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.


Nirvana Being and Greenr Café Unite for Pollution-Free Dining

Nirvana Being and Greenr Café Unite for Pollution-Free Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 9, 2025

In a landmark initiative to combat the effects of air pollution, Nirvana Being, India’s leading clean air solutions provider, has joined hands with Greenr Café, a popular health-conscious eatery chain, to establish “Pure Air Zones” at its outlets. This collaboration is setting new standards in the hospitality industry by making clean, breathable air a key aspect of the dining experience.

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Patrons at Greenr Café’s Greater Kailash and Vasant Vihar locations are greeted by real-time displays of AQI (Air Quality Index), PM2.5, and CO2 levels, both indoors and outdoors. This transparency reflects a firm commitment to environmental accountability and health-focused dining. These safe air zones are made possible through advanced ventilation, filtration, and automation systems installed by Nirvana Being, ensuring patrons can breathe easy while enjoying their meals.

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Jai Dhar Gupta, Founder of Nirvana Being, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“As more people experience health complications due to toxic air, there is a growing demand for safe spaces where they can dine and gather without compromising on health. Our collaboration with Greenr Café reflects a shared vision to offer patrons clean air they can trust, setting a new benchmark for health and safety in India’s hospitality sector. Our aim is to inspire other businesses to adopt similar clean air standards, making indoor air quality a priority in all public spaces for the well-being of our communities.”

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Echoing this sentiment, Niharika Jain, Founder of Greenr Café, emphasized the role of clean air in holistic wellness:
“Air and water are fundamental to human health and existence, and everyone should have the right to access them in their purest form. At Greenr, our aim is to create spaces where people can come together, enjoy wholesome food, and feel their best. With the alarming rise in air pollution, it became equally important for us to ensure our patrons could breathe clean, safe air while they are here.”

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This partnership not only enhances the Greenr Café experience but also underscores the importance of creating eco-conscious public spaces. By combining Greenr’s commitment to holistic wellness with Nirvana Being’s expertise in clean air solutions, the initiative is a step towards a future where safe, breathable air becomes a standard in India’s hospitality sector.

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Together, Nirvana Being and Greenr Café are inspiring a broader movement towards health-first, environmentally sustainable public spaces, proving that even small steps can lead to significant change.


Balmer Lawrie Invests in Pod Hotel Startup NapTapGo

Balmer Lawrie Invests in Pod Hotel Startup NapTapGo

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 5, 2025

Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd, a central public sector undertaking, has made a significant equity investment in NapTapGo, a budding startup in the hospitality sector. This initiative aligns with the government's Startup India programme, showcasing the company's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging businesses.

NapTapGo is at the forefront of redefining affordable luxury through its unique pod hotel concept. Pod hotels are compact accommodations designed for short stays, offering basic yet efficient amenities. Their space-saving design and affordability have made them increasingly popular among travelers worldwide.

The investment, valued at INR 1 crore, was announced as part of Balmer Lawrie’s annual startup fund programme. While specific funding terms remain undisclosed, the company highlighted its intent to boost the startup ecosystem and encourage creative solutions in the hospitality sector.

To ensure top-notch services, NapTapGo integrates AI and IoT into its facilities, enhancing hygiene, quality, and customer experiences. This tech-driven approach aligns with modern travelers' preferences, emphasizing convenience and efficiency.

Balmer Lawrie has partnered with IIM Lucknow’s Enterprise Incubation Center (EIC), a premier incubator, to extend incubation support, mentorship, and industry connections to startups like NapTapGo. The collaboration underscores the company's dedication to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking about the initiative, Adhip Nath Palchaudhuri, Chairman and Managing Director of Balmer Lawrie, remarked, “We firmly believe that investing in innovation and supporting emerging entrepreneurs will contribute significantly to nation building.”

Nitin Malhotra, founder of NapTapGo, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “This investment demonstrates the government's commitment to driving innovation in the tourism sector.”

As part of its vision, Balmer Lawrie continues to encourage projects that align with national development goals while promoting sustainable and innovative solutions.


Air India Introduces In-Flight Wi-Fi on Domestic Flights

Air India Introduces In-Flight Wi-Fi on Domestic Flights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 3, 2025

Air India has become the first Indian airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi services on domestic flights, setting a new benchmark in aviation connectivity. Passengers flying on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft can now enjoy complimentary internet services during an introductory period.

This service is available on both domestic and international routes, allowing travelers to browse, stay active on social media, complete work tasks, or stay connected with loved ones while flying. Accessible on devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the Wi-Fi also supports multiple device connections at altitudes above 10,000 feet.

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India, stated, “Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel. For some, it is about the convenience and comfort of real-time sharing, while for others, it is about greater productivity and efficiency. Whatever the purpose, we are confident that our guests will appreciate having the option of connecting to the web and enjoy the new Air India experience on board these aircraft.”

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The introduction of Wi-Fi on domestic routes follows a successful pilot program on international flights to destinations such as New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. Air India plans to progressively expand the service across its fleet in the near future.

To access the service, travelers simply:

  1. Enable Wi-Fi on their device.
  2. Select the 'Air India Wi-Fi' network.
  3. Enter their PNR and last name on the redirected Air India portal.
  4. Enjoy complimentary internet access.

In-flight Wi-Fi performance may vary based on factors like satellite connectivity, bandwidth usage, and route-specific restrictions. With this innovative step, Air India continues to enhance the travel experience, combining connectivity with comfort and convenience.

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