In the news: Virtual reality for Radisson Blue’s design programme, CarTrawler and Shannon Airport collaborate, TripAdvisor’s report on best time to book hotels, Langham Hospitality Group’s new corporate website
Carlson Rezidor brings Virtual Reality to Radisson Blue’s design programme
Virtual Reality interface for Radisson Blue’s BluPrint.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has unveiled its state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) interface for the Radisson Blue brand’s new design programme, BluPrint.
Leveraging the latest in immersive and interactive visualisation technology the hotel group has also created a mobile app, and is employing the use of portable VR devices to showcase the merits of BluPrint.
“Carlson Rezidor is redefining the design process for investors and how travellers discover and explore our hotels. We are opening up a new world of experiential engagement, enabling a sensorial appreciation of what we have to offer,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president, Asia Pacific of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
Radisson describes BluPrint as “a new dynamic interior design programme that is implemented in new Radisson Blu hotels and resorts, and those that are to be refurbished.”
With its distinctive, flexible design the programme “enables hotels to achieve the perfect fusion of form and function by challenging traditional layouts, being responsive to evolving trends and requirements, and incorporating local cultural influences and artistry,” it added
With BluPrint hotels can have more multi-functional spaces, a variety of unique room configurations, as well as inventory flexibility in materials and colour schemes.
According to Radisson, BluPrint addresses three key aspects of the guest experience – guestrooms, social, meetings and event spaces.
Carlson Rezidor currently operates 46 Radisson Blu hotels and has 34 more under development in the Asia Pacific region
The BluPrint augmented reality app is free for download for Android and iOS devices at Google Play and Apple App Store respectively.
Find out more about BluPrint and download the app here.
CarTrawler partners with Shannon Airport
Wide range of transport optons for Shannon Airport’s customers. (Image credit: Shannon Airport website)
CarTrawler has teamed up with Shannon Airport to provide passengers with direct online access to a range of transport options including car rental, taxi, shuttle, and private transfers.
The exclusive deal between the two companies is also the first of its kind for any Irish airport.
Michael Cunningham, CarTrawler’s chief commercial officer, said the partnership would benefit Shannon Airport’s customers as they would “enjoy an enhanced booking experience with direct access to a full range of ground transportation solutions”.
Isabel Harrison, B2B manager of Shannon Airport, added the partnership was another step in making travel through the airport stress-free and to make FlyShannon.ie a one-stop-shop.
“Not only can you plan and book your holiday through FlyShanon.ie, you can now book your airport transfer or car hire at your final destination, safe in the knowledge that it will be waiting for you when you arrive.”
TripAdvisor recommends best time to book hotels for the summer holidays
Book early to get good rates when visiting Asia. (Image credit of Kuala Lumpur skyline: leungchopan/iStock)
Travel planning and booking site, TripAdvisor, has published its “Best Time to Book” report that recommends the least expensive times to book hotels for travel during the summer months of June, July and August.
The report analysed hotel bookings and interest in nine popular regions around the world for the three months. The results are based on TripAdvisor’s hotel booking and meta click data.
Findings showed the best time periods to book can vary depending on the region or city, and for most destinations the hotel rates change gradually over time without dramatic increases or decreases in price.
“Travellers who are researching their hotel stays would naturally look to be as cost effective as possible so their holiday budgets go a longer way,” said Janice Lee Fang, TripAdvisor’s communications director for Asia Pacific.
“Our report shows that the lead time to book a hotel stay varies depending on where you’re planning to travel to and also what sort of savings you can expect when you book on TripAdvisor during this period.”
Below is the breakdown of potential savings between June to August:
- Asia: Savings of 23% for hotels when booked within three months of the trip versus the peak period. Prices rise slightly three to five weeks ahead, with lowest prices in the final two weeks before the travel date.
- South Pacific: Savings of 19% or more per night when booked within five months of travel date.
- Europe: Travellers can save 23% book when booking their hotel rooms three to five months ahead versus the peak booking period.
- Middle East: Optimal booking period within four months of the travel date to get 24% savings. Prices increase slightly between three to four weeks ahead, dropping for last minute deals within a couple weeks of the travel date.
- United States: Hotel pricing remains fairly steady throughout the year, but those booking hotels within two months of their trip can save 7%.
- Caribbean: Booking within four months ahead of a trip can save travellers 7% compared to the peak pricing periods.
- Central America: Saving of 7% when booking within three months of a trip compared to peak periods.
- South America: Travellers can save 20% savings by booking within four months of the trip. Savings of 2%-4% when booked within the last few weeks before the travel date.
- Africa: Savings of 21% when booking a hotel within five months of the trip. Hotel rates rise slightly between three to five weeks ahead, dropping during the last two weeks before the travel date.
Langham Hospitality Group launches new corporate website
Langham Hospitality Group’s new corporate website.
Langham Hospitality Group has given its corporate website a complete makeover to highlight its branding, global portfolio of hotels, and its growth trajectory.
Acting as a business-to-business platform the website is designed to cater to various sectors of the industry and the public. They include hotel owners/developers seeking working relationship, investors looking for strategic financial partnerships, journalists searching for information, as well as career seekers who want to work with the group.
“This transformation project has been a long time in the making and completes our website revamp projects for our brands, affiliate hotels, and now our corporate site,” said Simon Manning, vice president, sales and marketing for the Langham Hospitality Group.
The new website is the latest addition to the group’s other digital platforms launched last year that include Langham Hotels & Resorts and Cordis Hotels & Resorts.
Manning said that the new sites reflect the “core pillars of Langham Hospitality Group – innovation, genuine service, design and captivation of the senses in terms of content and style.”
The refreshed corporate website can be accessed on all devices including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
