Hotel Group Selects Zaplox for Mobile Key PoC Integration

Hotel Group Selects Zaplox for Mobile Key PoC Integration

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 1, 2024

Zaplox, a leading provider of digital guest solutions for the hospitality industry, has been selected to provide mobile key services for a proof of concept (PoC) with a prominent hotel group, whose name has not been disclosed. This collaboration marks a significant step in integrating Zaplox’s advanced mobile key technology with the hotel group’s own app.

This PoC is designed to validate Zaplox’s mobile key solutions, ensuring they meet the technical and guest satisfaction standards required by the hotel group. It also highlights the growing trend of digital self-service options in the hospitality sector, positioning Zaplox as a key player in this evolving space.

Tess Mattisson, President and CEO of Zaplox, commented, “Following the successful launch of mobile keys in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, we are seeing increased interest in our solutions. This PoC reflects the market's demand and the maturity of the industry, showcasing our role as a trusted provider of digital solutions.”

The PoC serves as a critical evaluation phase, allowing the hotel group to experience the benefits of Zaplox’s technology firsthand. This approach has previously proven successful, such as with PENN Entertainment, where a PoC led to a full contract and the implementation of mobile keys.

image

Mattisson added, “While demonstrating middleware services can be challenging, this PoC allows us to showcase our technology and expertise, laying the groundwork for a potential broader rollout. We are excited to support this hotel group in their digital transformation journey.”

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Lund, Sweden, Zaplox offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to enhance the guest experience through self-service check-in and mobile key solutions. The company’s platform has become integral to the hospitality industry, assisting hotels, resorts, and casinos worldwide in providing a seamless digital experience for their guests.


Nirvana Being and Greenr Café Unite for Pollution-Free Dining

Nirvana Being and Greenr Café Unite for Pollution-Free Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 9, 2025

In a landmark initiative to combat the effects of air pollution, Nirvana Being, India’s leading clean air solutions provider, has joined hands with Greenr Café, a popular health-conscious eatery chain, to establish “Pure Air Zones” at its outlets. This collaboration is setting new standards in the hospitality industry by making clean, breathable air a key aspect of the dining experience.

image

Patrons at Greenr Café’s Greater Kailash and Vasant Vihar locations are greeted by real-time displays of AQI (Air Quality Index), PM2.5, and CO2 levels, both indoors and outdoors. This transparency reflects a firm commitment to environmental accountability and health-focused dining. These safe air zones are made possible through advanced ventilation, filtration, and automation systems installed by Nirvana Being, ensuring patrons can breathe easy while enjoying their meals.

image

Jai Dhar Gupta, Founder of Nirvana Being, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“As more people experience health complications due to toxic air, there is a growing demand for safe spaces where they can dine and gather without compromising on health. Our collaboration with Greenr Café reflects a shared vision to offer patrons clean air they can trust, setting a new benchmark for health and safety in India’s hospitality sector. Our aim is to inspire other businesses to adopt similar clean air standards, making indoor air quality a priority in all public spaces for the well-being of our communities.”

image

Echoing this sentiment, Niharika Jain, Founder of Greenr Café, emphasized the role of clean air in holistic wellness:
“Air and water are fundamental to human health and existence, and everyone should have the right to access them in their purest form. At Greenr, our aim is to create spaces where people can come together, enjoy wholesome food, and feel their best. With the alarming rise in air pollution, it became equally important for us to ensure our patrons could breathe clean, safe air while they are here.”

image

This partnership not only enhances the Greenr Café experience but also underscores the importance of creating eco-conscious public spaces. By combining Greenr’s commitment to holistic wellness with Nirvana Being’s expertise in clean air solutions, the initiative is a step towards a future where safe, breathable air becomes a standard in India’s hospitality sector.

image

Together, Nirvana Being and Greenr Café are inspiring a broader movement towards health-first, environmentally sustainable public spaces, proving that even small steps can lead to significant change.


Balmer Lawrie Invests in Pod Hotel Startup NapTapGo

Balmer Lawrie Invests in Pod Hotel Startup NapTapGo

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 5, 2025

Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd, a central public sector undertaking, has made a significant equity investment in NapTapGo, a budding startup in the hospitality sector. This initiative aligns with the government's Startup India programme, showcasing the company's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging businesses.

NapTapGo is at the forefront of redefining affordable luxury through its unique pod hotel concept. Pod hotels are compact accommodations designed for short stays, offering basic yet efficient amenities. Their space-saving design and affordability have made them increasingly popular among travelers worldwide.

The investment, valued at INR 1 crore, was announced as part of Balmer Lawrie’s annual startup fund programme. While specific funding terms remain undisclosed, the company highlighted its intent to boost the startup ecosystem and encourage creative solutions in the hospitality sector.

To ensure top-notch services, NapTapGo integrates AI and IoT into its facilities, enhancing hygiene, quality, and customer experiences. This tech-driven approach aligns with modern travelers' preferences, emphasizing convenience and efficiency.

Balmer Lawrie has partnered with IIM Lucknow’s Enterprise Incubation Center (EIC), a premier incubator, to extend incubation support, mentorship, and industry connections to startups like NapTapGo. The collaboration underscores the company's dedication to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking about the initiative, Adhip Nath Palchaudhuri, Chairman and Managing Director of Balmer Lawrie, remarked, “We firmly believe that investing in innovation and supporting emerging entrepreneurs will contribute significantly to nation building.”

Nitin Malhotra, founder of NapTapGo, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “This investment demonstrates the government's commitment to driving innovation in the tourism sector.”

As part of its vision, Balmer Lawrie continues to encourage projects that align with national development goals while promoting sustainable and innovative solutions.


Air India Introduces In-Flight Wi-Fi on Domestic Flights

Air India Introduces In-Flight Wi-Fi on Domestic Flights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 3, 2025

Air India has become the first Indian airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi services on domestic flights, setting a new benchmark in aviation connectivity. Passengers flying on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft can now enjoy complimentary internet services during an introductory period.

This service is available on both domestic and international routes, allowing travelers to browse, stay active on social media, complete work tasks, or stay connected with loved ones while flying. Accessible on devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the Wi-Fi also supports multiple device connections at altitudes above 10,000 feet.

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India, stated, “Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel. For some, it is about the convenience and comfort of real-time sharing, while for others, it is about greater productivity and efficiency. Whatever the purpose, we are confident that our guests will appreciate having the option of connecting to the web and enjoy the new Air India experience on board these aircraft.”

image

The introduction of Wi-Fi on domestic routes follows a successful pilot program on international flights to destinations such as New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. Air India plans to progressively expand the service across its fleet in the near future.

To access the service, travelers simply:

  1. Enable Wi-Fi on their device.
  2. Select the 'Air India Wi-Fi' network.
  3. Enter their PNR and last name on the redirected Air India portal.
  4. Enjoy complimentary internet access.

In-flight Wi-Fi performance may vary based on factors like satellite connectivity, bandwidth usage, and route-specific restrictions. With this innovative step, Air India continues to enhance the travel experience, combining connectivity with comfort and convenience.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.