Housekeeping in the Metaverse: Revolutionizing Hotel Operations with VR

Housekeeping in the Metaverse: Revolutionizing Hotel Operations with VR

By Author

Published on November 16, 2023

Ever imagined housekeeping staff donning VR headsets and navigating digital worlds? Welcome to the metaverse revolution in hospitality! Forget the mundane training sessions and bulky SOP manuals. We're diving into how the metaverse is giving a high-tech makeover to hotel operations, especially housekeeping!

The Metaverse: Not Just for Gamers Anymore

Remember when Facebook changed to Meta and everyone thought it was all about VR games and sci-fi fantasies? Well, the hospitality industry is flipping the script! Millennium Hotels and Resorts have already ventured into this digital universe, but there’s more to this story.

1. Digital Twinning: Like Having a GPS for Your Hotel

First up, let’s talk about digital twinning. Think of it as creating a virtual doppelganger of your hotel. This nifty trick helps you map out staff and guest movement, pinpointing those pesky bottlenecks that slow down operations. It's like playing a video game where you’re optimizing routes for your housekeeping squad. Efficiency level: 100!

2. Professional Development: A Virtual Leap Forward

Professional development in the metaverse goes beyond your typical training. Let your housekeeping team virtually explore other properties or even take leadership courses in digital classrooms. It's like sending them on an educational space mission, but they can still make it home for dinner!

3. Virtual Onboarding: Say Goodbye to Boring Paperwork

Gone are the days of tedious onboarding! Imagine welcoming newbies in a VR version of your hotel. It's like giving them a magical tour minus the legwork. Plus, you can gamify the whole process, because who said learning can't be fun?

4. SOPs in VR: Making Safety Training Cool

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can be a snooze fest, but not in the metaverse! Transform them into interactive VR experiences. It’s like turning a boring lecture into an episode of 'Black Mirror' (minus the dystopian vibes, of course).

5. VR Role-Play: Where Housekeepers Become Superheroes

Dealing with tough guest situations? Train your staff in the VR world! Instead of awkward role-plays or snooze-worthy videos, they can practice handling everything from medical emergencies to unruly guests. It's like preparing your team for a hospitality version of 'Avengers' - ready for any challenge!

The metaverse is not just a geeky playground anymore. It's a goldmine of opportunities for improving hotel operations, especially in housekeeping. Embrace this tech, and who knows, maybe your next housekeeping meeting will be in a virtual paradise! Stay tuned for more metaverse magic in hospitality!


'Elate' by Jubilant FoodWorks: A Tech-First Approach to Restaurant Operations

'Elate' by Jubilant FoodWorks: A Tech-First Approach to Restaurant Operations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 31, 2025

Jubilant FoodWorks Limited (JFL), a leading food-tech company, has announced the launch of Elate, India's first Android-based Point of Sale (PoS) and Order Taking System designed exclusively for the food service industry.

Elate is a cloud-first system that integrates seamlessly with JFL’s Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) platforms, leveraging advanced machine learning models to create a unified digital ecosystem. This innovation is set to enhance order-taking, store operations, and overall customer experience, making restaurant operations more efficient.

Developed by JFL’s 250-member product, UX, tech, and data science team, Elate aims to:

  • Improve order-taking efficiency

  • Enhance store operations and customer service

  • Reduce employee training time from 6 weeks to just 6 hours

  • Optimize digital interactions for Gen Z customers

A Game-Changer in FoodTech

Commenting on the launch, Sameer Khetarpal, Managing Director & CEO, Jubilant FoodWorks, stated:

"Technology and digital transformation are at the heart of JFL’s strategy. With Elate, we are taking a bold step towards a seamless and efficient food-tech ecosystem, optimizing both customer experience and business operations."

Adding to this, Vaneet Singla, Chief Product Officer, Jubilant FoodWorks, described Elate as a game changer, stating:

"We have reimagined the order-taking experience from scratch. This Android-based, cloud-native system integrates perfectly with our D2C apps, significantly cutting down training time and improving efficiency."

Strategic Rollout & Future Plans

  • Elate is currently live in 10 Domino’s stores in Delhi NCR.

  • The system will be rolled out across 2,100 Domino’s outlets over the next year in phases.

  • Future updates will introduce more features to enhance dining and delivery experiences.

As customer preferences shift towards digital ordering, Elate is set to redefine restaurant operations, making ordering seamless, personalized, and efficient both online and in-store.


Dook International Unveils Performance-Linked Bonus Scheme for Travel Agents

Dook International Unveils Performance-Linked Bonus Scheme for Travel Agents

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 26, 2025

Dook International has introduced a Performance-Linked Bonus (PLB) Scheme designed to reward travel agents registered under the Dook Agent-Connect Program. This initiative aims to enhance agent engagement and boost sales performance by offering financial incentives based on passenger bookings.

The PLB scheme applies to Free Independent Traveler (FIT) bookings, including group reservations of up to 10 passengers, scheduled for travel in the financial year 2025-26. Travel agents can make bookings either online or from their offices. The bonus structure is based on the total number of passengers booked:

  • 50 passengers: ₹300 per passenger

  • 100 passengers: ₹500 per passenger

  • 300 passengers: ₹700 per passenger

  • 500 passengers: ₹1000 per passenger

The accumulated bonus will be disbursed in April 2026, marking the beginning of the financial year 2026-27.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Gopal Kapoor, Managing Director of Dook International, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting travel agents. He stated, "At Dook International, we value the contributions of our travel agent network. This PLB program is our way to recognize their efforts and offer real-life rewards that encourage sales and performance. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen our partnerships and enhance the booking experience for both agents and their clients."

Dook International is a prominent travel company specializing in tours, destination management, and global travel solutions. The Dook Agent-Connect Program provides travel agents with exclusive deals, dedicated support, and rewarding incentives, reinforcing its commitment to a seamless and beneficial partnership with the travel industry.


Wyndham Rewards Launches First-Ever Debit Card for U.S. Travelers

Wyndham Rewards Launches First-Ever Debit Card for U.S. Travelers

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 24, 2025

Wyndham Rewards is making travel rewards more accessible with the launch of its first-ever debit card in the U.S. Developed in collaboration with Galileo Financial Technologies, SoFi’s technology platform, and issued by Sunrise Banks, the new Mastercard-powered debit card allows users to earn Wyndham Rewards points on everyday purchases. This marks a significant shift in the hospitality industry, catering to younger consumers and those who prefer debit over credit.

The Wyndham Rewards Debit Card offers multiple benefits, including one point per dollar spent at Wyndham hotels, gas stations, and grocery stores, and one point per two dollars spent on other qualifying purchases. Cardholders also receive complimentary Wyndham Rewards Gold membership, which includes perks like preferred rooms, late checkout, and accelerated points earning. Additionally, users can enjoy booking discounts, a welcome bonus of 2,500 points, and up to 7,500 anniversary bonus points annually—enough for a free night at thousands of Wyndham properties.

Charmaine Taylor, SVP of Strategic and Financial Partnerships at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the importance of the card, stating, “Many travelers, especially Gen Z, prefer debit cards but miss out on hotel rewards. With the Wyndham Rewards Debit Card, they can now earn points on everyday purchases and redeem them for meaningful travel experiences.”

The decision to launch a debit card stems from research showing that nearly 70% of Gen Z consumers use debit cards weekly, with travel being a top spending priority. Wyndham’s initiative ensures that travelers who favor debit transactions are no longer left out of lucrative loyalty programs.

Powered by Galileo Financial Technologies, the card benefits from fast and secure digital banking solutions, allowing Wyndham to bring the product to market quickly. Derek White, CEO of Galileo, emphasized, “This debit card is a game-changer for travel rewards, proving that fintech can enhance customer loyalty and engagement.”

The Wyndham Rewards Debit Card complements the brand’s existing suite of credit cards while offering a new way for debit-preferred travelers to earn and redeem rewards. With waived monthly fees for qualifying balances and no ATM surcharges within the Cirrus network, the card ensures a seamless and rewarding travel experience.

For more details or to apply, visit wyndhamrewardscards.com/debit-card.

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