Vouch Launches HOME to Revolutionise Hotel Operations

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 21, 2024

Vouch has stepped up its game in the hospitality sector with the introduction of the Hotel Operations Management Ecosystem (Vouch HOME), a powerful back-end solution designed to elevate operational excellence in hotels. This innovative ecosystem compliments Vouch's guest-facing platform, providing a comprehensive solution that simplifies workflows, automates routine tasks, and fosters a new level of operational efficiency within the hospitality industry.

Traditional hotel operations often struggle with manual processes, isolated data, and communication gaps between different departments, which can negatively impact guest satisfaction. Vouch HOME addresses these challenges head-on, offering an integrated solution that streamlines operations, enhances staff collaboration, and ultimately enriches the guest experience.

Joseph Ling, the visionary founder and CEO of Vouch, emphasised the critical need for efficiency in the hospitality industry. "Excellence in hospitality starts behind the scenes. With Vouch HOME, we're enabling hotels to automate their operations comprehensively, allowing them to concentrate on delivering memorable experiences to their guests," Ling stated.

What sets Vouch HOME apart is its ability to act as the central nervous system for hotel operations, connecting various departments such as Housekeeping, Front Office, F&B, and Engineering under one unified platform. This not only eliminates the need for multiple vendors but also provides a singular, comprehensive view of operational data.

Vouch HOME includes several key features:

Task Manager: A central task management system that offers mobile access and real-time status updates to ensure tasks are completed promptly.

Room Assignments and Inspection: Automates room assignments for housekeeping staff and provides instant alerts for room inspections, based on customized checklists.

Preventive Maintenance: Facilitates proactive scheduling and tracking of maintenance tasks, reducing downtime and enhancing guest satisfaction.

Looking towards the future, Vouch plans to incorporate generative AI technology into its ecosystem. This advanced feature will analyse operational data to offer personalised, actionable insights for hotels, further optimising their operations and fostering sustainable growth. This AI-driven enhancement is expected to launch in the first half of 2024, marking another milestone in Vouch's commitment to revolutionising the hospitality industry.

With Vouch HOME, hotels can look forward to achieving higher levels of efficiency and operational excellence, paving the way for enhanced guest experiences and improved profitability.


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.


HBX Group Revolutionizes Customer Service Training with AI 'Trainer'

HBX Group Revolutionizes Customer Service Training with AI 'Trainer'

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 3, 2025

HBX Group, a leading independent B2B TravelTech company, has launched an AI solution to optimize training for customer service professionals. This innovative AI 'trainer' simulates customer interactions, allowing agents to practice in a range of real-world scenarios, helping them prepare more effectively for actual customer engagement.

The AI trainer can simulate conversations in 13 different languages, adapting to hundreds of potential customer service situations. It also offers four difficulty levels, catering to both novice and seasoned agents. This makes training more personalized and scalable, while allowing agents to train at their own pace. By reducing the need for trainer supervision, the system enables trainers to focus on more strategic tasks like performance analysis and data-driven improvements.

Xabi Zabala, Chief Operations Officer of HBX Group, praised the AI trainer’s potential: “The AI ‘trainer’ is a game-changer for customer service. It helps agents simulate a multitude of realistic situations and gain confidence much faster. They are better prepared to deliver excellent service, which ultimately improves the customer experience.”

HBX Group has ambitious plans to expand this technology into other areas of its operations, aiming to drive innovation in the TravelTech sector. With secure deployment and a focus on efficiency, HBX Group is set to lead the way in tech-powered customer service training.

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