Shamin Hotels Embraces Digital Tipping with eTip Partnership

Shamin Hotels Embraces Digital Tipping with eTip Partnership

By Author

Published on March 2, 2024

In a significant move towards modernizing the hospitality experience, Shamin Hotels has announced a groundbreaking partnership with eTip, a leader in digital tipping and financial benefits platforms. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the way guests express their gratitude to hotel associates, benefiting over 3,000 staff across Shamin's 76 properties.

Shamin Hotels, known for its affiliations with major brands like Hilton, Marriott, and InterContinental Hotel Group, is embracing this digital shift to meet the evolving technological preferences of their guests. By integrating eTip’s platform, Shamin Hotels is not only facilitating a seamless tipping process but also aiming to improve staff retention and engagement through direct financial benefits.

Neil Amin, CEO of Shamin Hotels, emphasized the importance of adapting to customer needs with technology-driven solutions, stating, "Our daily mission is to work to create the ‘Shamin Touch’. Today, we are doing just that by adopting a cutting-edge tipping solution that supports our passionate associates.”

image

From the perspective of eTip, this partnership represents a significant step forward in the future of hospitality. Nicolas Cassis, co-founder and CEO of eTip, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to uplift the lives of associates and enhance guest experiences through innovation.

The move comes in response to a notable shift in guest preferences towards digital transactions. According to a recent eTip survey, nearly 95% of guests expressed a willingness to tip if a digital option was available. Recognizing this trend, eTip’s system allows guests to easily tip without the need for app downloads or logins, using QR codes or the innovative ‘tap to tip’ feature enabled by NFC technology. This ensures tips go directly into associates' bank accounts, offering immediate financial benefits.

image

This partnership between Shamin Hotels and eTip is part of a larger trend in the hospitality industry towards embracing digital solutions to enhance the service experience. With Davidson Hospitality Group also selecting eTip as its digital tipping partner earlier this month, it's clear that the industry is moving towards a more convenient, transparent, and rewarding tipping process for both guests and service workers.

As Shamin Hotels and eTip rewrite the script of service one digital tip at a time, they set a new standard for the hospitality industry, prioritizing both guest convenience and associate welfare.


On2Cook Unveils Smart Cooking Tech at AAHAR 2025, Transforming Commercial Kitchens

On2Cook Unveils Smart Cooking Tech at AAHAR 2025, Transforming Commercial Kitchens

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 9, 2025

On2Cook, the world’s fastest and most advanced smart cooking device, is making waves at the 39th edition of AAHAR 2025, an international food and hospitality fair known for showcasing cutting-edge innovations. Designed by Indian inventor Sanandan (Sandy) Sudhir, On2Cook is redefining the way commercial kitchens operate by offering a revolutionary AI-driven cooking solution that significantly cuts down cooking time while optimizing efficiency and energy consumption.

AAHAR 2025, organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), brings together key players from the food and hospitality industry. This year, On2Cook is drawing the spotlight with its breakthrough technology, which has earned 12 patents across India, the US, the UK, and Russia. The device has already gained traction among over 50 brands, including WOW Momos, Salad Days, Pink Adrak, and Green Salad, by addressing key challenges such as space constraints, high operational costs, ventilation complexities, and ingredient wastage. Designed to streamline commercial kitchen operations, On2Cook is eliminating cost leakages and maximizing profitability for restaurants, food chains, and cloud kitchens.

image

Live demonstrations of the smart cooking device are currently being held at stall number 12A-19E at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from March 4 to March 8, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Restaurant owners, cloud kitchen operators, hoteliers, and food service professionals are getting a hands-on experience of how this 6-in-1 device enhances efficiency while preserving the color, texture, and nutrients of ingredients. By reducing cooking time by up to 70% and cutting energy consumption by at least 40%, On2Cook is setting a new benchmark in kitchen automation.

The innovative device, which debuted on Shark Tank India Season 1 Finale, amazed judges by preparing chicken curry in just seven minutes. Combining microwaves and induction technology, On2Cook simplifies the cooking process by eliminating the need for constant stirring with an integrated stirrer in the lid and an automated water addition system, making cooking completely hands-free. It can prepare samosas in four minutes, bake pizzas in three minutes, grill chicken in two to three minutes, steam idlis in three to four minutes, and transform frozen food into ready-to-eat meals in under five minutes. The company, On2Cook India Pvt. Ltd., is currently valued at ₹200 crore and is leading the charge in smart cooking innovation.

As an offshoot of Sanandan Sudhir’s INVENT INDIA, a startup dedicated to fostering innovation, On2Cook India Pvt. Ltd. is on a mission to revolutionize both commercial and domestic kitchens. Its AI-powered combination cooking technology ensures food is crispy on the outside and soft and well-cooked on the inside, offering the best of both traditional and modern cooking techniques. By merging microwave and induction or flame cooking, the device significantly reduces cooking time while preserving essential nutrients, texture, and flavor. With its rapid adoption and groundbreaking impact on the food industry, On2Cook is shaping the future of smart kitchens, making cooking faster, smarter, and more efficient than ever before.


SKIL Events Powers MedTekon 2025—A Defining Moment for India's MedTech Industry

SKIL Events Powers MedTekon 2025—A Defining Moment for India's MedTech Industry

By Author

Published on February 12, 2025

SKIL Events, a leader in India's event management industry, set a new benchmark with the flawless execution of MedTekon 2025, the flagship event of the Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI). Hosted at the iconic Taj Palace, New Delhi, the event gathered an elite audience of 350 delegates, 55+ CEOs, and key policymakers, reaffirming its position as a premier platform shaping the future of India’s MedTech sector.

Graced by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare of India, MedTekon 2025 highlighted the government's commitment to healthcare innovation and strengthening the MedTech ecosystem. A state-of-the-art 60-ft curved LED screen set the stage for a day of transformative discussions and high-impact networking.

image

Driving the Future of MedTech

Under the theme "Galvanizing MedTech: Equipping Hospitals, Driving Investments, Developing Synergies, and Facilitating Reforms," the conference united industry pioneers, investors, and thought leaders to drive actionable solutions for the sector.

MedTekon 2025 facilitated discussions on:
✅ Boosting domestic and foreign investments in MedTech
✅ Empowering hospitals with cutting-edge technologies for better patient outcomes
✅ Facilitating reimbursements to ensure universal patient access
✅ Revolutionizing health insurance to meet emerging healthcare needs
✅ Simplifying regulations and harmonizing industry standards
✅ Upholding ethical marketing practices in the medical device industry
✅ Shaping the future of medical device skilling in India

The event also featured an exclusive exhibition of breakthrough medical technologies, bringing together government officials, procurement agencies, investors, hospital leaders, and industry disruptors.

Unparalleled Execution by SKIL Events

Renowned for delivering seamless, high-impact experiences, SKIL Events ensured that MedTekon 2025 was engaging at every touchpoint—from world-class production and logistics to flawless behind-the-scenes coordination. The grandeur of Taj Palace, New Delhi, provided the perfect backdrop, blending sophistication with efficiency.

Mr. Nadeem Anam, Associate Director, MTaI, praised SKIL Events’ execution:
"SKIL Events did a commendable job in executing MedTekon 2025 with efficiency and professionalism. Their attention to detail and smooth coordination contributed to the success of our event."

image

Reflecting on the event's impact, Ramanpreet Singh, Vice President – Events at SKIL, stated:
"MedTekon 2025 is more than a conference—it’s a catalyst for change in India’s MedTech landscape. We designed this event to foster real collaborations, drive policy conversations, and unlock investment opportunities. Hosting it at the prestigious Taj Palace, New Delhi, only added to its significance. It was an honor to curate this landmark gathering for India's Lifesciences sector."

With MedTekon 2025 setting new benchmarks, India’s MedTech industry is now poised for unprecedented growth, innovation, and impact.


The AI Revolution in Travel: Smarter, Fairer Pricing for 2025 and Beyond

The AI Revolution in Travel: Smarter, Fairer Pricing for 2025 and Beyond

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 28, 2025

As AI becomes increasingly integral to the travel industry, it brings immense opportunities for smarter pricing and enhanced customer experiences. However, challenges around fairness and transparency have emerged, requiring travel providers to adopt ethical practices to maintain trust and loyalty.

Hyper-Personalized Pricing: Opportunity or Ethical Challenge?

AI-powered pricing uses consumer data—such as past spending habits and demographics—to create personalized offers. While this enhances value for travelers, it raises concerns about fairness. Transparency in pricing is critical to ensure customers feel valued and not unfairly targeted.

Moreover, perceptions of price as an indicator of quality play a significant role in decision-making. Many customers are willing to pay a premium for perceived superior service, influencing their travel choices and raising expectations for personalized experiences.

Why Traditional Pricing Models Fall Short

The travel industry has long relied on seasonal trends and basic supply-demand principles to set prices. However, fluctuating demand, rising competition, and evolving customer expectations make these static models ineffective in today’s dynamic environment.

AI-powered pricing strategies are emerging as the solution, offering real-time adaptability and data-driven precision to optimize rates based on shifting market conditions and customer behavior.

Data-Driven Precision: Smarter Pricing Decisions

One of AI’s most valuable contributions is its ability to process massive datasets and generate actionable insights.

  • AI analyzes customer booking history, competitor prices, and even geopolitical events, enabling travel companies to adjust rates in real time.
  • Predictive analytics help companies identify trends, such as customers’ preference for early-bird discounts or last-minute bookings.

This allows travel providers to offer personalized deals that enhance customer satisfaction while boosting profitability.

Predictive Models: A Game-Changer in Forecasting

AI’s predictive models are transforming how pricing trends are forecasted. By analyzing market shifts, consumer sentiment, and disruptions like pandemics, AI helps:

  • Travelers make smarter decisions (e.g., booking flights during low-demand periods).
  • Companies refine revenue strategies and optimize resource allocation.

For instance, during high-demand periods such as Diwali or Chhath Puja, travelers increasingly plan ahead for longer journeys, while shorter trips with higher supply encourage last-minute bookings. AI anticipates these behaviors, ensuring smoother experiences for all.

Dynamic Pricing: Enhancing the Customer Journey

image

AI enables flexible pricing models, allowing travelers to access rates that adapt to real-time demand and promotions.

  • Last-minute deals and premium upgrades are becoming more accessible, catering to travelers who prioritize value.
  • As consumer preferences shift, AI-powered pricing ensures that premium options—like AC buses or mid-tier hotels—are priced fairly, encouraging customers to opt for better experiences.

Balancing Innovation and Ethics

While the benefits of AI in travel pricing are vast, ethical challenges remain. Travel companies must commit to:

  • Transparency in pricing to avoid alienating customers.
  • Responsible data usage to ensure fairness and build trust.

By addressing these concerns, the industry can maintain customer loyalty and foster a sense of fairness in pricing strategies.

 Vision for 2025 and Beyond

The integration of AI into travel pricing is reshaping the industry, offering:

  • Personalized, real-time pricing for travelers.
  • Efficient resource management for providers.
  • Greater customer satisfaction through tailored experiences.

However, the road ahead requires thoughtful adoption of ethical AI practices to ensure that the benefits are shared by both travelers and providers. By embracing innovation responsibly, the travel industry can unlock its full potential and thrive in a dynamic, competitive landscape.

About the Author:

image


Dr. Anshu Jalora, Founder & Managing Director of Sciative Solutions, is a leading expert in AI-driven dynamic pricing and revenue optimization for the travel and hospitality industries.

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.