Technology creating more meetings
In a growing sign that businesses are replacing travel with technology, both Marriott and Starwood recently announced plans to install high-resolution video conferencing systems in worldwide hotels.
Marriott has signed a deal with AT&T to install the Cisco-designed Telepresence systems in 25 hotels in cities including San Francisco, London, New York, Shanghai, Paris and Frankfurt. The systems will go into a variety of Marriott, J.W. Marriott and Renaissance hotels. The hotel giant expects some will be operational by late October.
Starwood, meanwhile, has tied up with Tata Communications in Singapore, saying it would feature the technology in ten hotels to begin with, including Sheraton hotels in New York, Sydney and Toronto. It also said it had earmarked key business cities such as Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore for the technology.
The system uses large high definition video screens positioned around a table and real-time audio to give the illusion of being in the same room as others in the teleconference. The top-of-the-range systems cost $350,000 and can host up to 20 people.
Marriott sees the high-end virtual meeting rooms as something hotels can sell at a time when businesses are cutting back on overseas travel, rather than something that might discourage less travel and therefore lower demand for rooms, according to wire service reports.
"As the 24/7 world economy becomes more interconnected, the need to hold small global meetings that cross continents and oceans will only grow," Arne Sorenson, Marriott International’s president, said in a statement, whichadded:
"We believe Telepresence will create more business meetings because people can travel shorter distances and easily connect with colleagues and clients around the world."
by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events