Latest news with #LaurentVoivenel
Al Bawaba
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Swiss-Belhotel International Shaping Guest Journeys by Blending Smart Technology with Human Touch
As guest expectations evolve rapidly in line with advancing technology, Swiss-Belhotel International, a global hospitality group with a presence in over 20 countries, is elevating hotel experiences through innovation, human-centric technology, and purposeful 18 diverse brands under its umbrella, Swiss-Belhotel International is uniquely positioned to respond to shifting travel trends across all segments, from economy to luxury, and from city hotels to wellness A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations & Development, EMAI; and Senior Vice President, Group Human Resources & Talent Development at Swiss-Belhotel International, said: 'In today's world, guest expectations are no longer dictated by traditional star ratings alone but by authenticity, digital convenience, and a sense of purpose. At Swiss-Belhotel International, with a guest-first approach, we are committed to delivering meaningful and personalised experiences at every touchpoint.'Recent industry research indicates that over 70% of travellers now prefer digital options for check-in, service requests, and concierge functions, while 78% want their travel to positively impact the communities they visit. Laurent stressed, 'From pre-opening to operational launch, we are focused on local relevance, and digital readiness as well as sustainability. We embed technology and team culture into our pre-opening strategy to ensure a cohesive and brand-aligned guest journey from day one.'Swiss-Belhotel International continues to invest in smart systems and AI integration to offer seamless personalisation. According to a recent Skift study, AI-driven personalisation can boost guest satisfaction by 24% and improve upsell conversions by 30%. 'Our aim is not to replace people with technology, but to empower them,' noted Laurent. 'We believe in freeing our teams from routine tasks so they can focus on what truly matters is delivering memorable, human moments. Whether it's creating spaces where families can connect, or providing retreats that promote personal well-being, our hotels are designed to restore and inspire.' Swiss-Belhotel International sees adaptability as a key pillar of its succes. With guest behaviours, technology, and global conditions evolving in tandem, the group remains agile in its response.
Trade Arabia
14-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Swiss-Belhotel enhances digital transformation
Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) is set to redefine its digital landscape in 2025, marking it as the 'Year of Technological Enhancement.' With a focus on optimising direct bookings and enhancing guest engagement, the group is making significant investments in the latest digital solutions, including an advanced booking engine, a new brand website, introducing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, enhanced digital marketing tools, and the launch of a dedicated mobile app for its loyalty programme. As part of its broader strategic focus, Swiss-Belhotel International's technological transformation aligns with its robust expansion plans, including a series of upcoming acquisitions. These initiatives will strengthen SBI's position as a future-ready hospitality brand, enhancing both revenue and operational efficiency while delivering an improved guest experience worldwide Gavin Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, stated, 'The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, with technology at the core of this transformation. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we are making significant investments in digital innovation to enhance efficiency, elevate guest engagement, and optimise direct revenue streams. These advancements will empower our hotels, improve operational performance, and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Furthermore, this digital transformation will not only strengthen our direct booking channels but also support our ambitious expansion plans.' A key element of SBI's digital evolution is the introduction of a next-generation booking engine, designed to enhance user experience, boost conversion rates, and optimise revenue from direct bookings. The new system integrates advanced promotional tools, personalised booking boosters, and cross-selling capabilities across SBI properties. Additionally, it will drive incremental F&B revenue by offering seamless dining and room service integration. The upcoming brand website will provide a streamlined, content-rich interface with improved navigation and real-time engagement tools, ensuring guests have a superior booking experience. Complementing this is the introduction of an advanced CRM system, which will enable targeted guest communication, upselling opportunities, and personalized interactions via WhatsApp. The system will also support automated post-stay surveys, improving online reputation and guest satisfaction. The SBI Loyalty Programme mobile app will further enhance guest interaction, offering direct booking capabilities, exclusive partner promotions, online check-in, and in-app communication. This digital innovation will not only increase guest retention but also provide a convenient and personalised travel experience. Laurent Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEAI; Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development at Swiss-Belhotel International, commented, 'The Middle East and Africa are among the fastest-growing markets for Swiss-Belhotel International. With our expanding portfolio, digital transformation is critical to delivering seamless experiences for our guests while optimising revenue for our properties. Our new technological tools will empower hotels with enhanced marketing capabilities, a stronger direct booking strategy, and improved loyalty engagement.' -TradeArabia News Service
