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.

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.