New smartphone will boost SA hotel services

Tink Labs Limited has announced the a smartphone called handy, a hospitality IoT solution designed to increase both revenue and guest satisfaction, as well as drive better cost efficiencies, for hotels.

The handset is a complimentary option that combines with an in-room guest services platform to interact with hotels and enable hassle-free travel experience.

Terence Kwok, founder and CEO of Tink Labs. says handy will serve as an integrative platform to fulfill hoteliers’ mission to enable better engagement, services and loyalty between guests and hotels. He says it presents a suite of tools and call-to-action functions that reshape the way hotels engage, communicate and cater to guests and their modern travel needs.

The tourism and hospitality industry in South Africa continues to thrive, with foreign overnight visitors increasing by 12.8% in 2016.

Steven To, managing director for Africa of Tink Labs, said: “A mobile-first strategy has become more critical than ever for an enriched travel experience. handy will connect travelers so they can enjoy South Africa as a premier travel destination, reveal local gems on the go and share their experiences.”

One of the first partners of handy in South Africa, Michelle De Faria, general manager at Gardenia Boutique Hotel, explained her rationale: “At Gardenia, our guests seek unique travel experiences and ultimate convenience when they explore the city. With the partnership with handy, we are able to increase the engagement with them, understand and address their needs in a deeper level, boosting their loyalty and satisfaction.”

Guests who stay at handy’s hotel partners in South Africa will be given the use of handy at no cost. Visitors will be able to stay connected with free local and international calls, Internet access, speed dialling to hotel services, access to local emergency services, and essential travel information. Travelers can also explore customised city guides, curated by experienced content provider Luxos, to discover new experiences.

The smartphone is equipped with an NFC chip enabling keyless door access, an IF/IR transmitter connecting to in-room entertainment, and a contact-charging capability. handy is already available in 70 cities, covering 500 000 rooms and has helped 18 million global travelers to stay connected. The service is a partner of other leading hotel groups, including AccorHotels, Intercontinental and Sheraton.