Hoteliers Increase Investment in Enhancing the Guest Experience

DUBAI, UAE, August 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

You will see an increase in Information Technology (IT) spending within the hospitality industry, with guest experience cited as the top driver for investment. A recent Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MSI) study has uncovered fifty-six percent of hospitality organisations planned to raise mobile investments to better equip their workforces, improve operational efficiencies and ultimately enhance the customer experience.

The Motorola Solutions 2011 Hospitality Market Barometer reveals that 91 percent of hospitality decision makers realise the increasing importance of mobile and wireless technology, while 78 percent recognise the role mobility plays in ensuring a competitive advantage for their business. As a result, hospitality venues are investing in new technology, as well as powerful wireless networks to handle greater data volumes and increasing demands for high-speed access from the customer and mobile workforce.

One of the critical challenges for hotel technology managers is convincing upper management to approve investing in the latest technology.

Radi Karnib, Director of Information Technology Projectsat Rotana Hotel Management comments, "It is a challenge to demonstrate that the proposed technology infrastructure will indirectly reflect into a benefit to our business and will keep us up to date with the technology trends and market competition."

In order to overcome this challenge, Radi has proven methods for successfully presenting the business case for new technology procurement to senior management including: "Presentation of the added value functions and services for any new technology product procurement ... Demonstrating a proper case study using the senior management terms ... Financial analysis, showing a complete financial study listing the cost versus functions for the IT project"

Daniel Hajjar, CEO of Laÿia Hospitality agrees adding, "It is (the IT) a department that evolves on a daily basis and you owe it to your organisation to consider any "new" development ... IT experts must always make a clear differentiation between an investment and an expense."

Both agree that iPad and mobile applications will be the technology priorities moving into 2012.

"Smart phones will definitely be the top priority in my opinion," Daniel Hajjar said.

The solutions associated with the challenges of enhancing the guest experience and presenting a business case to senior management will be discussed by hospitality experts including Daniel Hajjar and Radi Karnib at the 3^rd Annual Hotel Technology Middle East exhibition and conference in September. Current exhibitors include: Sony, Jumbo, Mitel, VingCard and Aegis Tech.

About IQPC

IQPC provides business executives around the world with tailored practical conferences, large scale events, topical seminars and in-house training programs, keeping them up-to-date with industry trends, technological developments and the regulatory landscape. IQPC's large scale conferences are market leading "must attend" events for their respective industries.

IQPC produces more than 1,500 events annually around the world, and continues to grow. Founded in 1973, IQPC now has offices in major cities across six continents including: Berlin, Bengalaru, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, New York, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto. IQPC leverages a global research base of best practices to produce an unrivalled portfolio of conferences.

For more information contact Michelle Petiza, Marketing Manager, IQPC Middle East. Email enquiry@iqpc.ae or call +971-364-2975 or visit http://www.hoteltechnologyme.com