IHG Launches Industry-First 'Low Carbon Pioneers' Programme

IHG Launches Industry-First 'Low Carbon Pioneers' Programme

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 23, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in hospitality, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking Low Carbon Pioneers programme. This initiative brings together a group of energy-efficient hotels that operate without combusting fossil fuels on-site and are supported by renewable energy sources. This marks the first community of its kind in the hospitality industry, aimed at testing, learning, and sharing sustainability practices to inspire broader adoption of carbon reduction measures.

Initial Low Carbon Pioneer Hotels

The initial Low Carbon Pioneer hotels include:

  • Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport, Spain

  • Iberostar Waves Cristina, Spain

  • Kimpton BEM Budapest, Hungary

These hotels feature sustainable solutions such as high-efficiency heat pumps for heating and hot water generation, as well as fully electric kitchens. Each property holds an operational sustainability certification recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, such as Green Key, or a sustainable building certification like LEED, BREEAM, or EDGE. Energy data for these hotels will be tracked and measured using IHG’s Green Engage environmental platform.

Expansion and Future Plans

IHG plans to expand the Low Carbon Pioneers programme across all regions, developing a "low-carbon ready" group of hotels in preparation for broader renewable energy availability. The full criteria for a Low Carbon Pioneer hotel can be found here. 

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CEO's Call to Action

Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the launch, emphasizing its role in meeting evolving guest expectations, helping hotel owners future-proof their businesses, and reducing carbon emissions across IHG’s estate. He stressed the need for broader government support to accelerate industry-wide change, including increased access to renewable energy, incentives for owners, and reduced costs for green technology.

“This is an important next step in IHG’s sustainability journey, but it remains one of many we must continue to take. Accelerating change at scale for both IHG and the wider industry also requires broader support from governments ranging from greater access to renewable energy and incentives for owners, to a reduction in the cost of technology that speeds up the industry’s transition to a greener, more resilient future. IHG is committed to working with industry bodies and governments to help achieve this, alongside encouraging more owners to adopt carbon reduction practices and become Low Carbon Pioneers,” said Maalouf.

Future-Proofing Properties

The Low Carbon Pioneers programme aims to future-proof IHG’s properties, providing potential benefits such as better alignment with environmental regulations and access to green finance for new projects. These hotels will be marketed as low carbon or low carbon ready across IHG’s booking channels, appealing to guests seeking sustainable stays and corporate clients with net-zero or carbon-neutral targets.

Leading the Way in Sustainability

IHG is committed to reducing carbon emissions through its Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan. The company continues to develop solutions to measure, manage, and minimize the environmental impact of its hotels, from energy conservation measures to sourcing renewable energy and installing EV chargers. The Low Carbon Pioneers programme builds on IHG’s history of creating ambitious and innovative sustainability solutions, such as replacing bathroom miniatures with bulk amenities and providing properties with renewable energy through a community solar programme in the US. IHG is now setting a new benchmark for reducing operational carbon in the hospitality industry.


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.

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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.

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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.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ennovatech-solutions/ 
sales@ennovatech.com 


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.

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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.

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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

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