Fujita Kanko is launching Tavinos, a new millennial-friendly brand touting an artificial intelligence (AI) concierge to help hotel guests find a travel buddy, among other tasks.
With Tavinos, the Japanese hospitality is hoping to blend “the social aspect of hostels with style and technology”.
Besides matching guests interested in similar activities, the AI-powered concierge can also perform automated check-in/check-out as well as provide local information.
Fujita Kanko says the “minimal staffing” enabled by technology will allow the hotel to keep rates affordable – averaging at around 10,000 yen (US$89) per night for a twin/double room – even in prime urban locations.
Fujita Kanko will open the first 188-room Tavinos in Hamamatsu-cho, Tokyo, in August 2019, followed by the second 278-room Tavinos in Asakusa, Tokyo, in May, 2020.
Rooms, sized at an average 12m2, and other hotel spaces will be covered in manga art, while the lobby lounge will offer continental breakfast and serve as a communal area for guests to meet and mingle.
“There are already affordable accommodations throughout Japan, but travelling millennials are hungry for the community of a hostel and the professionalism and expertise of an experienced hotelier,” commented Akira Segawa, president and CEO of Fujita Kanko.
“Tavinos will offer what outgoing and adventurous travellers want: the opportunity to meet interesting people, plan activities together, and explore.”
