Richard Kastelein really hits the nail on the head with his recent article on social TV. I couldn’t agree more that hotels are looking for ways to differentiate themselves from competitors, so using the TV to create a networked society within a hotel is an ideal way of achieving this.
Richard also imagined some perfect scenarios for how our new Next Generation technology platform could be tailored by hoteliers to suit their guests’ business and personal requirements.
For instance, I loved his idea about encouraging guests to access a social network via their in-room TV to build relationships with local strategic partners, or treat it as a digital concierge to find a reliable local taxi driver or the best spa treatment. He also sees a place for entertainment with a good recommendation engine built in – I’m pleased to say that we have also started on that journey too with the hotel’s blockbuster best sellers now appearing as a selection option for guests.
Richard’s visions of social TV are exactly how we expect our hotel customers to use our new portal, and we’re looking forward to sharing even more ideas about how it can be used in the future. Watch this space!