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.

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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.


On2Cook Revolutionizes Commercial Kitchens with AI-Integrated Cooking Device

On2Cook Revolutionizes Commercial Kitchens with AI-Integrated Cooking Device

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 2, 2024

On2Cook, the world's fastest cooking device, has made a significant impact in the B2B cooking sector in India. Launched just a few months ago, the innovative AI-driven cooking appliance has already been deployed in over 500 units across more than 35 F&B brands, including cloud kitchens, cafeterias, restaurants, and hospitality chains. The device, created by inventor Sanandan Sudhir, has quickly gained traction for its ability to transform traditional cooking methods.

Sudhir announced that the company has also received Letters of Intent for an additional 4,000 units, set to be installed in commercial kitchens worldwide. Among the early adopters of On2Cook are brands like Grabs Kitchen, Carasid Café Goa, Hocco Eatery, Venky Residency, and Salad Time.

"On2Cook is the future of cooking, and we are thrilled by its widespread acceptance in the B2B F&B space. Our patented technology offers numerous benefits for commercial kitchens, such as eliminating the need for gas-based cooking, reducing oil usage, and replacing pre-cooked meals with freshly prepared dishes. For instance, a mid-sized kitchen serving about 100 plates daily can save over Rs 16,000 monthly just on oil consumption. The device's advantages are evident across all cooking segments, including restaurants, cloud kitchens, bakeries, casual dining, and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chains," said Sanandan Sudhir.

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Sunil Shrivastav, owner of Carasid Café Goa, shared his positive experience with On2Cook, stating, "We’ve been using On2Cook for a few months, and it’s not just fast and efficient, but also incredibly consistent, especially for our fillings made in large batches. Consistency in color, quality, and texture is crucial in our business, and On2Cook delivers on all fronts without the need for monitoring. I’m so satisfied with its performance that I plan to add up to 100 units across our café chain."

On2Cook, patented in India, the US, the UK, and Russia, significantly reduces cooking time to one-third of traditional methods, cuts power bills by up to 40%, and lowers oil consumption by around 50%, all while delivering healthier and more nutritious meals. The device also minimizes the number of cooks needed in a commercial kitchen, improving the consistency and quality of food. With an integrated app and IoT capabilities, On2Cook automates order processing and cooking, featuring over 300 predefined recipes.

First showcased during the Grand Finale of Shark Tank India Season 1, On2Cook has captured the attention of industry leaders, including Anand Mahindra, even before its official launch. The device ensures that vegetables and meats cooked retain water-soluble nutrients, minerals, structure, texture, and color, preserving elements that are often lost in traditional cooking methods.


Hotel Group Selects Zaplox for Mobile Key PoC Integration

Hotel Group Selects Zaplox for Mobile Key PoC Integration

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 1, 2024

Zaplox, a leading provider of digital guest solutions for the hospitality industry, has been selected to provide mobile key services for a proof of concept (PoC) with a prominent hotel group, whose name has not been disclosed. This collaboration marks a significant step in integrating Zaplox’s advanced mobile key technology with the hotel group’s own app.

This PoC is designed to validate Zaplox’s mobile key solutions, ensuring they meet the technical and guest satisfaction standards required by the hotel group. It also highlights the growing trend of digital self-service options in the hospitality sector, positioning Zaplox as a key player in this evolving space.

Tess Mattisson, President and CEO of Zaplox, commented, “Following the successful launch of mobile keys in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, we are seeing increased interest in our solutions. This PoC reflects the market's demand and the maturity of the industry, showcasing our role as a trusted provider of digital solutions.”

The PoC serves as a critical evaluation phase, allowing the hotel group to experience the benefits of Zaplox’s technology firsthand. This approach has previously proven successful, such as with PENN Entertainment, where a PoC led to a full contract and the implementation of mobile keys.

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Mattisson added, “While demonstrating middleware services can be challenging, this PoC allows us to showcase our technology and expertise, laying the groundwork for a potential broader rollout. We are excited to support this hotel group in their digital transformation journey.”

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Lund, Sweden, Zaplox offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to enhance the guest experience through self-service check-in and mobile key solutions. The company’s platform has become integral to the hospitality industry, assisting hotels, resorts, and casinos worldwide in providing a seamless digital experience for their guests.


Odyssey Tours and Travels Unveils India's First Comprehensive Platform for Global Luxury Train Journeys

Odyssey Tours and Travels Unveils India's First Comprehensive Platform for Global Luxury Train Journeys

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 29, 2024

Odyssey Tours and Travels, a pioneer in luxury travel, has launched LuxuryTrains.in, India’s first comprehensive platform dedicated to luxury train experiences worldwide. This innovative website offers discerning travelers access to over 40 iconic luxury trains, covering more than 200 exceptional journeys across six continents, making it the ultimate gateway to immersive and opulent travel adventures.

A New Era in Luxury Travel:

With LuxuryTrains.in, Odyssey Tours and Travels has once again set a new standard in the luxury travel industry. Following the success of their cruise marketplace, CruiseBay, launched in 2008, LuxuryTrains.in represents a significant leap forward in catering to the needs of luxury travelers. The platform is a treasure trove of meticulously curated train journeys, featuring legendary trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, known for its elegant glide through Europe’s picturesque landscapes, and India’s own Palace on Wheels, offering a royal journey through the country’s cultural gems.

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Travel enthusiasts can also embark on the luxurious Hiram Bingham to explore the sacred Inca ruins or join Rovos Rail's expeditions through Africa’s breathtaking vistas. Each journey listed on the platform comes with detailed itineraries, highlights, and comprehensive information about the accommodation and dining options available onboard.

Comprehensive Travel Planning:

LuxuryTrains.in goes beyond just booking a journey. The platform offers travelers an in-depth understanding of each luxury train, including its history, route, onboard amenities, and the schedules for the next two years. Additionally, Odyssey’s team of luxury travel consultants is available to handle every aspect of the traveler’s journey, from pre-travel arrangements to post-journey experiences, ensuring a seamless and memorable travel adventure.

Expertise in Tailored Luxury Holidays:

Nikhil Thakurdas, CEO of Odyssey Tours and Travels, highlighted the company's commitment to redefining luxury travel: "With the launch of LuxuryTrains by Odyssey, we aim to introduce luxury train travel as a unique and differentiated holiday experience. Our platform opens a whole new dimension of luxury travel where the journey is as exciting as the destinations. With details and offers on the world’s most iconic trains, luxury travelers are spoiled for choice to experience a new way to travel."

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About Odyssey Tours and Travels:

Founded in 1992, Odyssey Tours and Travels is a leading IATA-accredited travel company and a member of Uniglobe, the world’s largest travel franchise network. Known for planning customized holidays in India and abroad, Odyssey offers a wide range of services, including air ticketing, worldwide hotel reservations, inclusive tours, sightseeing activities, visa assistance, and travel insurance. With the launch of CruiseBay in 2008, Odyssey solidified its reputation as a pioneer in the luxury travel market, and with LuxuryTrains.in, it continues to lead the way in offering unique and immersive travel experiences.

Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of European luxury trains, the heritage charm of India’s royal railways, or the adventurous allure of South American expeditions, LuxuryTrains by Odyssey promises unparalleled journeys that blend luxury with immersive cultural experiences. Visit LuxuryTrains.in today to explore the world’s most exquisite train journeys and begin planning your next unforgettable adventure.

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