On this podcast we are joined by Alan O’Riordan of apaleo and Lee Tracey of GiftUp
This is a slightly different podcast to normal as it will focus on two initiatives apaleo and GiftUp have devised rather than one of our typical thought leadership pods.
We hear first from Lee at GiftUp who talks us through their offer for hotels to utilise their app to help hotels convert potential booking cancellations into gift cards. In these uncertain times with nobody knowing when travel restrictions will be lifted, gift cards can also be used as a very flexible way to secure bookings for the future, gaining valuable cash-flow now.
Here is a link to the GiftUp announcement which outlines the offer in full:
https://www.giftupapp.com/covid19
Hotels can sign up for GiftUp even if they are not using the apaleo pms.
However, Alan does outline how apaleo’s api first platform enables hotels to quickly integrate apps like GiftUp into their apaleo pms and be up and running within a few hours, with a seamless journey for the guest and ease of use for hoteliers.
Alan then outlines the 2 initiatives they have instigated.
The first is providing their PMS for free to hotels, who are re-purposing their property, so they can manage this new business model without having to run it through their existing PMS systems as apaleo recognise that can provide some challenges.
The second initiative is focused on the DACH region where they have looked to connect hotels, who are interested in volunteering their inventory, with the public bodies that require this capacity.
Here is a link to their #hospitaltyHeroes page which outlines these initiatives and where you can sign up:
https://apaleo.com/hospitalityheroes-europe/
To date they have 282 hotels who have volunteered to release their inventory – which is over 36,000 confirmed rooms – to support the requirements of public bodies in this region.
Contributor bio:
Alan O’Riordan – Since graduating in German, French and international marketing in 1991, Alan has worked in sales, marketing and general management for over 25 years. He has in-depth knowledge of hospitality and hotel technology, having worked closely with some of the world’s most prestigious hotel companies during his 20+ years with Guestline, protel and apaleo.
