Hospitalitech Magazine - December Issue

December Issue RobosizeME® secures industry leaders for Advisory Board

The risk of credit card fraud rises while traveling

Upcoming Portrush Luxury Hotel and Spa to Global Portfolio

Pages 6

Pages 20-21

Pages 24-25

www.hospitalitech.co.uk

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Contents 4

Industry News

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Editor’s Choice

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Apps

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Recommended Suppliers

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Next Months Features

To feature in an upcoming issue or to discuss advertising opportunities please contact a member of the Hospitalitech team; Publication Manager Dean Little - 01227 314 324 dean@warmwelcomemagazine.com Sales & Marketing Manager Michael Amor - 01227 314 324 michael@warmwelcomemagazine.com Editorial Assistant Carol Jean - 01227 314 324 carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com

Dines partners with Star to enhance its intuitive and powerful omnichannel platform with StarPrinter.Online With hospitality venues under increasing pressure to meet higher customer expectations and greater levels of convenience and choice, investment in innovative POS technology is more important than ever. By taking advantage of unique and flexible solutions, businesses can respond to these challenges and thrive in an increasingly difficult operating environment.

One company that understands the importance of innovative technology is Dines. Founded in 2016, the company has grown from strength to strength to offer an all-in-one ordering system, allowing venues to run the entire hospitality business on a single, powerful, omnichannel platform. Catering to the needs of different settings, Dines offers tailored solutions to restaurants, pubs, bars and cafés, theatres and cinemas as well as weddings and events, attractions and pop-ups.

For the very latest in order management, Dines turned to Star for its CloudPRNT™ and more recently StarPrinter.Online technology. With CloudPRNT available across a range of Star thermal receipt and label printers as well as matrix kitchen printers, Star provides the largest range of multi-platform remote cloud receipt and online ordering printers available today.

The technology benefits hospitality venues by enabling customer orders to be sent directly to the printer from an online ordering service or app, eliminating the need for an additional tablet in the bar or restaurant.

Moreover, Star CloudPRNT enabled printers are able to receive orders from multiple channels including POS, tablet, web and cloud which results in an efficient ordering and transaction process for any hospitality business.

For venues that prefer a fully managed CloudPRNT service, Star has recently introduced StarPrinter.

Online, a dedicated service for businesses to manage the printer estate with minimal setup time and 4

cost as well as near zero integration.

This allows printing direct from an ordering website through the REST API or direct from the page with JavaScript, or even via email; order emails can be forwarded directly to the chef’s printer for preparation.

The ordering service can not only communicate directly with the printer to create print jobs, but also receive the status of the printer estate. An online dashboard provides a complete overview of all devices and activity with webhook based notification of device status changes, barcode scans, new print job results, device connections to a group, etc. Additional printers and peripherals can simply be added without the need for server upgrades.

Dil Hussain, CEO at Dines explains how the technology helps to expand their offering to venues and the key benefits it provides.

How does StarPrinter.Online enable Dines to provide mobile ordering?

With StarPrinter.Online, our clients are no longer limited to local networking and short ranged Bluetooth connections. Whatever their setup, wherever they may be in the world, StarPrinter.Online can support them.

For example, if a theatre patron is heading to a matinee and wants to pre-order their drinks as they get off the tube, they can. They order and pay from their phone using Dines, then a ticket is sent directly to the venue for preparation via StarPrinter.Online.

Drinks are prepared and ready to be collected on arrival. It’s never been easier to manage orders, no matter which channel they come from, and we have seen this technology thrive in a range of venues including Winter Wonderland, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and The Shard.

How can StarPrinter.Online help with order and queue management in-house?

Ordering in-house could not be

simpler. The customer can order at their table without having to wait for a server to place an order and then pay later, whilst queues at the bar are reduced allowing bar staff to focus on other tasks. This becomes even more versatile when different printers fire out tickets for different stations (drinks/food/salads), reducing bottlenecks during peak times.

How does StarPrinter.Online help venues to manage the printer estate?

With data on printer status, jobs in the queue, last online timestamps (and even if there’s a paper jam!), debugging issues and managing multiple printers, completely online, is now effortless thanks to StarPrinter.Online.

In summary, what are the key benefits of StarPrinter.Online?

Key to StarPrinter.Online is flexibility for both customers and venues.

Customers can order not just where they want but how they want using any kind of device, whilst venues have a central point to receive and manage orders. With no restrictions imposed by cabling or local networks, or even limited Bluetooth ranges, StarPrinter.

Online allows venues worldwide to print receipts and manage orders anywhere with Internet access.

When outdoors serving food at a busy festival stall, or whilst pouring champagne from the Top of the Shard overlooking London’s skyline, all modern hospitality setups can rely on StarPrinter.Online.

For further information, visit: www.Dines.co.uk www.Star-EMEA.com

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RobosizeME® secures industry leaders for Advisory Board Specialist in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for hospitality to build on initial success RPA to save staff from menial administrative and data tasks and secure thousands of people hours to manage staff shortages Award-winning travel technology start-up has appointed three industry stalwarts to its Advisory Board, as RobosizeME® beefs up its delivery team and RPA solutions to tackle staff shortages in the industry.

Douglas Rice, Riko van Santen and Simone Puorto bring a breadth of experience across the travel and hospitality industry as the company seeks to raise awareness of its managed Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions.

Douglas Rice is a global hospitality technology leader specialising in strategic projects, and market

and product expansion. Widely known as the Founder and CEO of Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG), and currently Managing Director of the Hospitality Technology Network, Rice provides strategic services to promising start-ups and small to mid-sized technology providers in the hospitality industry.

Riko van Santen brings expertise from over 20 years revenue, distribution, technology, digital marketing and loyalty experience.

Currently Chief Information Officer and member of the management board at Kempinski Hotels S.A., van Santen’s hands-on hotel experience will further aid RobosizeME’s mission to provide technology which positively impacts the real-world experiences of guests and hotel operational teams.

Futurist and founder of the travel technology consulting firm Travel

Singularity, self-proclaimed ‘Techno Majesty’ Simone Puorto will draw upon his technology innovation experience. In partnership with Hospitality Net, Puorto organised Polybius, the first travel and hospitality gathering in the Metaverse in May 2022, now a quarterly event.

RobosizeME was founded by Stephen Burke (formerly of Sciant and RateTiger), is based in the Czech Republic and recently launched its Robotic Process Automation (RPA) service for the hospitality industry. Burke remains CEO. Speaking on behalf of the Board, van Santen said: “We are excited to be onboard with RobosizeME. Automation has potential for exponential growth in the hospitality industry and can address some key operational challenges by processing repetitive tasks. This will ease the workload on hotel staff particularly in revenue management, front office and in finance teams, allowing them to re-center on adding value to the business and to guests. As a group, we believe our experiences in technology and hospitality will help Stephen and his team grow awareness of automation’s potential and make RobosizeME synonymous with RPA.” Burke added: “Our RPA services have been carefully constructed with hotels in mind. We want to free the people from important yet menial administrative and data tasks to let them focus on driving the strategic objectives for the business and building memorable experiences for their guests. The new Advisory Board will help us achieve that goal.”

RobosizeME was winner of the Judge’s Choice Award at the Entrepreneur 20X competition at HITEC 2022, and shortlisted in the Skift Idea Awards 2022.

For more information on RobosizeME and RPA within hospitality, visit www.robosize.me

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Chairman appointed for hotel tech company’s new journey SilverRail CEO Chairman of Journey Hospitality board Aaron Gowell named Chairman of Journey Hospitality Board restructures following £5m growth capital investment, boosting Journey’s vision of revolutionising the hotel sector with ecommerce Hotel tech company Journey Hospitality has appointed Aaron Gowell as Chairman, as the company commences a new growth phase.

Founder and CEO of SilverRail Technologies, Gowell has an excellent track record of growing technology companies, returning an average of over three times value growth, and creating more than 1,000 jobs.

Gowell was part of the founding team at General Catalyst, investing in pioneering travel technology companies such as Kayak, Airbnb and Sabre. His blend of ecommerce nous and successful

entrepreneurship has changed the way various travel sectors operate, encouraging a broader ‘retail-first’ approach.

Gowell said: “At SilverRail, our technology improves the way rail travel is booked, and at National Leisure Group, we did the same for the cruise industry. With their onejourney® solution, Simon and the team at Journey have already started the ecommerce revolution within the hotel industry, and I’m excited to be able to help them step it up even further.”

The new-look Board also includes Simon Bullingham, Founder and CEO, and Simon Rowan, partner at Averroes Capital, the private equity firm who provided £5m capital growth funding to the company in November 2022.

Journey’s recent capital growth investment will enable the British company to deliver its vision to

revolutionise ecommerce for the hospitality industry, particularly to advance product development and expand into new markets.

The investment will also be used to enhance Journey’s team including the bolstering of senior level executives alongside product development, sales and operations as the headcount increases to more than 100 staff in the short term.

Founder and CEO of Journey, Simon Bullingham, said: “Aaron’s thirst for improving the travel sector is legendary.

Being able to tap into his business acumen and success in the sector will allow us to unlock the next stage of Journey’s development. The hotel industry is ready for a shake-up, and we’re delighted to be in the vanguard.”

Journey Hospitality has over 400 luxury hotel property customers worldwide. In the past year, its annual software revenue has grown by 151%, with revenue forecast set to grow rapidly in the next 12 months.

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Mr Yumchanging makes major Game Wi-Fiacquisition to personalise dining experiences

The pandemic has accelerated our adoption of new technologies.

Without consistent internet and Mobile ordering andhospitality payments suitable Wi-Fi, many company Yum has by acquired venues areMr impacted loss of leading hospitality Customer revenue.

Relationship Management (CRM) and marketing company Sprout.

Here we catch up with Ben Jones from Roxy to talk about how The two companies they stayLondon-based connected with Switch will combine, with Sprout’s fullNetworks. time staff joining Mr Yum to create a global team of more than 260 of Ben Jones Commercial Director employees, who will continue Roxy - Please can you give us an building innovative tools for intro on Roxy. hospitality and entertainment venues in the UK people and around Roxy is for social who the world.to embrace their playful want side, Roxy brings the playground Mrthe Yum CEO and Co-founder to bar, with a huge variety of Kim Teo and saysmassive the acquisition will games, rock & indie accelerate company’s tunes.

Their the venues providemission a of connecting venues with their range of entertainment including guests in meaningful and valuable pool tables, ping pong, bowling, ways. shuffleboard, mini golf, arcade gaming and karaoke.

“This deal is an evolution of a successful partnership between Tell us about the Roxy experience our two with Sprout and howcompanies, Switch Networks help you integrated to achieve with this?Mr Yum in many shared locations over the past year, We want customers to get the most out of visiting our venues and always wanting to come back for

more, that’s why it’s important for our venues to run seamlessly and we invest heavily into our network including Boxpark and Swingers to ensure the customer experience crazy golf venues,” she says. is excellent.

Everything from our bookings system, telephones, drink “We’re thrilled welcome Sprout QR codes andto tills are networked intohaving the MraYum family.

They’ve built so good infrastructure a world-class teamaand technology is key to delivering successful solution and we’re excited to pour offering.

We always get Switch fuel on theinvolved fire andearly dream big build with Networks in our the innovation that’s process to ensure wepossible have theby combining our two offerings. ” required infrastructure and over the years we have used more and Teo says consumers are eager to more of their services. have more personalised dining experiences andyour the acquisition In a time where operations will accelerate developmenthow rely so heavilythe on technology, of sophisticated new products have Switch Networks helpedto your enable hospitality operators to deliver business to adapt? bespoke service to their customers.

As the world changes and ever “Together, we’ll build things that more technology runs on internet have never been the done in hospitality we have realised need for a before. Ourcompany venue customers reputable who canare help screaming out for innovative ways with networking and IT. We started to create ongoing, meaningful using Switch Networks years ago just relationships their guests, like to supply our with IP telephone system being able tolink offer discounts so we could all unique our businesses or to our let them favourite with headknow officetheir easily, we now itemthem is back on the menu, ” she says. use to look after everything Network related from CCTV installs and upgrades to leased lines and secure guest networks.

They have a wealth of knowledge and have helped design a reliable network infrastructure within our “We’re going to make a real estate of 10 venues. difference in the way people experience dining. You’ll walk in the City centre locations have door and the host will know your notoriously poor internet name, your favourite table to sit at, connections.

How have Switch the pinot noir youyou enjoy and that Networks helped overcome you love spicy food. this?

“By combining our products City Centre internet is someat ofan incredibly level, this vision the worse deep internet speeds andwill is soon becomewhich a reality. ” Sprout is inaccessible is unbelievable the leading CRM marketing considering how and much it has platform for over hospitality venues progressed the years.

Switch with brands Nando’s, have helpedincluding us manage this by Shake Shack andlines Accor sourcing leased in Hotels all our using the company’s technology in venues and project managed thousands of locations across the from ordering through to install of UK, Australia and theeven US. helped the lines, they have some of our neighbouring bars Mr Yum the global leader that we is have sharedmarket our lines in mobile ordering payments with.

Switch alsoand recommended for back-ups restaurants, officesin across 4G in with all venues case Australia, theline UK and the US. The our primary lost connection acquisition follows Mr Yum’s £58M which is a great comfort capital raise how in 2021. considering much we rely on the internet.

Sprout co-founder Andy Marcus says combining twoSwitch companies To find out more the about will drive the creation Networks please visit: of a global best-in-class growth platformor for www.switch-networks.co.uk/ call hospitality and entertainment on 01653 917000 venues.

“Together we’ll be able to rapidly scale solutions to provide venues with deeper and more seamless insights into their customers, which will enable them to provide superior and more meaningful hospitality experiences,” he says.

“Integrating our powerful and intuitive CRM into Mr Yum’s industryleading platform will help create elegant, data-driven one-to-one conversations between venues and their guests for the first time. We are incredibly excited about what the future holds for the company.”

Mr Yum has grown from 12 to more than 260 full-time staff in the past 24 months, with teams in London, Sydney, Brisbane and the Melbourne headquarters.

Mr Yum has 15 million users and more than 1500 venues on the platform globally. www.mryum.com

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REFRESHINGLY GOOD WI-FI Designed for the hospitality sector Call us on 01653 917000 or Email us at info@switch-networks.co.uk www.switch-networks.co.uk 9 21

Cultural change to digitalise the guest journey

By Ryan Haynes, Director, Haynes MarComs - travel and hospitality marketing - technology expert Staffing hotels in a recruitment crisis to meet guest expectations When solving one problem, you can often find ways to solve other problems. When speaking with the CIO of RBH Management, I discovered technology was helping in many other areas.

RBH Management recently undertook a full redevelopment of

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one of its properties. The central London hotel needed to keep costs low without compromising on guest expectations, by developing digital touchpoints within the hotel it was able to improve operations and maintain guest satisfaction. Being one of the UKs leading independent hotel management companies with a portfolio of more than 45 hotels, RBH is responsible for maximising returns for hotel owners, no easy feat when costs are spiralling out of control, guests expectations are higher than ever, and there’s a major recruitment crisis in the industry.

Working with prestigious brands like Hilton Hotels and Resorts, IHG Accor, Wyndham Worldwide and Marriott International, RBH has benchmarks to fulfil. Vibhu Gaind, CIO has been leading the digitalisation journey across the group’s portfolio. Although the group was already making technological changes, Vibhu explains how COVID19

accelerated the process. But at the core of the development the overall aim is to use technology to make contacts with guests “more meaningful”.

The group has installed staff-less check-ins and digital dining, and is experimenting with a pilot project with lobby ambassadors at the central London hotel. They can check guests in on iPads, or at kiosks. Meanwhile, they engage, answering questions about hotel services and the best places to visit.

Vibhu explains why the strategy depends on location. “You have guests in the leisure market who love in-person check-ins and want to know about the facilities and service levels. It’s a portfolio where staff-less check-in would not be considered.” But at corporate hotels in city centres, busy corporate guests often want to go directly to rooms without interacting. “You’ve used technology to enable a quick experience for the transaction. And

you interact with guests at a more meaningful level.”

Vidbhu explains why it’s also important to consider typical guest behaviour because some hotels may have different strategies during the week and at weekends, when leisure guests arrive. “It’s not about how do I get the check-in done now, it’s about how do I service the guests? Make them feel welcome to give them that unique experience, that personal touch?”

Removing receptionists also allows the hotel to deploy more staff for services like F&B. “Suddenly you’re open to a level of staffing where everybody’s trained in all factors and customer service truly becomes a synergy across the hotel,” he says. “It’s about getting away from the nitty-gritty and focusing on customer service. It’s part of a big cultural shift.”

At this point, Vibhu says the hotel can look to hire multi-skilled individuals from outside the sector. “We’ve seen many peers transition to other industries over the last couple of years and we need to be bringing people in from these other sectors,” he says.

Adopting the new technologies, though, does not require as much training as it once did and PMS systems are more user-friendly.

But training is crucial. Vibhu also speaks about how the group has changed its approach to its tech stack to become more “Microsoft heavy”. “That makes adoption easier,” he says. But the company also considers innovative new entrants into the tech space.

He explained that they install systems that are appropriate for a particular property, rather than just having a specific system.

“It is customised to each hotel.

But if we see a specified system is better suited for the leisure market, we’ll use that for those hotels.”

Listen to the full conversation between Ryan Haynes and Vibhu Gaind on Travel Market Life podcast

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Hop Software Hop was developed by hoteliers with over 40 years of experience in the industry, but not only that, but the majority of the Hop staff also come from a hospitality background. Therefore, as a team, we deeply understand what precisely overnight venues need to reduce stresses, increase direct bookings, and lower commission spending. We set out with a purpose to take our past learnings and develop a tool that would assist us, and now it can help you too!

Hop is an all-in-one, cloud-based Property Management System that has been expertly developed by hoteliers - with you, your team, and your guests in mind. At Hop, we aim to deliver an easy-to-use, reliable, and affordable system that will significantly increase revenue through increasing direct bookings, reducing time spent on additional admin and making your guest’s experience seamless.

Our HopPMS will assist in providing excellence for hotels in various practical ways.

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1. Our Booking Engine is seamlessly integrated, commission-free and optimised for mobile, allowing reservations directly through your website 24/7.

2. HopPMS links with OTA’s, allowing for distributing and updating listings all from one platform. OTA’s include Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, Hotels.com, HotelBeds and more.

3. We have further developed an Event Management tool within our PMS, allowing hotels to manage events from initial enquiry through to post event feedback.

4. Reporting has been implemented across all areas of the HopPMS, allowing hotels to pull data on any information they need at the click of a button.

5. Managing guest and corporate profiles have never been easier than using our embedded CRM. 6. Got Multiple Properties? HopPMS can centrally manage Hotel

Groups, including reservations, inventory, rates distribution and maintenance plans.

7. As an add-on, hotels can have their own bespoke HopApp allowing for easy access for guests to book, check-in and out, order food, make payments and access property information.

Our software has been developed with the genuine desire to help simplify processes. Clients can manage listings, reservations and guests from one simple, easyto-use dashboard. In addition, our PMS has a built-in academy that is regularly updated, making learning the system accessible to everybody.

With our hassle-free PMS, properties will instantly benefit by saving money and, as a result, increasing revenue; this can be achieved by reducing hours spent on admin, increasing direct bookings and having more time to give guests a high level of attention.

Fast. Reliable.

Cost-Effective.

Cloud-Based.

Property Management System.

Fed up with your stressful Property Management System? Let us put a smile back on your face!

HopPMS is designed by hoteliers for hoteliers, thats why we know our Property Management System will make things simple, giving you the time to focus on the things that matter... your guests!

So, whats covered in the PMS?

Booking Engine

Mobile optimised, commission-free, customisable Booking Engine.

Channel Manager

Distribute listing through all major OTA’s such as Booking.com and Expedia etc.

Event Management

All the tools to manage events from initial enquiry to post-event feedback.

Revenue & Reporting

Real-time reporting anytime, anywhere.

Rooms sold to the right guest, at the right time, for the right price!

CRM

Stay in touch with guests pre & poststay and get insights into your guests’ preferences and purchasing.

Multi-Property

Enables hotel groups to centrally manage reservations, inventory distribution, and rates from one platform.

Boost revenue with the bespoke branded HopApp

For more info call us on: 0345 301 0034, email us at: sales@hopsoftware.com or visit: hopsoftware.com

It’s Lolly launches carbon food scoring app It’s Lolly, the hospitality technology specialist, has launched carbon food scoring functionality in its app. The new tool is designed to help customers to understand the carbon impact of the food and drinks they order.

The carbon food scoring tool is able to calculate the Co2e value1 for each product with an at-a-glance visual scale enabling the user to understand the CO2e score and where it is on a scale of low to high. These measures help customers understand the impact their food choices make on the planet. It helps to put them in control of making informed carbon food choices and reducing their individual carbon footprint.

They are advised, as an example, that an enchilada comes in at a score of 50 Co2e (medium), whereas fish and chips are rated very high at 300. When a customer makes their food choices, adding, deselecting or amending items, they can see the ordering system adding up or subtracting the overall carbon rating. Uniquely,

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operators can send encouraging messages relating to the CO2e such as ‘your CO2e is 100 Co2e against an average of 200 Co2e’. And as they can see the score by individual product – they are knowledgeable about how environmentally sound their decisions are. A major client of It’s Lolly, who is launching this functionality is committed to combining the Co2e of all its staff, and offsetting it monthly.

Peter Moore, CEO at Lolly, comments: “Just as it has become mandatory for some businesses to clearly and prominently display calorie counts, at the point of choice, it could only be a matter of time before sustainability measures are a ‘licence’ to operate. In which case, we’re helping our hospitality customers get ahead of the game.

“With the UK government’s drive to slash carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and reach Net Zero by 2050, businesses are under increasing scrutiny and will be subject to everstricter regulatory requirements not

only to measure and report on their energy use, but to report on how they plan to decarbonise.

“Over the last few decades, we have moved from brands that ‘look good’ to brands that ‘do good’. Ethical consumerism in the food sector is growing and now wider society expects brands to act as corporate citizens and demonstrate how they play their part in finding solutions that add care of the planet and people to their measures of success.

“Once the consumer has all of the CO2e facts they can decide how they manage their carbon scores, giving them choice. Harnessed well, this will enable hospitality providers to align with their customers’ preferences and demonstrate how they are playing their part as corporate citizens, in turn, they’ll experience greater levels of customer loyalty.”

For more information visit: www.itslolly.com or call 0800 038 5389

Conker launches most powerful devices to date New 8“ NS85 handheld tablet and NS105 10“ tablet most powerful when it comes to RAM and storage capability for logistics productivity Conker, which provides reliable devices for mobile workforces, will be prototyping its new NS85 8” handheld tablet and 10” NS105 tablet at this year’s Final Destination Logistics event.

The latest products are Conker’s most powerful yet when it comes to memory (RAM) – standing at 8 GB (upgraded from 4 GB), and data storage of 256 GB, (compared to the current range at 64 or 128 GB).

They are launched in response to client demand for driving logistics productivity during these competitive times – with a view to increasing operator efficiency and uptime, due to the faster processing capacity.

The tough dustproof, drop-proof and waterproof devices run on the

Windows 10 operating system with a powerful Intel I5-8200Y processor.

They are touchscreen, have a 2D barcode scanner, and can work in storage temperatures of minus 25 to plus 80 degrees centigrade and operational temperatures of minus 20 to plus 60 degrees centigrade.

James Summers, CEO at Conker, said: “Our focus is centered around continued innovation to support the logistics sector in driving operational efficiencies - these latest launches are testament to that mission. With massively increased storage and memory, the new devices will remain quick to respond for the operator, whilst storing vast amounts of data – helping to improve workflows.

“The Conker team will be demonstrating the NS85 and the NS105 at Final Destination Logistics and inviting companies to be part of the prototyping. Conker will be

testing them thoroughly and once fully tested they will hopefully be released in later 2022.

“All Conker devices have a wide range of features essential for the workplace. The NS85 and NS105 are also IP65 rated for ruggedness - with a real focus on supporting mobile workforces with reliable devices.”

All Conker products come with a free one-year ‘Relax’ accidental damage warranty, which means customers are covered on all their devices, whatever happens, no quibbles. Three- and five-year accidental damage warranties are also available with no small print and no exclusions, with comprehensive cover to include fire and theft, batteries, and a 20 percent reduction on fees for full replacements.

For further information, please visit www.weareconker.com

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The risk of credit card fraud rises while traveling Cybersecurity experts warn travelers after discovering 4M payment cards for sale online According to the latest data, credit card fraud resulted in $28.6 billion in losses worldwide last year.

Cybersecurity experts at NordVPN say that the chances of being affected by this type of fraud are much higher for people when they are away from home. Cybersecurity experts, in cooperation with thirdparty researchers, have recently discovered a global database of 4M stolen payment cards for sale online and want to warn travelers.

“While on vacation, people often forget to check their bank accounts and are more likely to spend money in places they would not usually trust or lose their wallet. The database that we analyzed only proves how easy it is for hackers to bruteforce payment cards and then use this data to perform fraud,” Daniel Markuson,

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a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN, explains.

What can travelers do to avoid credit card fraud?

How can credit card fraud affect travelers?

1. Use alternative payment methods while traveling. Pay by cash or use a prepaid card for your journey. Such cards carry fewer security risks. If leaked, they can’t be used to steal your identity. They don’t affect your credit score, they don’t give access to your savings, and it’s much easier to freeze them, so they are your best bet for traveling.

Having a person’s financial information is very valuable for hackers. They can sell this data on the black market, drain a person’s savings, open new bank accounts, take out loans under the victim’s name, and otherwise steal their identity. This can forever ruin a person’s credit score, making it hard for them to bounce back from credit card fraud.

For travelers, the consequences may cause significant stress during their journey. Imagine being stuck in a country without money because your payment card has been skimmed and all of the money has been taken. Situations like that, unfortunately, happen all the time.

2. Watch your bank statements online even on vacation. This step is important because most hackers will test your card before hacking you or purchasing your details on the dark web. They will make a small charge to see whether the account is active. Only then will they drain your account.

3. Inform your bank before going on vacation. Before you leave, contact your bank to let it know when and

where you will be traveling. Some card issuers will freeze cards if they detect out-of-the-ordinary activity that could indicate fraud.

4. Be extra careful when using ATMs. Consider whether you really need to use an ATM in a travel destination and if you must, always choose a reliable bank ATM located in a well-lit and busy area. Also, look closely at the machine you will be using because some ATMs can be modified with a skimmer that copies the magnetic information on your card or scans your RFID chip.

This info can then be used to clone your card details. You can protect yourself by always inspecting the ATM card slot for anything that looks out of place or loose.

5. Don’t perform financial operations on public computers or Wi-Fi. Many people like booking their hotels or travel tickets while they are on the road. However, doing so is not a good idea,

especially if you are connected to an unsecured public network.

While you might think you have taken all the necessary credit card safety measures on public Wi-Fi, the internet traffic could be intercepted and your credit card number stolen. If you still choose to book accommodation or tickets on public Wi-FI, use a VPN. A VPN helps to encrypt your traffic so hackers and snoopers can’t see your financial information or what you do online.

NordVPN is the world’s most advanced VPN service provider, used by millions of internet users worldwide. NordVPN provides double VPN encryption and Onion Over VPN and guarantees privacy with zero tracking. One of the key features of the product is Threat Protection, which blocks malicious websites, malware, trackers, and ads. NordVPN is very user friendly, offers one of the best prices on the market, and has over 5,000 servers in 60 countries worldwide. For more information: www.nordvpn.com.

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Roxy Lanes in Bristol-a striking & brilliant new Bowling Alley And Bar decided to use NETVIO for all their Video AV Hardware & Software solutions.

Roxy Lanes, a brand new ten-pin bowling destination that offers so much more than just bowling. Set to become one of Bristol’s go-to destinations for mate-date socials, Roxy Lanes is more than just a bowling alley – with tons of activities to try out under just one roof.

Run by Roxy Leisure group, renowned for their fun-filled entertainment venues Roxy Ballroom across the country including Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool and Leeds, the company has now opened a new site on Bristol’s Union Street this May 2022. Offering a range of activities besides ten-pin bowling, you and your mates can have a crack at the likes of beer pong, pool and ice-free curling.

The Union Street location, opened from May 27, boasts eight full-size

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bowling lanes, batting cages, screens showing live sport, shuffle boards, duck-pin bowling, full size pool tables, basketball shooting hoops, beer pong, arcade games and ice-free curling, meaning there is something for everyone to get involved in. Plus, the people of Bristol will be able to sing their hearts out to their favourite tunes as Roxy Lanes also offer karaoke rooms for up to 20 peopleRoxy Leisure Group chose installer Rob Woodhouse from Media Frenzy to produce a video switching system - simple for staff to switch sports and signage to displays as required. Rob asked ‘NETVIO’ to help with the project and the quality the control app (Go) blew the customer away. Rob says: ‘’The live preview streams in the app make it so easy to switch the right

content to the displays even for new staff.’’ ‘’So much less time for the integrator on programming as Netvio Go is programmed in minutes.’’

The AV solution involved P4 AVoIP & Netvio Go app control – as the system was too large for a matrix.

Rob explains: ‘’Other control solutions are too complex and expensive.’’ The zones are 6 sources and 12 displays - 6 zones.

Rob chose NETVIO for this project as control interface is a step up from a matrix. The IP is so modular and flexible. Rob mentions: ‘’The software was the same on the Netvio from matrix so it was easy and Netvio’s support was amazing’’.

The client explains : ‘“This app is amazing - it’s like the future, it just works.’’

19

Valor Hospitality announces addition of upcoming Portrush Luxury Hotel and Spa to Global Portfolio The new hotel overlooks the world famous Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, home to The Open Championship in 2019 and again in 2025 Valor Hospitality Partners, a global, full-service hotel acquisition, development, management and asset management company has announced it has been appointed to manage The Dunluce Lodge, a new build 35 room, five-star luxury hotel and spa. The hotel will be built overlooking the famous 4th fairway at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, with views of Portrush town, Donegal headlands and The Skerries.

The nine-acre site, which was originally privately owned, is due to open in 2023 and has received both political and local support, as well as backing from 2011 Open Championship winner Darren Clarke, who also resides in Portrush. The inspiration behind the plans for The Dunluce Lodge is to replicate the original house on the site and sympathetically blend into the landscape. The Dunluce Lodge comes on the heels of one of Valor Hospitality’s most recent management agreements, the renowned Scores Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland further expanding the brand’s global portfolio.

This development will be the first of its kind in the north coast region of Northern Ireland, with no other fivestar hotel existing within a 60-mile radius. The five-star status for the area has been a need for many years, with Tourism NI, Causeway Coast and Glens Council all welcoming this investment to the region.

The idea for The Dunluce Lodge was devised by the U.S. owners, Jonathan Harper and Robert Covington who established investors for the project through the Links Capital Collection.

As true lovers of links golf, they visited the area many times and loved the spectacular links golf

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along the North Coast. They realised there was a gap in the market which they could fulfil, serving international travelers, golfers and locals alike.

The Dunluce Lodge will bring significant economic benefit to Portrush and wider areas across Northern Ireland. The owners and management share their excitement to work and engage with the local community, with an emphasis to recruit a team of local professionals for the project and on completion, approximately 80 people will be employed.

With more than 80 hotels in the Valor international portfolio, the company brings a wealth of global experience to the project and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the property. Food and beverage will be at the core of excellence the property offers and given the uniqueness, style and vision for the hotel is without compromise, Valor will engage the services of its partner and UK head of culinary - renowned Scottish chef, Roy Brett, owner and operator of the multi-award winning Ondine Oyster and Grill restaurant in Edinburgh.

Roy will be instrumental in assisting in the design and development of the restaurant, whilst sourcing a well-known Irish head chef to take charge in creating a first-class dining experience for residents and locals to enjoy.

Euan McGlashan, CEO of Valor Hospitality has also announced the recent appointment of Wilma Erskine, OBE, BEM, former manager of Royal Portrush Golf Club for some 35 years, as the brand ambassador for the company. Wilma’s knowledge of the golf and hospitality industry is a perfect fit for Valor, as this will be the first project for the company in Northern Ireland. Wilma is well known in golfing circles, both in the UK and USA, and has a great commitment and enthusiasm to see the legacy of the 148th Open being achieved on the North Coast.

Brian McCarthy, managing director of UK and Europe at Valor Hospitality, said: “We’re very excited about our plans for The Dunluce Lodge, not only for what it means for Valor’s growth, but also the opportunities it will bring to The Royal Portrush Golf Club and local area. With its five-star status, this resort will attract visitors from all over, and with our experience in managing luxury resorts around the globe, including golf projects in South Africa and in the U.S., we are more than ready to apply our expertise to our first development in Northern Ireland.

“In 2021, Valor’s UK portfolio doubled in size, marking a real stake in the ground for our growth ambitions going forward. As we expand further, it’s particularly special to be working on a project such as this, where we have been involved since its inception and we’re looking forward to seeing the development progress.”

The appointed architects at The Dunluce Lodge are Maxwell and Company, Inverness, who are specialists in designing luxury resorts, castles and hotels such as the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, Glenborrodale Castle and Inverlochy Castle Hotel, with the lead architect being James Maxwell.

Sustainability is at the heart of this project, and a key feature of the Valor brand. The project has been designed to meet building regulations that achieve the government’s nearly zero energy performance target. A decentralised energy supply system based on energy from renewable sources will also be employed for the spa, and the landscape design principles are based on the creation of improved biodiversity and regeneration.

For more information visit: www.valorhospitality.com.

21

Adactus launches new customer service suite for independent hospitality, leisure and small business owners to drive lifelong customer relationships Adactus, which has 20 years transforming some of the biggest names in hospitality from TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut Restaurants to the Pride of Britain Hotels, has developed a new suite of customer service solutions for independent hospitality, leisure and small business owners to build personalised, connected customer experiences.

Recent reports show that over 80% of today’s customers will leave a company after just two or three bad experiences, with around the same number saying that the experience of a company is as important as the products and services they buy. Today’s customers are ever less tolerant of bad service and, if treated like a number, will have no hesitation than to take their business elsewhere.

“Whether you’re a restaurant, hotel, hairdressers or vets, the challenge for smaller or independent businesses is competing against the larger chains when it comes

to delivering a customised service that today’s customers expect”, said Scott Muncaster, Managing Director of Adactus. “From the point of booking to the after-sales service, customers want brands to interact, expecting a tailored experience that they’re in control of however, this often means significant IT investment and a variable monthly cost which can be out of reach for some.”

Now the technology specialist has adapted and developed its tried and tested software for smaller businesses, launching a range of configured, easy-to-use and implement products available on a fixed monthly fee – Adactus Orders, Adactus Reservations, and Adactus Intelligence.

Users can get a single view of their customer with Adactus Intelligence.

A stand-alone product or used in conjunction with Adactus Reservations and Adactus Orders for a more powerful combination,

it tracks how customers are using brands through integration with all touchpoints, from website, social media, instore WiFi, to ordering and reservation systems. Intelligence flags an individual’s preferences and gives businesses the permission and insight to continue personalised and relevant customer conversations.

“We live in a customer-driven world”, continued Scott. “Our technology has and still supports the enterprise sector however our vision has always been to offer our products to smaller businesses to compete and grow. We offer an affordable and consistent monthly rate so users know where they are on costs, with no surprises while the software adds value to your service.

“Our reservation systems mean businesses can capture sales that might of otherwise been lost, whether that’s a customer that wants the certainty of pre-booking or to enable staff to add a customer to a waitlist.

While our ordering system from order-at-table, delivery, collection or kiosk, means customers can manage the pace of their visit.

“Through every order or reservation businesses capture valuable customer intelligence, informing where, when, and how individuals like to interact with your business, their likes and dislikes, dietary requirements to their birthday, so you can keep tailoring your communications and add value to their experience. For example, a vegan customer wants to know when it’s a vegan day or, if you know your customer enjoys that glass of champagne on arrival you can be ready, leaving a positive, longlasting impression. Now businesses, no matter how large or small, have reliable and accurate technology to do this.”

To find out how we can help your business visit, www.adactus.co.uk or contact us on 0184 269090

22

Butlin’s brings in Code Computerlove to boost bookings Butlin’s, the home of entertainment, is partnering with design-led transformation and technology company Code Computerlove to revamp its online customer experiences.

Code will help Butlin’s to improve the effectiveness of both its Butlins. com platform as well as its Butlin’s Big Weekenders site for adult breaks. Butlin’s is looking to migrate both sites onto a new content management system as well as call on Code’s expertise to introduce industry best practices for its booking engine based on user research and testing.

Joanna Montgomery, Head of Digital at Butlin’s, said: “With so much great awareness-building work going on – from our exciting new ATL campaign to PR and social activity – it’s essential that we’re

giving audiences the best experience of Butlin’s when they reach our websites.

“By creating the most effective booking process tailored to our audiences, we can capitalise on all of the new audiences we’re attracting and make the start of our guests’ break-booking journey as enjoyable as it is when they’re staying at one of our three UK resorts.

“Code’s approach and methods for finding value-driven solutions will enable us to identify and plan the best ways to articulate and realise our plans.

“The overall goal of this set of initiatives is to not only provide a positive brand experience of Butlin’s and our Butlin’s Big Weekender breaks but to add persuasion to

improve conversion through the booking funnel.”

Rob Jones, Managing Director of Code Computerlove, adds: “Working with Butlin’s is a fantastic opportunity for us to call on our experience within the leisure and hospitality sector to support the Butlin’s brand, and importantly get a deeper understanding of the specific motivations of their customers to take them from browsing to booking.

“We’ll be taking learnings from our insights to help Butlin’s develop digital services that drive a commercial return and contribute to the company’s vision. We’re looking forward to the fun we’ll have along the way too – it’s a fantastic brand to be working with that is all about making life more enjoyable!”

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