The Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with hospitality technology solutions provider, Vendfun, to enhance technological advancements and promote smart hotel initiatives within Malaysia’s hospitality industry.
The MoU marks a significant step towards the development of smart hotels, with both parties sharing a common vision of harnessing advanced technology to revolutionise the hospitality sector, enhancing guest experiences and improving operational efficiency.
MyBHA and Vendfun will work together to develop and promote smart hotel concepts within Malaysia. This initiative includes introducing technological solutions that can transform traditional hotel operations into smart, efficient, and guest-friendly experiences.
The collaboration will focus on several key smart hotel initiatives, including smart check-In and check-out systems to reduce wait times and enhance guest convenience; energy-efficient solutions such as smart lighting, HVAC systems, and water management to promote sustainability and reduce operational costs; digital room key system and artificial intelligence-powered guest services to provide tailored recommendations, personalised greetings, and efficient service delivery.
In addition, MyBHA and Vendfun will jointly organise training and development programmes to equip hotel staff, owners and investors with the necessary skills to manage and utilise new technologies.
These programmes will include hands-on training sessions to ensure participants gain practical experience in using advanced technologies as well as seminars led by industry experts to discuss the latest trends and advancements in smart hotel solutions.
The partnership will also focus on conducting joint research and development initiatives to innovate and adapt to evolving industry demands.
Sri Ganesh Michiel, president of MyBHA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “By embracing advanced technologies, we are not only enhancing the guest experience but also ensuring that our members remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.”
“Our goal is to leverage our technological expertise to create innovative and efficient hotel operations that benefit both guests and hotel owners. This MoU signifies our commitment to driving the future of hospitality in Malaysia,” added Benny Wee, CEO of Vendfun.
Niccolo Hotels has unveiled its Persona N campaign designed to encourage guests to connect with themselves through stay experiences, culinary presentations, wellness offerings, and art and design appreciation.
The new campaign also aims for guests, particularly millennial and Gen Z travellers, to embrace facets of their identity, and to enjoy the immersive experiences offered at the Niccolo Hotels situated in the heart of Chengdu, Changsha, Chongqing, Suzhou and Hong Kong.
To support the campaign, a video was developed to showcase Niccolo Hotels’ understanding of millennial and Gen Z travellers and their motivation to follow their passions. Depicting immersive experiences that go beyond luxurious accommodation, various personas – The Creator, The Indulger, The Retreater, The Harmonist and The Socializer – are featured engaging with art pieces, embracing time in solitude with wellness activities, enjoying a dining experience and night life.
In addition, a survey by iiMedia Research revealed that consumers are now gravitating towards more relaxed and comfortable travel options, with 60 per cent of consumers stating their primary motivation for holiday travel is to unwind and alleviate stress, while in terms of hotel preferences, 24.6 per cent indicated they would choose to stay at a luxury hotel.
The campaign runs from now till August 31, where guests can enjoy up to 25 per cent off the best available rate for a minimum two-night stay, which comes with daily breakfast for two. Members of Cathay Pacific’s frequent flyer programme will also earn double Asia Miles.
“We conceived Persona N to reiterate the on-property experiences for millennial and Gen Z travellers, who have steadily grown to form a significant portion of the brand’s customer base,” said Holger Jakobs, vice president sales and marketing, Wharf Hotels. “Known to be independent travellers and individualistic, these two generations display unique behavioural trends and are increasingly focused on self-discovery, self-indulgence and fulfilment.”