Company's connected guest strategy engages travelers before, during and after their stay.
BETHESDA, MD. – With more than a billion people expected to travel in 2015 and nearly two billion smart devices currently in use, Marriott International is on a mission to connect with travelers throughout their journey. Today, with the launch of Apple Watch, the company is announcing another bold step in a series of innovative mobile and digital travel services that are enabling its guests to engage more deeply and more often with its global portfolio of 19 brands and more than 4,100 hotels.
Starting this April 24, members of the Marriott Rewards program who have purchased the Apple Watch will be able to access Marriott’s mobile app for check-in and checkout, automatic receipt of room ready alerts, booking and review of reservations and detailed directions to the hotel. Guests can easily enroll in Marriott Rewards at no charge.
“Putting our mobile services on the hottest new wearable is an important step in Marriott’s aggressive efforts to create a complete mobile-powered travel experience that puts the guest in total control,” said George Corbin, Senior Vice President, Marriott Digital. “Our mobile platforms are designed to connect and engage at every touch-point, making us a valuable travel resource anytime and anywhere. Service is at the heart of everything we do, and mobile is essential to bringing our guest experience to life.”
Recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the Most Innovative Companies, Marriott was the first to offer mobile check-in and checkout across its full portfolio and recently celebrated its one-millionth check-in. Just last month, Marriott was also the first hospitality company to announce it will start accepting Apple Pay (this summer) at select luxury, lifestyle and signature brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Renaissance Hotels and Marriott Hotels.
Marriott Hotels, the company’s flagship brand, is also testing new mobile services that will enable guests to review their room folio in real time and make service requests before and during their stay. In addition, Marriott is piloting keyless entry at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel and later this year, the company will start testing a new “Connect My Device” in-room entertainment platform.
Whether the guest is searching for the perfect beach getaway, using free Wi-Fi to make video calls, ordering extra pillows and towels, or streaming your favorite movies and TV series, Marriott’s mobile and digital services enable the guest to connect seamlessly throughout their travel experience. Guest usage of Marriott mobile and digital services continues to increase with over 50 percent of visits to Marriott.com happening via mobile, and 75 percent of guests using mobile and digital services during their last trip.
Offering innovative mobile and digital solutions is central to Marriott’s commitment to helping its guests maximize all aspects of their travel experience and have ready access to the places, people and things that matter to them most. The future of mobile and digital technology is unlimited and plays an important role as travel becomes more open and accessible across the globe. Marriott will continue to collaborate with the best technology companies to create a world class guest experience that is enriching, easy and fun.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
