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us-canada news operations

How Smartwatches Are Changing Resort Operations

Wearable technology is freeing up hands�and valuable staff time.   More than 141 million smartwatches will be sold globally this year, up from four million in 2014, according to consumer data website Statista.com. Smartwatch adoption shows no signs of slowing down, and wrist-worn devices are becoming increasingly common in the hospitality industry. Carnival Cruises� Ocean... Read more »

Puerto Rico Embraces Digital Marketing to Boost Tourism

The My Puerto Rico mobile app aims to enhance the visitor experience   To regain footing after Hurricane Maria, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, a public corporation that oversees the island�s tourism industry, has taken a digital focus to attract visitors by introducing My Puerto Rico, an app for travelers to use throughout their stay.... Read more »

To Improve, Cruise Lines Look Inward

Upgrading existing fleets proves more beneficial than building larger ships.   Instead of building bigger ships, many cruise companies are turning to innovation to appeal to travelers. For instance, Royal Caribbean International announced in March that it will invest $900 million to add amenities such as waterslides and trampolines to ten of its vessels, as... Read more »

The Essentials of Live Chat

A tool to assist owners and guests�when and where they need it most.   Messaging apps let guests reach staff in real time, but there�s another tool that�s just as effective: live chat, an instant-messaging system on a website. With live chat, staff can reach out proactively to site visitors and set automated chat invitations... Read more »

Augmented Reality Update

New developments in mobile could affect the travel industry.   Since we last reported on augmented reality (AR) a year ago, use of the technology has picked up even more steam. Initially expected to create $600 million in revenue last year, according to a January 2017 TechCrunch article, augmented reality instead generated $1.2 billion, in... Read more »

Mobile Messaging 202

Equip your staff to communicate with guests over mobile apps.   Messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are important tools for engaging today�s owners and guests. (For more information, read �Message Matters.�) But how can resorts best integrate these apps into operations and interactions with guests? Adrienne Callandrello, director of social media at... Read more »