Voice

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News / Technology

Travel chatbot provider Mindsay acquired by automation specialist Laiye

By Mitra Sorrells | April 14, 2022

Mindsay's AI-powered chat solutions are used by hotels, airlines, airports, OTAs and rail companies to automate customer service. Read More

Opinion / Technology

No, guests do not require human-provided services in hospitality

By Max Starkov - hospitality consultant and strategist | January 4, 2022

Max Starkov makes a case that in five years, hotels will operate with about 50% of the staff they had in 2019 – and that’s not a bad thing. Read More

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News / Technology

Jin Jiang partners with Tencent to spur hospitality innovation in China

By Mitra Sorrells | December 21, 2021

The hospitality and technology companies will work together to identify startups and to enable them to test their solutions in Jin Jiang%27s hotels. Read More

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News / Online

Uniguest acquires Volara to launch voice tech division

By Mitra Sorrells | November 4, 2021

Volara founder and CEO Dave Berger will become executive vice president of Uniguest’s new voice division, which will maintain the brand name of Volara. Read More

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News / Technology

Disney, Amazon unveil custom voice assistant

By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | September 30, 2021

Disney World hotel guests will be able to use the Amazon Echo device for information, requests and interactive experiences. Read More

Interview / Technology

VIDEO: Qtravel - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2021

By PhocusWire | July 12, 2021

Qtravel is a Travel-Search-as-a-Service to easily develop tailored, fast search and discovery experiences that decrease costs and convert. Read More

Opinion / Technology

Is robotics taking over hospitality? Yes and no

By Chris Connar - Angie Hospitality | March 19, 2021

Robots and automated technology support the current evolution of hospitality, but only when they allow staff to focus on delivering exceptional guest services. Read More

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Opinion / Technology

How automation can facilitate hospitality’s recovery

By Brad Beumer - UiPath | February 3, 2021

Automation technologies can be used to benefit guests and staff, now and into the future. Read More

News / Online

Tripadvisor creates virtual destination tour via Amazon Alexa

By Kevin May | January 29, 2021

The idea is that Alexa prompts users to choose their own tour, allowing them to visit over several minutes such attractions as nature spots, landmarks, cultural locations and restaurants. Read More

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Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: Youtip provides digital tipping for hotels, tour operators and more

By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2021

Users scan QR codes or tap links in email or text messages to access the payment system. Read More

News / Technology

InPhocus, episode 31 - Getting the right signals for a recovery

By PhocusWire | December 18, 2020

Medallia's Geoff Ryskamp discusses everything from voice tech and social media to how brands have figured out what "signals" to listen to. Read More

Interview / Startups

VIDEO: Volara - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020

By PhocusWire | November 24, 2020

The travel and hospitality communications platform for the post-pandemic era. Read More

Interview / Startups

Hot 25 Startups 2021: Volara

By PhocusWire | November 9, 2020

Volara provides custom voice-based solutions to the hospitality industry, using its proprietary software that creates a hotel business tool running on hardware like the Amazon Echo and Google Nest Hub,... Read More

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News / Technology

Touchless tech: Cruise lines adapt to prepare for a healthy return to sailing

By Mitra Sorrells | September 17, 2020

While cruising remains on hold for many lines, companies are finding news ways to add contactless solutions into the guest experience to minimize risk in the future. Read More