IHG and EnviroSpark Energise Hospitality with Expansive EV Charging Network

IHG and EnviroSpark Energise Hospitality with Expansive EV Charging Network

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 17, 2024

In a strategic move to accommodate the surging adoption of electric vehicles, IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with EnviroSpark, a company specialising in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. This collaboration is set to significantly expand the availability of EV charging stations at IHG-branded hotels throughout the United States and Canada, augmenting the hospitality giant's existing global network of 1,100 EV-equipped hotels.

This initiative allows individual IHG hotels to work directly with EnviroSpark to develop bespoke EV charging solutions that meet their unique needs and guest demands. In an era where sustainability is increasingly prioritised by travellers, this move not only enhances guest convenience but also supports the broader transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Recognizing the importance of accessibility to charging infrastructure for EV owners, IHG has also updated its mobile app with a new feature. Guests can now utilise an EV charger search filter, enabling them to easily identify hotels with charging facilities and plan their travel routes accordingly.

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Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Global Guest Experience at IHG Hotels & Resorts, emphasised the alignment of this partnership with IHG’s sustainability commitments under its Journey to Tomorrow initiative. "Providing guests with more EV-charging convenience is a natural next step for IHG,” McGuinness stated. "Through our agreement with EnviroSpark, we’re offering more options for IHG owners to install EV chargers at hotels while facilitating easier travel for sustainability-minded travellers.”

Aaron Luque, Founder and CEO of EnviroSpark, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s role in promoting environmental sustainability and EV adoption. "Together, we aim to create a seamless and environmentally friendly experience for travellers, contributing to a greener future and bringing us closer to our vision of widespread EV adoption,” Luque remarked.

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To further encourage the installation of EV charging stations, IHG is providing hotel owners with a comprehensive EV charging guide. This initiative is part of a broader effort to equip over 4,100 IHG properties in North America with the infrastructure needed to support eco-friendly travel.

By expanding its EV charging network in collaboration with EnviroSpark, IHG Hotels & Resorts underscores its leadership in sustainable hospitality. This initiative not only enhances guest convenience but also significantly contributes to the industry's transition towards greener, more sustainable travel practices.


Sciative Solutions Launches ZettaPrice: AI-Driven Revenue Management for Hospitality

Sciative Solutions Launches ZettaPrice: AI-Driven Revenue Management for Hospitality

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 19, 2024

Sciative Solutions, a pioneer in AI-driven pricing technology, has launched ZettaPrice, a revolutionary Revenue Management System (RMS) tailored to meet the dynamic needs of the hospitality industry. Designed to optimize Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), ZettaPrice combines advanced AI automation with strategic human oversight, offering a transformative tool for hotels, villas, and homestays to enhance their revenue strategies.

After delivering significant growth for over 200 businesses across industries like Airlines, Luxury Coaches, and Consumer Retail through its Dynamic Pricing and Discount Optimization solutions, Sciative now extends its expertise to the hospitality sector.

Tackling Post-Pandemic Challenges

"The hospitality industry has undergone significant changes post-pandemic, with unpredictable booking trends and increasing demand for personalized experiences," said Dr. Anshu Jalora, Founder and Managing Director of Sciative Solutions. "ZettaPrice is designed to address these challenges by blending AI-driven insights with human expertise, ensuring that hotels remain agile, responsive, and profitable."

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Bridging the RMS Gap for Small and Mid-Sized Hotels

Traditional RMS solutions often fail to cater to the needs of smaller hospitality businesses due to complexity and high costs. ZettaPrice fills this gap by delivering intelligent revenue management at an affordable price point, empowering even small and mid-sized hotel chains to compete effectively.

Key Features of ZettaPrice:

  1. AI-Powered Demand Forecasting – Uses machine learning to analyze historical sales, market trends, and customer behavior, delivering precise demand predictions.
  2. Real-Time Pricing Automation – Adjusts room prices dynamically, with alerts sent via email or WhatsApp for unusual booking trends.
  3. Optimized Channel and Booking Restrictions – Minimizes commissions and maximizes revenue by evaluating booking channels and corporate contracts.
  4. Competitive Benchmarking – Tracks competitors in real-time to ensure pricing remains competitive.
  5. Virtual Inventory Nesting – Manages overbooking and optimizes inventory to offer premium rooms at base prices during low-demand periods.

Human-in-the-Loop Framework

What sets ZettaPrice apart is its human-in-the-loop framework, which allows revenue managers to fine-tune AI-generated recommendations based on strategic goals. This feature provides the perfect balance of automation and expert oversight.

"ZettaPrice handles the heavy lifting of daily pricing adjustments while enabling revenue managers to shape their own strategies. It’s about staying ahead of market trends while maintaining full control," said Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder and CEO of Sciative Solutions.

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Industry Insights and Impact

Sciative's research, involving over 200 industry stakeholders, emphasized the demand for user-friendly, effective revenue management tools. With ZettaPrice, the company aims to empower hospitality businesses to unlock the full potential of their data, streamline operations, and achieve long-term sustainable growth.

"ZettaPrice is not just a tool; it’s a strategic partner," added Dr. Jalora. "Having driven growth of 15% to 40% in other industries, we’re thrilled to bring this expertise to hospitality, offering a game-changing solution for hoteliers worldwide."

For more details, visit https://www.sciative.com.

About Sciative Solutions

Sciative Solutions specializes in AI-driven pricing technology, helping businesses across industries optimize revenue and profitability. With a focus on dynamic markets, Sciative offers tailored solutions that empower companies to stay ahead of the curve.


Karma Lakelands Takes Green Hospitality Further with Spalba’s Digital Tools

Karma Lakelands Takes Green Hospitality Further with Spalba’s Digital Tools

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 18, 2024

Karma Lakelands, a leading eco-friendly resort in Delhi, is furthering its commitment to sustainability by adopting Spalba’s innovative digital tools. This partnership brings together the best of green hospitality and technology, enhancing the event planning process and providing clients with a unique and immersive venue experience.

With the help of Spalba’s technology, including 3D walkthroughs and digital twins, Karma Lakelands can now showcase its venues remotely. This reduces the need for in-person visits, cutting down on carbon emissions. The digital solutions also streamline bookings, shorten the time it takes to close deals, and enable quick remote reservations. These tools provide clients with a virtual tour of the property, allowing them to experience the venue’s offerings before making any commitments, all while supporting an eco-friendly event experience.

Akash Roy Saigal, General Manager at Karma Lakelands, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “At Karma Lakelands, we’re always looking for ways to work better and provide great client experiences. Working with Spalba has changed how we plan events. We now use virtual walkthroughs and 3D setups, which help us show off our property in a whole new way. This change has made our operations smoother and boosted our sales conversions by 50%, letting us highlight what our space can do like never before.”

The collaboration also resonates with Spalba’s founder, Naveen Gupta, who believes the company’s values align perfectly with Karma Lakelands’ green initiatives. He commented, “Our digital tools at Spalba allow hotels to present their venues in an engaging and eco-friendly way. We help reduce their environmental footprint, increase their online presence, and create more opportunities for cross-selling.”

Karma Lakelands, known for its picturesque eco-friendly homes and top-tier golf course, is setting a new benchmark in the hospitality industry by adopting these digital tools. By integrating sustainable practices into their event planning, the resort is not only enhancing client engagement but also expanding its reach to a wider audience through online tours and digital experiences.


SKIL Successfully Hosts a Milestone Event for HEFT Cranes

SKIL Successfully Hosts a Milestone Event for HEFT Cranes

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 15, 2024

A historic moment unfolded in India’s crane rental and heavy lift industry on November 24, 2024, with the official unveiling of HEFT Cranes International Pvt. Ltd. The initiative, powered by the collaboration of four industry veterans, represents over five decades of leadership and expertise in heavy lifting. SKIL Events played a pivotal role in orchestrating the event, ensuring a seamless experience with meticulous attention to every detail—from venue arrangements and hospitality to artist performances and technical support.

HEFT Cranes International is the result of a unified effort by Amrik Singh & Sons Crane Services Pvt. Ltd., Barkat Cranes & Equipment Pvt. Ltd., Shethia Erectors & Material Handlers Ltd., and Manoj Chaudhari, a stalwart in the crane industry. This collaboration combines unparalleled strength, infrastructure, and industry knowledge, positioning HEFT Cranes as a formidable force in the sector.

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The newly formed entity is driven by an ambitious vision to redefine standards in crane rental services and heavy lifting. Their mission includes supporting transformative projects crucial to India’s development, adapting to the evolving needs of the industry, and offering comprehensive solutions to clients. Notably, HEFT Cranes is the first Indian company to own cranes with extraordinary lifting capacities ranging from 1600T to an impressive 4000T, signaling their intent to lead the industry into a new era.

Ramanpreet Singh, Vice President of SKIL Events, expressed pride in their role, saying, “At SKIL, we are honoured to have partnered with HEFT Cranes for this grand launch. The event showcased our expertise in delivering tailored event solutions that resonate with our client’s vision. HEFT Cranes is poised for extraordinary growth, and it was a privilege to be part of their journey.”

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Adding to the sentiments, a Director of HEFT Cranes remarked, “HEFT Cranes International is not just a business endeavor; it’s a bold new chapter for India’s heavy lift industry. SKIL’s dynamic team brought our vision to life with exceptional execution, from innovative storytelling through sand art to the captivating performances by international harp and violin artists. It was a memorable event that set the tone for our exciting future.”

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With a commitment to innovation and excellence, HEFT Cranes International is gearing up to revolutionize the crane rental and heavy lift industry in India. As the event marked the beginning of this groundbreaking venture, it also showcased SKIL’s unmatched capabilities in curating impactful and memorable experiences.

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