Saudi hotels turn to tech for loyalty
Global hotel technology specialist SHR has teamed up with Saudico Electronic Systems, one of Saudi Arabia’s top Oracle Hospitality providers, to elevate customer loyalty programmes across the kingdom’s hotel sector, where hotel loyalty programmes are not widely adopted.
The move is designed to counter a reliance on OTAs for hotel bookings, and a scarcity of direct bookings despite high levels of repeat business.
Saudico has brought in SHR to provide a suite of advanced software solutions, with a particular focus on enhancing loyalty programme capabilities.
These include SHR’s Central Reservations System (CRS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools for personalised guest communications, and Revenue Management System (RMS) for pricing strategies.
The two partners said the alliance will offer “a comprehensive approach to managing and enriching the entire guest journey, from initial booking to post-stay engagement”.
Saudi Arabia is projected to add 320,000 new hotel rooms across the country by 2030.
Less hassle for India’s international students
EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s largest online travel tech platforms, has completed a strategic investment in Planet Education Australia Pty Ltd, an education services provider.
Founded in 1999, Sydney-based Planet Education offers comprehensive study abroad services through a network of 25 offices globally. These include expert counselling, university placements and visa assistance.
Planet Education will have access to EaseMyTrip’s customer base, B2B agents’ network and tech capabilities.
Nishant Pitti, CEO & co-founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “Every year, lakhs of students pursue higher education in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and Ireland.
“Leveraging Planet Educations’s expertise, we aim to simplify the process of visas and documentation for students, making it hassle-free.”
Planet Education has a network of 350+ universities globally.
Scammers in Thailand are Traveloka’s target
Traveloka, South-east Asia’s travel platform, has joined hands with Thailand to counter the threat of online fraud in Thailand’s tourism sector.
Scammers are threatening Thailand’s reputation as a safe travel destination. More than 26,000 online scam cases have been reported to the Royal Thai Police this year, resulting in losses amounting to 4.65 billion baht (approx. US$138 million).
Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is spearheading comprehensive anti-fraud initiatives. Key efforts such as the establishment of the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) and the introduction of the Emergency Cybercrime Decree in 2023, alongside the recent launch of the 2024 #ThaisAware anti-scam digital literacy campaign, are focused on combating online scams.
Traveloka says its advanced machine learning algorithms flag suspicious activities, while robust security protocols, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and end-to-end encryption, protect user data.
“Additionally, our 24-hour fraud team monitors activities in real-time and we actively run awareness campaigns. We also collaborate with government officials and industry partners, recognising that safeguarding Thailand’s tourism industry is a shared responsibility,” Traveloka said.
Da Nang resort checks in with TA Network
Da Nang Mikazuki Resorts and Spa in Vietnam has partnered with Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) to upgrade its online direct booking services for travel agents, wholesalers and corporate clients within the TA Network ecosystem.
Da Nang Mikazuki Resorts will leverage TA Network’s extensive digital marketing expertise and expansive network to enhance its visibility and accessibility in the global hospitality market.
The partnership aims to tackle key challenges such as rate parity inconsistencies by centralising rate control, while also automating manual booking processes.
This shift is expected to reduce indirect booking costs associated with OTAs.
Vinh Long, assistant director of sales at Da Nang Mikazuki Resorts and Spa, said the collaboration with TA Network “demonstrates our commitment to strengthening relationships with travel agencies, wholesalers, and corporate clients—key segments of our business”.