The SnapShot Marketplace was created to house pre-integrated applications created by both SnapShot and third-party developers. One of the innovative applications featured on the store is MyStay, the global relationship app that allows hotels to engage with guests through it's simple, open platform where hotels can place relevant information and specials. The MyStay app allows hotels and guests to interact through welcome SMS, real-time instant messaging, pre-arrival check-in with digital signature, instant feedback, navigation with points of interest, and more! Hotels are given countless opportunities to upsell room upgrades, spa services, F&B outlets, and activities, and increase their revenue while improving guest experiences. In order to better understand the story behind how MyStay was created and how the platform works, SnapShot interviewed Pavlina Zychova, the co-founder and CCO of MyStay, studied lawyer, and passionate traveler, to learn more.

We have some exciting hospitality news for you this week!

We hate to say, "We told you so," but... we told you so. Data analytics is fundamental to the success of a business, big or small. In the travel industry, there is a gargantuan amount of data that is still being unused, which is why we got into the data business in the first place! In the first read, Travel Appeal highlights the competitive advantages of using data analytics to not only improve your hotel's business performance, but also enhance customer engagement. And in the world of hospitality, customer engagement is what we're after at the end of the day, so why wouldn't we want to use data to benefit both our hotels and our guests? Looking ahead into the not too distant future, hotel technology is already advancing to the next level: robotics. While robots aren't necessarily considered new technology, according to our second read, more hotels are adopting robotic technology into their daily operations. Read the second article to find out why 56% of consumers and hotel operators think robotic services will be more prevalent in hotels by 2025. Jumping back to the present, the battle continues to wage on between hotels and online travel agencies (OTAs). However, as the saying goes, "If you can't beat them, join them," which is exactly what Hyatt has done with Ctrip, the Chinese online travel services giant. Instead of fighting over online bookings, the two companies have collaborated on the launch of an online flagship store for Ctrip members to access Hyatt hotels. Read the third article to see how the companies plan to expand from the Greater China region to the rest of the world.

Happy reading. 

We have some great reads for you this week!

In a world where push notifications and message alerts are popping up on our phones and computers at every second, minute, and hour of the day, it's safe to say that we are continuously connected to the happenings all around the globe through technology. When it comes to the hospitality industry, it is crucial for a hotel to be just as connected. Hotels must be aware of any breaking news in order to ensure the safety of its guests, employees, and property. The first read demonstrates how hotels are now integrating social media data to gather information and improve their security operations with more immediate responses. Not only do hotels need to be connected for security reasons, but also for marketing purposes as well. In our second read, Facebook encourages the travel industry to prioritize mobile strategies to reach more guests as more than two billion messages are being exchanged between brands and people each month. With consumers spending more and more time on mobile, hotels should consider focusing on mobile to drive business growth. While technology is clearly essential for advancement in the hotel industry, there is still a technology deficit in the sector and the need for more interconnectivity within the market. The third article highlights the importance of integrations between hotel technology providers and how working together can improve innovation, efficiency, and profitability for the industry overall.

Happy reading.