Hyatt and LG Develop Hotel TVs with Built-in Google Cast

Hyatt and LG Develop Hotel TVs with Built-in Google Cast

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 26, 2024

Hyatt Corporation has announced a collaboration with LG Electronics to integrate Google Cast capabilities into LG smart hotel TVs. This innovation aims to simplify content streaming for guests and enhance their overall experience.

Google Cast, pre-installed on all Android devices, allows guests to use their mobile phones as personalized remote controls to stream audiovisual content from apps like Spotify and Hulu. These apps can be accessed via a QR code displayed on the TV, providing a seamless and user-friendly experience. In addition to mobile device controls, the TV remote can also manage play, track, and volume controls. Devices are automatically reset when guests check out, ensuring privacy and convenience.

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With LG’s Pro

platform, Hyatt is set to become the first hospitality brand to deploy these new integrated LG smart hotel TVs globally later in 2024. Hyatt first introduced casting to its TVs in 2017, partnering with SONIFI, a hospitality solutions provider that supports casting in over 500,000 industry rooms.

The new TVs will make their public debut at the HITEC 2024 hospitality technology trade show, held in Orange County, California, from June 24 to 27, 2024. Google Cast is compatible with Android 6 and newer iOS 14 versions, ensuring broad accessibility for guests.

Michael Kosla, Senior Vice-President of LG Business Solutions USA, stated, “LG is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in hotel room entertainment through partnerships with technology leaders like Google to combine our new smart hotel TVs with the latest in casting technology to benefit hoteliers and guests alike.”

Rohan Jani, Associate Vice-President of Guest Products at Hyatt, added, “This is aligned with our purpose of care and goal to make the guest experience even more seamless. With Google and LG, we are exploring taking in-room casting to the next level to boost operational efficiency and improve the guest experience.”

LG has a strong presence in the hotel industry, having previously collaborated with major hotel chains like Marriott and IHG. This partnership with Hyatt marks another step forward in enhancing guest experiences through advanced technology.


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.


Alphadroid Showcases Intelligent Service Robotics at AAHAR 2025

Alphadroid Showcases Intelligent Service Robotics at AAHAR 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 18, 2025

Alphadroid, a frontrunner in intelligent service robotics, made a powerful impact at AAHAR 2025 – The International Food & Hospitality Fair, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from March 4-8. In its second successful participation, Alphadroid saw a remarkable surge in industry interest, reinforcing its position as a game-changer in hospitality automation.

Tech Meets Hospitality: A New Era of Guest Experience

From luxury five-star hotels to banquets, budget hotels, and concept stays, industry professionals gathered to explore how robotics can redefine guest services and operational efficiency. Alphadroid’s intelligent service robots showcased solutions that:

  • Enhance guest experiences with seamless service
  • Optimize resource allocation for improved efficiency
  • Streamline hotel operations for better staff productivity

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Industry Leaders Embrace Automation

“It was inspiring to see the growing enthusiasm for technology in the hospitality industry,” said Pragati Tripathi, Chief of Business and Strategy at Alphadroid.

"While luxury hotels have led the way, we now see a wider industry shift—banquets, budget hotels, and concept stays are actively exploring how automation can elevate guest experiences and drive efficiency,” she added.

A Future-Ready Hospitality Industry

Alphadroid’s showcase at AAHAR 2025 cemented its reputation as a leader in service robotics, with businesses recognizing the transformative potential of AI-driven automation.

“The enthusiasm for innovation was palpable,” Tripathi stated. “We look forward to collaborating with businesses across the hospitality sector to implement our intelligent service robotics and shape the future of hospitality.”

With technology driving guest satisfaction and operational efficiency, Alphadroid is at the forefront of reshaping the hospitality experience—one intelligent robot at a time.

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