Marriott Introduces AI-Powered Search for Perfect Vacation Homes

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 26, 2024

Marriott International is taking a giant leap forward in the travel industry with its latest innovation: an AI-powered search tool on its Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy platform. This cutting-edge feature is set to revolutionise how travellers find their perfect vacation spot.

Partnering with Publicis Sapient, Marriott has developed a search tool that understands natural language, allowing users to describe their dream vacation in their own words. Whether you're dreaming of a beachfront bungalow or a cosy mountain cabin, this tool digs through over 140,000 premium and luxury rentals in 800 destinations to find your match.

What makes this tool stand out? It's all about personalization. You can detail what you want in a vacation - from activities like hiking and dining to specific amenities - and the AI does the rest. It even provides local weather and nearby activities, ensuring you have all the info you need to make a decision.

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Jennifer Hsieh, Vice President of Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, explains, "Our AI search tool is a game-changer. It allows travellers to focus on what they truly want from their vacation, helping them discover not just a place to stay, but a memorable travel experience."

This tool is currently in the testing phase, with plans to roll it out widely on both the website and mobile platforms in the coming weeks. It represents a part of Marriott International's broader tech transformation aimed at creating more seamless and engaging customer experiences.

In other news, Marriott is also expanding globally, with a new W Hotels brand set to open in Sanya, China, by Q2 2028, marking another exciting development for the company.

Whether you're planning your next getaway or just dreaming of one, Marriott's new AI-powered search might just lead you to your next great adventure.

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Accor Unveils "Hospitality is a Work of Heart" Initiative to Revitalize Hospitality Talent Culture

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 10, 2024

In a bid to rejuvenate the hospitality sector and reinforce its commitment to its workforce, Accor, a leading global hospitality group, has launched its new Employee Value Proposition (EVP) – "Hospitality is a Work of Heart." This initiative aims to highlight the essence of heartfelt experiences and the artistry of hospitality, while addressing the evolving landscape of talent expectations within the industry.

The pandemic-induced challenges have significantly impacted the hospitality talent pool, emphasizing the need for transparency, authenticity, and purpose-driven work environments. Accor recognizes these shifting dynamics and endeavors to showcase the distinct strengths of the sector while acknowledging its challenges transparently.

Accor's EVP is centered around its people, acknowledging them as the heart of the organization. With over 330,000 Heartists® working across its vast network spanning 110 countries and 45+ brands, Accor fosters a culture of empowerment, celebrating diversity, creativity, and individuality. The company's internal network, RiiSE, promotes gender equality and diversity, offering mentoring opportunities and striving for increased female representation in leadership roles.

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The EVP’s four core pillars encapsulate the unique benefits of working with Accor:

Be All You Are: Celebrates the diverse and inclusive culture, promoting autonomy and individuality within the workforce.

Grow & Create Your Path: Reflects Accor's commitment to learning and development, offering training programs and career advancement opportunities.

Work with Purpose: Highlights the opportunity for Heartists® to create memorable experiences for guests while making a positive impact on sustainability and social issues.

Enjoy & Feel Valued: Recognizes and appreciates the dedication of Accor's workforce, fostering a culture of feedback and continuous improvement.

Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer at Accor, expressed pride in unveiling the new EVP, emphasizing the industry's unique ability to create career opportunities and inspire passion. He underscored the significance of working in hospitality as more than just a job but as an opportunity to embark on a journey of the heart.

Accor's “Hospitality is a Work of Heart” initiative aims to attract and retain top talent while reaffirming its commitment to ethical business practices, sustainability, and diversity. As a global leader in hospitality, Accor continues to innovate and evolve, shaping the future of the industry with its heartfelt approach to hospitality.

About Accor

Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in over 5,500 properties, including hotels, food & beverage venues, wellness facilities, and flexible workspaces. With a diverse portfolio of over 45 hotel brands and a commitment to responsible tourism, sustainable development, and diversity & inclusion, Accor is dedicated to creating positive impacts in communities worldwide. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and listed on Euronext Paris and the OTC Market in the United States. For more information, visit www.group.accor.com or follow Accor on social media platforms.

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Avatara: Mumbai Welcomes a Michelin-Starred Vegetarian Haven

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 10, 2024

In the vibrant landscape of Mumbai's culinary scene, a new star is set to shine bright - Avatara, the world's first and only vegetarian Indian Michelin-starred restaurant. This groundbreaking establishment, part of the esteemed Passion F&B family, is poised to redefine fine dining with its grand launch on April 8, 2024.

Originating from Dubai, Avatara is the brainchild of Chefs Rahul Rana and Himanshu Saini, visionaries committed to challenging culinary norms. Their mission: to craft a fine-dining experience that celebrates vegetarian gastronomy exclusively.

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Avatara's 14-course vegetarian degustation menu, priced at INR 4500++, promises a symphony of flavours meticulously curated to tantalize the taste buds. With seating for up to 65 guests per meal, the restaurant offers intimate spaces including the Main Dining Room, Private Dining Room, and Wine Cellar, each designed to ensure an unforgettable dining experience with impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail.

The culinary journey at Avatara begins with a nod to tradition and innovation, where unassuming vegetables take center stage. From bitter gourd to turnips, every dish is a testament to Chef Rana's ingenuity, challenging perceptions and elevating Indian vegetarian cuisine to new heights.

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Drawing inspiration from India's rich culinary tapestry, Avatara's menu showcases a harmonious blend of regional flavours and ingredients. Chef Sanket Joshi, at the helm of Mumbai operations, infuses Maharashtrian influences into each dish, adding a unique twist to familiar classics.

But Avatara isn't just about food; it's an immersive sensory experience. The restaurant's interiors pay homage to Chef Rana's hometown of Uttarakhand, with cool blue swirls and sand colours reminiscent of the Ganga, creating an ambiance that transports diners to a realm of tranquility and indulgence.

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With its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, Avatara invites guests to embark on a culinary journey like no other, where every bite tells a story and every dish is a masterpiece in its own right. Get ready to savour the extraordinary at Avatara - where vegetarian gastronomy takes center stage and culinary dreams come to life.

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eTip Integrates with Oracle Cloud to Streamline Tipping and Financial Processes in Hospitality

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 8, 2024

eTip, a leading digital tipping and financial benefits platform, has made significant strides in enhancing the hospitality industry's tipping and financial processes by integrating with Oracle Cloud Marketplace. This collaboration empowers hotels and hospitality companies to streamline tipping procedures and optimise financial management, ultimately enhancing guest experience and employee satisfaction.

As a member of Oracle PartnerNetwork, eTip is now available on the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and seamlessly integrates with OPERA Cloud through the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform (OHIP). This integration enables hotels to leverage Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud to enhance employee satisfaction by automating tip disbursement with eTip's cashless platform while streamlining operations.

Nicolas Cassis, co-founder and CEO of eTip, emphasised the growing demand for technologies like eTip and OPERA Cloud, highlighting the need for hospitality companies to automate and simplify manual tasks in hotel management. The integration with Oracle Cloud Marketplace extends eTip's commitment to the Oracle community and enables customers to easily access the benefits of the platform.

The integration offers several benefits, including enabling guests to tip quickly using a branded QR-code-based process, eliminating the need to download any additional apps. Additionally, the Charge to Room feature allows guests to consolidate all charges, including tips, onto a single bill, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

eTip's platform also provides near-instant automated tip disbursement and robust reporting capabilities, including compliance and tax reporting, tips per occupied room, and performance reporting by team, property, brand, and group. These features are expected to translate into positive guest feedback and contribute to improved employee morale and guest satisfaction.

By simplifying the tipping process and optimising financial management, eTip aims to increase staff earnings and hourly wages, leading to higher employee morale and an enhanced guest experience. The platform is designed for large-scale hospitality operations, saving management teams time in financial reconciliation and reducing employee turnover costs.

Oracle Cloud Marketplace serves as a central hub for Oracle customers seeking trusted business applications and services, offering solutions that extend Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications. OCI provides a scalable, secure environment for various cloud options, including multi-cloud, hybrid cloud, public cloud, and dedicated cloud, ensuring flexibility while maintaining data residency and regulatory compliance.

In conclusion, the integration of eTip with Oracle Cloud represents a significant advancement in streamlining tipping and financial processes in the hospitality industry. By leveraging innovative technologies and seamless integrations, hotels and hospitality companies can enhance guest experience, improve employee satisfaction, and optimise financial management, driving overall operational efficiency and success.

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