IHG Hotels Leads with Cashless Tipping Thanks to eTip Collaboration

By Author

Published on March 8, 2024

In a significant move to modernise and improve the hospitality experience, IHG Hotels & Resorts has chosen eTip as its digital tipping provider. This partnership marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the financial wellbeing of hotel employees and offering guests a modern, cashless way to express gratitude for service excellence.

eTip, a frontrunner in digital tipping and financial solutions, is now set to bring its contactless tipping solution to over 6,000 IHG franchises and managed properties, including restaurants and bars. This integration is anticipated to not only streamline the tipping process but also significantly boost the income of service staff by an average of $2 per hour, according to the company.

Nicolas Cassis, co-founder and CEO of eTip, highlighted the synergy between IHG's commitment to leveraging technology for exceptional experiences and eTip's mission to empower service employees financially. "IHG truly embodies the concept of a hotel group that understands how great technology powers exceptional experiences... We’re proud to have been chosen as a key part of that strategy," Cassis stated.

image

eTip's advanced payment system is designed to accommodate all payment scenarios for tipped workers at IHG locations, promising a user-friendly, secure, and compliant experience. Guests can express their appreciation through various payment methods, making the act of tipping more accessible and straightforward than ever.

The platform eliminates the need for mobile app downloads or login credentials. Instead, guests can simply scan a QR code or use a 'tap to tip' feature through an NFC-enabled QR code to leave a tip. This innovation allows service staff to receive tips directly into their bank accounts instantly via Visa Direct, offering immediate financial benefits without the traditional wait for payroll processing.

Furthermore, eTip integrates seamlessly with existing point-of-sale systems in restaurants and bars, providing enterprise-grade reporting for businesses. This feature offers valuable insights into tipping trends, staff performance, and overall guest satisfaction, enabling better management decisions and enhancing the service quality.

Last month, eTip expanded its reach through an exclusive partnership with Shamin Hotels, allowing guests at Shamin's 76 properties to tip over 3,000 associates easily. This move, along with the partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, underscores the growing demand for digital tipping solutions in the hospitality industry, aiming to foster a culture of gratitude and financial empowerment for service staff.


HotLync: Revolutionizing Hotel Operations Through Intelligent Technology

HotLync: Revolutionizing Hotel Operations Through Intelligent Technology

By Author

Published on August 31, 2025

In today’s fast-paced hospitality landscape, operational excellence is no longer optional—it’s essential. HotLync, developed by Ennovatech Solutions under the visionary leadership of Founder and CEO Gouresh Nayak, has become a game-changer for hotels worldwide. Since its founding in 2014, Ennovatech has been committed to redefining efficiency, guest satisfaction, and service quality through innovative technology, making HotLync one of the most trusted hotel management platforms in the industry.

Currently deployed in over 800 properties across the globe, HotLync empowers hotels to unify complex operational tasks into a seamless, intuitive workflow. From guest requests and housekeeping to engineering updates, spa bookings, and telecommunications, every aspect of hotel management is connected and optimized. The result? A perfectly orchestrated experience for both guests and staff.

image

Ennovatech Solutions, Founder and CEO Mr. Gouresh Nayak

At the heart of this platform is the HotLync Intelligent Response Assistant (HIRA), an AI-powered engine designed to anticipate guest needs, automate routine tasks, and provide actionable insights in real time. By reducing manual workloads and streamlining communication between departments, HIRA frees staff to focus on what truly matters—delivering personalized, memorable guest experiences.

HotLync’s growing global footprint speaks volumes about its capabilities. It is trusted by some of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, including Atlantis, Dusit International, Fairmont (Accor), Address Hotels, Jumeirah, Holiday Inn (IHG), Hyatt, Millennium, Roda, Rotana, Anantara, Sheraton (Marriott), The Lalit, Leela, Oberoi, Minor Hotels, Accor, Five Hotels, and Melia, among others. This impressive adoption highlights HotLync’s ability to meet—and exceed—the exacting standards of top-tier hotel groups while delivering measurable operational improvements.

image

Beyond boosting efficiency, HotLync champions sustainability. By digitizing forms, checklists, and reporting, hotels save thousands of sheets of paper each month, reducing their environmental footprint without compromising service quality. This aligns perfectly with the industry’s growing focus on eco-conscious practices while adding value to hotel operations.

HotLync’s vision is bold yet simple: to empower hotels with intelligent, connected operations that anticipate guest needs, enhance staff performance, and elevate hospitality to new heights. By combining cutting-edge AI with a unified operational platform, HotLync is not just keeping up with the future of hospitality—it’s defining it.

For hotels seeking to streamline operations, boost productivity, and deliver unforgettable guest journeys, HotLync offers a transformative solution that is already setting benchmarks worldwide.


Is the In-Room Guest Phone a Thing of the Past?

Is the In-Room Guest Phone a Thing of the Past?

By Mr Sandeep Nair

Published on August 28, 2025

TigerTMS origins date back to the early 1980s and has carried the badge of honour of being market-leader for call accounting (tracking and analysing guest phone usage for billing purposes) ever since.  Whilst there are compelling reasons that hoteliers retain phones in guest rooms (not least security, nostalgia, comfort, immediate conversation with staff, and the 5* experience), there has been a shift towards guests using mobile phones to streamline guest services.

image

Many of today’s guests expect convenience at their fingertips - mobile solutions can support this by enabling real-time responses to enquiries and requests, reducing wait times and enhancing satisfaction. The immediacy of direct access to services, streamlined communication to staff, and a more personalized service using mobile devices, contributes significantly to creating memorable experiences that guests are more likely to share and return for.

Mobile platforms are a powerful tool to improve operational efficiencies. Removing repetitive and time-consuming requests from guests relieves pressures on staff, freeing them to focus on more meaningful guest interactions.

Mobile technology also aligns perfectly with the hospitality industry's growing focus on sustainability. At its lowest level, simply by providing a digital guest directory, menus and other in-room materials, hotels can reduce paper and printing costs, while offering a modern, high-touch experience.

In short, advancements in mobile technology offer an alternative to in-room phones. This was the driver for TigerTMS to invest R&D into QR based mobile technology, adding iPortal to its portfolio of solutions.  Unlike app-based platforms that require guests to download and install an app, often a barrier to engagement, iPortal allows instant access to services by simply scanning a QR code. This frictionless entry point significantly improves adoption and usage, especially for short-stay guests or those with limited phone storage.

image

Another major benefit is the seamless delivery of services across all mobile devices and operating systems, without compatibility concerns. It’s a truly universal solution that guests use on their own devices, with no learning curve.

Integration to a PMS unlocks a deeper layer of functionality that significantly expands its value. It enables features such as "View Bill" and "Express Checkout," as well as allowing guests to set their "Do Not Disturb" status, “Order Food and Beverages and Charge to Room” or even send housekeeping requests such as “Make Up My Room”. These integrated services create a seamless and personalised experience for guests, while also improving operational efficiency for staff.

From a hotel’s standpoint, iPortal is more cost-effective and easier to maintain than traditional apps. Updates and changes can be made centrally, directly by hotel staff, and reflected in real-time.  Ultimately, QR-based solutions like iPortal strike the perfect balance between convenience, accessibility, and efficiency - for both guests and hoteliers.

Whether a hotel’s strategy is to provide in-room phones offering reliable communication with a dedicated line to staff or align with the change toward QR-based solutions like iPortal that provide the perfect balance between convenience, accessibility, and efficiency to enhance the guest experience, TigerTMS delivers.

For more information, visit https://www.tigertms.com/solutions/iportal/  or reach out via email at Sandeep.nair@tigertms.com.


Bingo HRMS: Redefining Human Resource Management for the Hospitality Industry and Beyond

Bingo HRMS: Redefining Human Resource Management for the Hospitality Industry and Beyond

By Author

Published on August 26, 2025

Bingo HRMS is revolutionizing the way businesses manage their workforce, offering a powerful and seamless HR solution designed for the fast-paced demands of industries like hospitality, travel, and corporate services. In a world where guest satisfaction and brand reputation hinge on well-managed teams, Bingo HRMS stands out as a game-changer, helping organizations simplify HR operations while driving growth.

Developed by Bingoforge, a trusted ERP solutions provider serving MSMEs across multiple sectors, Bingo HRMS is more than just a software platform – it is a comprehensive ecosystem built to streamline every stage of the employee lifecycle. From hiring top talent and processing payroll to tracking attendance, managing leave requests, and deploying manpower across projects, the platform integrates it all into one intuitive, cloud-based system.

For hospitality businesses that operate in a highly dynamic environment, this technology offers unmatched precision and adaptability. Payroll, often a resource-intensive task, is automated and linked seamlessly with other core modules like time off, attendance, and planning. Recruitment features empower HR teams to identify and onboard talent efficiently, while advanced field service management capabilities make scheduling, tracking, and invoicing field operations effortless.

What makes Bingo HRMS particularly appealing to MSMEs is its modular and open-source design, allowing businesses to customize workflows to fit their unique needs without compromising scalability. Whether it’s a boutique hotel managing a small team or a multi-location chain seeking enterprise-level solutions, Bingo HRMS offers flexibility that grows with the organization.

This forward-thinking approach transforms HR from a back-office function into a strategic driver of success. By automating repetitive tasks and providing actionable insights, Bingo HRMS empowers leaders to focus on employee engagement, workforce optimization, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. For industries where service excellence defines the brand, this transformation is not just valuable – it’s essential.

With Bingoforge’s proven track record and commitment to innovation, Bingo HRMS has emerged as a trusted partner for businesses looking to modernize their HR processes. By combining ease of use, advanced functionality, and a future-ready design, the platform ensures that companies can focus on what truly matters – building exceptional teams and unforgettable customer experiences.

Contact: +91 88503 97914
Website: bingoforge.com
Email: sales@bingoforge.com

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.