Shangri-La Group has signed a long-term technology agreement with Chinese firm Tencent, which will see the development and implementation of Smart Hotel features across the group’s flagship namesake hotels, Traders, Hotel Kerry and Hotel Jen.
The move is aimed at future-proofing the Shangri-La brand as well as improving service standards and guest experience across its network.
Innovations will involve social connectivity, AI, payment platforms and cloud computing, with Shangri-La serving as a test bed for Tencent to continue to develop and improve its technology for future collaborations. These agreements will cover other businesses across the Shangri-La Group including its assets in real estate, shopping centres, commercial buildings, serviced apartments, restaurants and other catering businesses.
Shangri-La Asia Limited Chairman Hui Kuok said the two organisations shared a mutual vision and culture of exemplary customer service.
“The value of technology is not to replace the warmth of human contact and personal interaction. We will strive to work with Tencent and integrate hardware with ‘heartware’ and to continue to deliver innovative products and excellent customer service.”
At this stage, no specific details on hotel-centric products, services or technologies to be rolled out were detailed.