should be looking to adapt, innovate, and may be disrupt the current model. Right, this week’s blog is on the future of Heritage tourism and how it is fighting hard to claiming a bigger pie of the mega travel sector.
What is Heritage tourism?
Historical or heritage tourism is defined as travel that is intended with the sole objective of exploring and unravelling the history and heritage of a region or place. Simply put, it may cover sightseeing and touring of renowned historical architecture or visiting local museum that houses artefacts, antiques, art and literary remnants of the past, or even revisiting the indigenous spices, or authentic historical flavours and recipes belonging to a particular region or an era in history. It is essentially gaining new insights into a place, a culture, a faith, a sect or a community.
If you are a traveller, it is often the combination of the love of history with other travel to-do list like visiting the local bazaar and/or street market, witnessing the local art, dance or music performance, or tasting the local food flavours, spices and drinks. Therefore, heritage sites are places that abound in rich heritage cultural traditions and age-old practises and norms. No wonder, they cater to a wide range of audience that form a subset of tradition and modernity, the past and the present, the historic and the new. Most heritage sites in India are highly rated in terms of popularity as touring destinations.
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Heritage Resorts in the Heart of TamilNadu
The entire travel business ecosystem took a heavy blow last year due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and the travel industry suffered considerably in terms of revenue loss, job layoffs, wage cuts, destruction of local economy and other economic effects. Come 2021, the travel industry will travel a different route amidst prevailing uncertainty and economic fluctuations. Tamilnadu, one of the key tourist destinations in India, is all set to revive its travel prospects. The state’s rich cultural and traditional value will set the tone for travel to resume. Heritage hotels and resorts form a core of travel activities, and how tourism is conducted in the state. It is the mix of modernity and ancient traditions passed down through generations that makes them such an interesting prospect.
Tamilnadu has everything that puts it right at the top of the charts when it comes to heritage tourism. Thanks to the state’s dreamy affair with cultural traditions and norms. Not to mention the breath-taking views of the vast plains, well-preserved flora & fauna, majestic waterfalls and unspoilt natural beauty in and around Tamilnadu. Guests will also be treated to a sumptuous meal spread across the table that differs region-wise. The diverse cultural and artistic abilities of the state can definitely provide them with a timeless experience.
Many entrepreneurs have embraced this unique cultural aspect and woven their managerial skills and their passion for portraying the best of Tamil traditions into several heritage resorts and hotels across the state. The best part being that these heritage resorts that have been renovated neither lost its quaint charm and yet are aesthetically modern. Even the antique artefacts in all their rustic glory fleck a resort’s premises, strategically placed, such that they never look out of sorts at any point. If 2021 is going to be the year of travel, TamilNadu is the place to be.
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The Land of Heritage Hotels – Where Time is Just an illusion! – Part 3
Moving to the east of India, the land of Maha Kali and Rasagulla, Kolkata is a blend of the past and present, the here and then, where every bit of history is linked to the culture and vice-versa. Beautifully ornate grills are a highlight in the heritage bungalows of Kolkata. You can also find wide verandahs that serve as a welcome respite from the scorching heat of Bengal, in addition to Corinthian-style columns, an inheritance of the colonial forces that were in power in Bengal. Today, a lot of innovative features of the erstwhile bungalows have come into play in the design of villas and even the apartments seemed to adopt the style in their interiors.
Our next destination in the pursuit of exploring heritage properties is the state of Himachal Pradesh where you can find a highly unique style in the river valley of the Chamba district of the state known as the Thathara. The Thathara home style is based on a rectangular plan, which includes two or three storeys having a verandah in the front of the top storeys. Windows are provided with small openings to safeguard the occupants from adverse weather conditions. Rooms were accordingly partitioned using timber or masonry. It should be remembered that this house style was originally planned to house only ten occupants, recommended for small to medium sized families.
Travelling towards the west of India, we reach Goa, the land of mesmerizing beaches and parties, which has its heritage properties styled in the Goan home, an intricate fusion of Portuguese and Indian architectural styles between the 18th and 19th centuries. They traditionally opened outward and featured balcoes or covered porches and verandas that are facing the street. Elaborately decorated columns bordered these covered porches, which marked the extent of one’s ownership along with the plinth. Country tiles functioned as bracket truss wall brackets giving a distinct feature that is truly ‘Goan’. Floors were generally made either of imported European or earth-blocks stabilized by cow dung and hay.
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The Land of Heritage Hotels – Where Time is Just an illusion! – Part 2
While smart homes may be the rage in the present day, India, the land of rich cultural diversity and heritage, houses some of the best heritage properties one can find anywhere in the world. Almost every state and union territory in India boasts of heritage properties that are a blend of the past and modern day’s digital infrastructure. Let’s celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditional values of our country, as we take you through some of the breathtaking heritage property design across the length and breadth of the country.
In Kerala, one of the most popular architectural designs is the Nalukettu style. Most heritage hotels are an adoption of the Nalukettu style that offers excellent ventilation and ample light. This style is also trendy amongst foreign travellers and guests due to its unique architectural design. Travel further down south to Bengaluru, you will find colonial-style houses or bungalow which the British constructed when they established a cantonment in Karnataka, the state of sandalwood. These bungalows are based on the Gothic or classic style of architecture with a few common attributes that encompass the popular Mangalore-tile sloping roof, stained glass windows and decorative parapets. Most heritage hotels in Bengaluru adopt this architectural style with few modern elements.
The palatial mansions of the Chettinadu region of Tamilnadu in South India, with some of them converted into heritage hotels, have an interesting architecture, consisting of an outdoor verandah called ‘thinnai’ for receiving guests. Chettinadu mansion, traditionally two-storied structures, were constructed to expand in a horizontal way with many courtyards and halls for the expanding family. Don’t be surprised if you find a mansion built with over 100 rooms! Another highlight of the Chettinadu-style homes are the elaborate and intricately carved pillars lending a distinct style and look.
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The Land of Heritage Hotels – Where Time is Just an illusion! – Part 1
India, for more obvious reasons, is defined by the time between the past and the present. And in between the two timelines remain things that are yet to change. Things that have recuperated and persisted only to define the future. For instance, take the characteristics of heritage properties that have painstakingly absorbed the legacy of the past and redefined the present only to stand as a paragon of cultural richness and traditional values. As a matter of fact, most heritage hotels today ring true to the traditional ideals and local norms of a particular region and play according to them, and remain cheerleaders to cherish the prevailing culture and for those who wanted to assimilate into the culture.
As we see more diversity in the way how the cultural elements of heritage hotels play out between one state and another or even between different regions of the same state, it is to be noted that the rules of the games have fundamentally remained unchanged and that is essential to keep the ball moving. Tamilnadu, as an example, is a melting point of different cultures and traditions, all existing in the same time. Madurai, once the capital city of Pandyas, might seem so different from a cultural angle to that of Tanjavur, the erstwhile kingdom of the mighty Chola empire, but this is what makes the prospect of revisiting different traditional realms exciting. Needless to say, Goa is synchronisation of composite colonial cultures which are poles apart from Mumbai that is rooted more in home-grown cultures grown over a span of several thousands of years.
As we travel down south Kerala, God’s own country, there is an overwhelming cross-pollination of different medieval cultures of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, all representing the very foundation upon which Kerala stands in terms of inclusiveness and pluralism.
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Speciality of Heritage Hotels in Tamilnadu – Part 3
Let’s continue from where we stopped in the previous blog. Chettinad, a historical city located in the Sivangangai district of Tamilnadu, is the native region of the local Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar) community. Generally, Heritage hotels in Chettinad are known for their sprawling courtyards and elegantly designed mansions, in addition to their extensive range of delectable Chettinad cuisines prepared by local chefs using only spicy and aromatic flavours indigenous to the region. The Chettinad wedding spread on a wide, green banana leaf is definitely not to be missed. A true reflection of the Tamil and South-east Asian cultural mix, the architectural form of the heritage hotels is unique in every sense.
Most heritage hotels located in the three most popular hill stations of Tamilnadu viz. Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud are marked by lush, fertile gardens that are surrounded by verdant green woods and quaint blue hills and delightful tea or coffee estates. It is to be noted that these heritage hotels were once the residence of prominent British officials during the colonial era until independence, as these hill stations were an escape from the torrid heat of Chennai (formerly Madras). You can still most of their chattels including artefacts, furniture and household appliances left behind still in working condition; thanks to the committed restoration efforts to preserve the legacy of the past.
The temple town of Kumbakonam in the district of Tanjavur houses the famous Indeco group of heritage hotels, one of the finest heritage properties in South India. It has also led to the development of eco-tourism in the region. The Steve Borgia Indian Heritage Museum, a thematic museum since 1998, is another attraction adding to the excitement of staying at the heritage hotel. The Indeco hotel is also located in the quiet sea-town of Mahabalipuram, and the hill station of Yercaud in the district of Salem.
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Speciality of Heritage Hotels in Tamilnadu – Part 2
We had seen in the previous blog why Tamilnadu is a special place for heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels, by purpose and design, is a concerted effort intended to preserve our heritage and legacy, a vital link to our cultural, aesthetic, educational and economic values; all of the things that literally belong to and tell or make us who, in actuality, we are. Tamilnadu enjoys the confluence of different religions, faiths, cultures, language—all boiling in the same pot since time immemorial. Tamilnadu’s social apparatus has given birth to many heritage hotels, either uni-cultural or multi-cultural, depending upon the region and its age-old traditional practises.
A heritage tour of Tamilnadu can take you through the architectural galore of the UNESCO World Heritage sites including the awe-inspiring Chola Temples, brilliant sculptures and colonial magic. There are a lot of British-era colonial structures in the capital city of Chennai. You can explore the monolithic temples, arts and exhibits and the works of Pallava dynasty in Mahabalipuram, the seat of the Pallava rulers. Pondicherry, a quaint town and former French Colony, which is a 3-hour drive from Chennai, houses several heritage sites of the colonial times. And so does the forgotten Dutch town of Tranquebar. The heritage sites of Tanjore (Tanjavur) and Kancheepuram deserve a special mention as they truly represent the rich Tamil culture. Chettinad, home to one of the wealthiest communities of Tamilnadu, the Chettiars, has famous heritage sites that merit a visit.
The city of Madurai too spells historic charm that is evident in every heritage site. The unique cuisine of the place, perfectly prepared by a local chef, pampered to titillate the taste buds, adds to the magic of staying in any heritage hotel in the city. Take a lazy stroll along the ‘city that never sleeps’ and witness the grandeur of the bygone days of Madurai. We will deal with more heritage sites in Tamilnadu in the concluding part of the three-part blog series.
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Speciality of Heritage Hotels in Tamilnadu – Part 1
Tamilnadu, the land of the rich Dravidian culture, though home to 76 million Tamizhians, with a documented history dating back to 2,000 years, is a highly pluralistic society espousing secular values. As a result, it embraced diverse cultures irrespective of religion, race, creed and colour. This makes Tamilnadu indeed a special place for appreciating historical tourism—not surprisingly, the historic marvels of South India have stood the test of times fighting ideological differences, defeating invading forces and showing a brave face to the vagaries of nature. Tamilnadu, dominated by the Cheras, Cholas, Pandiyas and Pallava rulers, houses a splendid treasure of sculptures, artefacts, paintings and bronze castings belonging to different epochs.
Adding to the grandeur and splendour, there are heritage sites in the state that stand as a beacon to the world, the subtle, yet not-so-subtle expression, that Tamil culture is drenched in eternity and recorded for posterity, whether it be a historic monument, fort, mansion, haweli or bungalow. These heritage sites have not only served as popular tourist destinations, but now have been transformed into hotels by popular hotel chains that are generating employment to the locales. Through the support of local sculptors, craftsmen, painters and artists, heritage hotels go through a facelift, though retaining the antique flavour and historical significance of a particular site and region.
The southern state of Tamilnadu has been bestowed with heritage sites that are in sublime condition even today, a true representation of the changing timelines, awed by the bygone age and preserved for the eternity. In short, heritage hotels are welcoming guests back to a world of redesigned experiences. If you’ve been home bound for far too long, and you’re looking for the right opportunity to unwind somewhere other than your home of course, then it doesn’t get better than staying at a heritage hotel in Tamilnadu.
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Historic Heritage Hotels to Take ‘Tech’ Route – Part -3
As the world moves into the new ‘normal’ , heritage hotels all over must be prepared to face rising expectations in terms of customer experience, enhanced hygiene and greater security. This preparedness, according to most leading industry experts, will be spearheaded by innovative technologies, as discussed in the previous post. Heritage hotels, from a technology adoption point of view, should with compliance monitoring. Many hotels have started to automatically detect whether guests are wearing facemasks or not when they drop at the hotel or check in, even if they’ve already made an advanced booking. The system alerts the management when a guest steps into a hotel without a mask or fail to wear it properly, a tool that has proved indispensible in a post-COVID world. There also have been apps built to integrate easily with a hotel’s existing Property Management System.
Use of ChatBots in heritage hotels can simplify several processes including booking, registration or anything that requires human intervention. Virtual support through AI or ChatBots seems to have taken over tedious manual processing or communication. Hotels that have used ChatBots, as part of their communication strategy, were able to solve custom queries in a seamlessly effective manner. Automated sanitizer solutions have been doing the round ever since post-COVID, the result of which general hygiene has been greatly improved for enhanced protection against the rapid spread of infection. There are new alternative products developed to quickly kill airborne pathogens for use in hospital and hotel settings that can turn to be crucial in the fight against COVID-19 and other airborne infections in the future.
On a more advanced level, high-powered UVC disinfection technology can be employed to sanitize 99.9 per cent of surface and airborne pathogens particularly indoors, effective in bigger spaces throughout hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, etc. Heritage hotels can use a combination of the above technologies to create a safer and more hygienic environment for their guests to stay at peace, and more importantly enjoy their stay.
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Historic Heritage Hotels to Take ‘Tech’ Route – Part -2
With the global business environment plagued by COVID-19, which at the time of writing this blog, is hitting an all-time high. Many hotels have already taken the digital transformation route. This shouldn’t surprise Heritage hotels only because they are marked by traditional values and timeless history. There is that growing need for heritage hotels to go ‘digital’ and adopt technology at the core of operations. But why? Heritage hotels should set high health and safety standards for both their guests and staff against COVID-19. This presents an excellent opportunity for heritage hotels to combine leading-edge technologies and love of history to provide ‘wow’ experience for guests.
COVID-19 has without doubt accelerated the interface of innovative tech and applications into hotel operations. Technological features that would have originally tagged as extra conveniences or novelties are all of a sudden turning to necessities at a time where people are increasingly wary of stepping out of their homes. Because heritage hotels are driven by customer experience at all levels, it is important to reinforce customer confidence and keep the ball rolling. Though protocols such as hand-sanitizing, mask-wearing and social distancing are the new normal, heritage hotels have to adopt new tech like contactless or touch-free solutions for sustainable future.
Hospitality industry experts recommend the use of scannable QR codes to expand onto contact hotel check-in capabilities, touchless payments, mobile room keys, appointments-booking, in-app ordering, and in every aspect of the hospitality accessible through the guest’s own mobile, providing they are supported by the right software. Customer-facing tech tools for remote access to front-desk, live-chats or chat-bots with on-site staff and immediate contactless support with the guests not having to deal with hotel employees face-to-face, cloud-based IoT (Internet of Things), ML (Machine Learning), and live-agent or AI-powered support for enhanced personalized communications with guests are built in with capabilities that put heritage hotels onto the tech map.
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