Keys to Successful Partnerships for Hotels and Technology Providers

In the hospitality industry, the strength of the partnership between a hotel and the companies that provide their technology can make the difference between a long-term successful relationship and a short, unsuccessful implementation.

Almost any industry requires a specific understanding of the unique challenges that clients face. However, in hospitality that need for domain expertise is amplified. Technology providers in hospitality must understand every facet of hotel and resort operations.

"Specific market and product knowledge are key to a strong partnership in the revenue and reservations disciplines," commented Eve Phillips, Director of Revenue Management for the Resort Collection.

In an industry that is 24 hours a day, every day of the year, it is imperative for technology providers to be able to respond quickly to customer requests for support. "Strong and knowledgeable support that you can access quickly when you need it makes for a strong partnership," commented Rick Arrington, Director of Systems & Applications for the Resort Collection.

"Communication and accessibility," commented Ted Yeatts, General Manager of The Plaza Resort & Spa. "Being able to pick up the phone and get quick accurate sales and tech support is huge for me."

While hospitality has traditionally been slow to adopt emerging technologies, there is still a need for both hotels and their technology providers to keep an eye on the future. "Technology is a living thing that is always evolving," commented Rich Morehouse, Director CRES & Revenue Management for Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. "Providers need to be able to work openly with other products that enhance the ease of use for both the guest and the hotelier, just as hoteliers constantly need to upgrade rooms, infrastructure and amenities."

"Technology providers need to stay ahead of the curve of where technology is going," commented David Cammer, Director of Lodging for Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort. "We were glad to see Springer-Miller Systems was way ahead of the curve for payment security and EMV and were ready to go ahead of the deadlines."

Partnerships, Mergers & Acquisitions