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Hotel Iptv True Unified Communications For Hotels

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HOSPITALITY IPTV True Unified Communications for Hotels
IPTV is the new buzz word in the hospitality sector and with good reason as it opens up a whole new world of interactivity and endless possibilities, which ultimately increases guest satisfaction and if designed correctly, will increase hotel revenue. However according to Wowtels managing director, Pietro Casoar, (www.wowtel-dreamwise.com), the Dreamwise IP unified communications system can provide much more than just TV to hotels. In this article we shall explore some critical elements that can dramatically benefit hotel operators by implementing the Wowtel Dreamwise system.

Lets take a look at some of the key points regarding the current conventional technology used in vast majority of hotels today. Conventional TV systems (Hotel MATV) consist of 2 main features:
A limited number of Live TV channels due to the coaxial cable networks installed
NVOD or Near Video On Demand

the technology falls short of providing any additional information and interactive services that may provide any real benefit to the guest and hotel at the same time. NVOD in itself is quite limited and is more than an inconvenience to guests as it requires them to wait for the movie to start, rather than immediately viewing the movie once the movie purchase has been made, says Mr. Casoar.

Standard MATV Technology

The overwhelming majority of hotels currently use standard MATV systems to provide TV to their guests via RF (radio frequency) equipment and cable called coaxial cable which was invented by Oliver Heaviside way back in 1929. Although the cable is widely used in most hotels and is a legacy technology, it is utilized to provide TV channels, NVOD movies and some promotional media. However according to Mr. Casoar, MATV systems fall short of giving any real interactivity or depth to the hotels communications network. What most people dont realise with current hotel MATV systems is that even though the channels come from a digital source, in 99% of cases the channels are actually converted and broadcast in analogue, thus greatly reducing picture quality, adding probability of interference which most of the time results in snow, thus, amongst so many other factors, basically resulting in a sub-standard service compared to todays high standards. Whereas our Wowtel Dreamwise system works on full digital IP technology, bad picture quality doesnt exist in our systems, says Mr. Casoar.

Conventional TV system shortcomings:
Channels are broadcast in Analogue and in standard definition
No High Definition Channels are possible using analogue
Poor picture quality TV channels
Susceptibility to Interference
Lack of personalization for guests
Limitation of the number of TV channels offered
Incapacity to provide interactive features to guests
No capacity to provide interactive e-commerce or marketing

Why use IPTV over the current analogue Hotel MATV Systems?
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system which Television Channels and Movie content is converted into data and transported through an IP network (a LAN) using either the hotels existing standard copper telephone cables thus eliminating the need for re-cabling or with Fibre Optic or Category 6 cables in new hotels. The digital data is then transported through the IP infrastructure, directly to each room via an IP Set Top Box or IP Television Set and guests can simply access the TV channels and other content using a standard TV remote control. For more advanced usage such as writing documents, emails etc… a wireless keyboard can be used.

What this means is that not only can the hotel now provide 1080p high definition Television and real Video On Demand (VOD), but other technologies such as IP Telephony, Internet and fully interactive promotional services can now be provided to each guest using the same single I.P. network infrastructure thus resulting in reduced cabling and labour costs whilst significantly adding value to the hotels communications system.

What are the highlights that make Wowtel-Dreamwise IP System the best choice?
No limitations on the number of TV channels that can be provided to guests
Provide a comprehensive local and international TV and radio channel line up
True Video On Demand (VOD) with full Play/Pause/Rewind/Fast Forward capabilities
On Demand free movie trailers to encourage movie purchase
Additional local and international Radio Channels (Via satellite and Internet)
Music On Demand (Inc. Music Video) with literally thousands of music titles
Fully customized guest interface and Middleware
Private messaging from front desk to guest
E-commerce and in-house shopping from TV screen
Targeted Direct marketing and Promotions
Full Interactive capability
Personalization services
Online bookings via the TV screen/remote control
Real time weather reports, flight information and other information services
Guests can view their bill before checkout
Full PMS integration for single billing solutions on guest checkout

What are some other services that can be added to the Wowtel-Dreamwise system?
Real time automated IP Security and Monitoring
Hacker detection, Anti-Hacker response and guest protection
24/7 Quality control
IP Telephony and VoIP Communications (including Skype Connectivity)
IP CCTV Security Video Cameras (Including PTZ)
IP Public Address (for security and mood creation requirements)
IP Access Control
IP Intercom
Secure and Encrypted Remote Access
Business applications and Video Games

What are the main benefits for Hotels?
Additional and Increased Revenue Generation
Improved Customer Satisfaction
Immediate Customer Service Response
Interactive Advertising and Promotional Vehicles
Better Market and Hotel Performance Intelligence
Greatly Reduce Printing, Stationary and Operational costs

About the Author:
Andrew Spence is a hotel specialist communications consultant and freelance journalist, with over 35 years experience providing sound advice to the global hospitality / lodging industry.

About Wowtel
Pietro Casoar is the Managing Director of Wowtel and an engineer, who has over 16 years of global experience in the RF and IT industries. He is also the author of several technical papers and presentations relating to RF and IP communications systems. Mr. Casoar is also one of the founders of Wowtel Pty Limited and the Wowtel-Dreamwise system, together with Mr. Vincent Fitzpatrick.

Pietros linkedin profile: http://au.linkedin.com/pub/pietro-casoar/7/165/a61
Wowtel are a manufacturer and provider of full turn-key unified IP communications to hotels, resorts, mining villages, hospitals, retirement villages, serviced apartments, ocean liners, housing estates, government and most major projects. Wowtel operate in the Asian, European and Oceania markets.

Ayala Land Inc. Hotels And Resort Hotels

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Hotels have played a key role in increasing a countrys tourism, particularly with the Resort types of hotels which can offer luxury facilities with full service accommodations and amenities that tourists can enjoy.

In the Philippines, a number of hotels and resort hotels had also gained a lot of popularity among tourists. And some of these are owned by the countrys largest and most successful real estate development corporation, Ayala Land Inc.

Ayala Land Inc.s Hotels and Resort Hotels
There are a number of popular resorts and hotels that Ayala Land Inc. had developed which had made significant improvement to Philippines tourism industry. Some of their most notable hotels and resort hotels are the InterContinental hotel in Manila, the Cebu Marriott, the Kukun Hotels, as well as the many resort hotels found in El Nido.

The InterContinental Hotel
According to Ayala Land Inc., the first luxury hotel that was established within the countrys premier business district is the InterContinental Hotel.

InterContinental Manila has become a symbol of pride and prestige in Makati City. Delivering the expertise of the worlds first international hotel brand to the country, InterContinental Manila harmoniously blends the companys global standards with a distinctive local flair.

The hotel was designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin, and is strategically located beside the districts best shopping and entertainment centers.

The Cebu Marriott
Cebu Marriott is considered as one of the best signature hotels found in Cebu. It offers the best and ideal location for business or leisure travel.

Centrally located in the citys premier business and cultural district, the luxury hotel sits right beside Ayala Center Cebu, widely regarded as the best shopping and entertainment enclave in the city.

Kukun Hotels
The Kukun group of hotel Philippines is operated by Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp. Kukun vigorously pursues Ayala Lands best-in-class product and service standards with a new hospitality conceptthe urban lifestyle hotel.

El Nido Resort Hotels
There are three popular resort hotels found in El Nido that was established and developed by Ayala Land Inc. to complement the beauty of the province. These are the Minoloc, Lagen, and Apulit.

The Minoloc is located within a protected marine reserve. It is considered a sanctuary and hideaway for travelers looking for fun amidst a spectacular natural backdrop.

Lagen, on the other hand, is found in an island in El Nido which offers lush forests and calm, shallow lagoon. The resort offers a stunning view of Bacuit Bay and the El Nido sunset.

Apulit is found within a pristine cove blessed with a wide expanse of white-sand beach, the resorts dramatic location reveals 10 diving spots, a wealth of flora and wildlife, colorful tropical marine species, and stunning natural vistas.

Star Hotels In Phuket Phuket Island Beach Villa Phuket

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Want to have exciting recreational holidays? Choosing a charming beach with a resort is a great holiday destination for families, groups, wedding parties, couples and singles. You can choose from many exotic beaches. These beach holidays are perfect for a personalized vacation in a soothing locale.

One of such kind resorts is Jumeirah Phuket Private Island Resort. It is located less than 500m off the northeast shore of Phuket, Thailand. Jumeirah Phuket Private Island Resort will be situated on the shores of Koh Raet, an untouched tropical island located just 500 metres offshore from Ao Po Bay, north east of Phuket Island in Thailand, providing easy access for guests to the main tourist areas of Phuket Island. The resort can be reached by a four minute private motor yacht ride or island ferry from the access point on the mainland which is located just fifteen minutes from Phuket International Airport. The Jumeirah Private Island Phuket Resort features 65 lavishly appointed deluxe pool villas, each with a private infinity pool and Jacuzzi, and 12 three-bedroom luxury residential villas.

Jumeirah properties are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The Dubai based luxury international hospitality group encompasses the world renowned Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel, the multi-award winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort and Spa, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.

Jumeirah Island is surrounded with natural scenic beauty. These Phuket villas offer impressive facilities of a six-star hotel, including a world-class Spa and restaurants, its excellent location that gets you the Phuket’s first-rate infrastructure, including shopping and entertainment facilities, schools and hospitals.

Phuket is famous for its tourism and Thai culture of hospitality. It also provides you international cuisines. Jumeirah Phuket Private Island Resorts are the most exclusive with 5 star boutique hotel, spa and wellness centre, marina and private berth with maximum sea views. Jumeirah island villas offer ample source of recreational activities. There is an option to stay in a residential estate or in a beach villa. These luxurious beach villas are with a yatch club membership, and also lifetime membership at Blue Canyon Golf and Country Club. Jumeirah beach villas offer direct beach access and open sea views, and are set in their own luxurious tropical grounds with private pool.

Best Shimla Hotels For New Year Party

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Looking for some real European-style white Christmas and New Year? Then head to Shimla, the onetime summer capital of the country and one of the famous hill stations of North India.

Shimla sometimes pronounced as Simla is the capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh and is situated at a height of 2000metres above sea level. It was the summer capital of India during the erstwhile British Raj and during the sultry Indian summers, the whole Government moved to the picturesque hills of Shimla. The British had developed this town significantly and their influence can be still seen in the numerous colonial structures strewn all around the city. The city can be reached from all the major cities of the country by roads, railways and airways. The nearest airport is at Jubbarhatti 12kms away and it caters to domestic flights only. The railway line from Kalka to Shimla is a scenic route and the train journey is highly recommended by travelers as a once in a lifetime journey. Shimla is nestled in the mighty Himalayas and therefore enjoys pleasant summers and cold winters. Though it is primarily a summer destination but the winter celebrations and new years in Shimla are rapidly gaining a popular reputation. The winters can be quite cold with snow fall and minus degree temperatures but that doesn”t deter revelers. Visitors can enjoy a white new years in Shimla complete with celebrations and snowfall. A much sought after destination in Shimla during winters is Kufri that is situated on the outskirts. Children can enjoy on the snow, join in a no holds barred snow fight or enjoy ice skating on Asia”s only natural ice skating rink. Couples can take a trip on horseback over the snow and enjoy the peace and quiet on a snow trail. You can go shopping on the Mall that is the main shopping street and you can look for handicrafts at Lakkar Bazar. The Tibetan Market is a good place to shop for good quality woolen garments and other items. After the day is done you can sit down and enjoy a cup of steaming hot tea at any of the cafes in the Mall.

Quality Hotels in Shimla

Hotel Shingar is among the best 2 star hotels in Shimla and is located near the Mall road. It enjoys a customer recommendation of 80% which means 8 out of 10 would love a second visit and that makes it one of the popular Shimla hotels. It offers well furnished rooms that have an attached bath room and running hot water. It also provides a multi cuisine restaurant, 24hr room service and a travel desk. The rooms cost Rs.2778.

Hotel Sangeet is one of the popular budget hotels in Shimla that enjoys wide recommendation among guests. Located near the Mall road, it has received a customer recommendation of 77% which means 8 out of 10 people would like to try out this place again. It provides well furnished and well equipped rooms that cost Rs.1000.

Internet Marketing Is The Best Way To Promote Hotel Business

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In every organization, the marketing department is the most important segment of the company. The success of the company and its products depends upon the performance of the marketing department. Therefore it is quite important that a company must pay proper attention to its marketing department. For every marketing department it is quite important that they should promote their products through the most popular channel. It not only helps them to increase the popularity of their company but also provides them a tool to bring success to their company. If we talk about the various forms of marketing, then internet marketing is the most widely preferred tool of marketing. The way it has spread its wings is simply great. Now most of the consumers around the world love to garner information about anything through the internet.

Search engine optimization has become one of the primary tools of marketing. Hotel industry is widely using this tool to promote the name of their hotels. The reason behind this is quite simple to answer. With the development in the living standard of people around the world, there has been a significant rise in the revenue earned by the countries through their tourism department. People love to visit new places and different countries. They are willing to spend more on fun and entertainment. They do not mind to spend few extra bucks for some fun filled days. Therefore we can surely say that tourism and hotel industry will surely see some significant development in the future to come.

Whenever consumers need some information about hotels and different holiday packages, they find it quite comfortable to know about these details from internet. They usually search out this information though search engines. They like to know about the rates of the hotels and the different features and discounts offered by the hotels. Consumers do not mind to book rooms in hotels through credit cards. It means that internet has provided a quick way to generate profits from every part of the world. If some hotel does not have a well maintained website, and they do not promote their hotel in the right way, it is likely that the customers would not like to go for that hotel. Therefore it is quite important that hotels must have their own website, and they must pay proper attention to internet marketing.

There are many ways of internet marketing. Among them, the most popular way is the search engine optimization or SEO. SEO is the method which follows the right use of relevant keywords in the contents of the website. Keywords are very essential for the popularity of a website. It helps the website to generate high traffic, which in turn results in high ranking of the website. When a webpage is ranked high in the search engine, it is always displayed among the top search results, which increases the number of visitors to the website.