Hotel chain gets best digital transformation award

Section of Pride Inn Beach Resort at Shanzu in Mombasa County. [Maarufu Mohamed/Standard]

PrideInn Group of Hotels has been awarded the coveted Best Digital Transformation in Hospitality award from Smart SMB.
The achievement follows awards from TripAdvisor and International Travel Awards.
The hotel chain was recognized for its initiatives in digital transformation within the hospitality industry in Kenya.
“We are proud to have been recognized as one of the leading local hotel chains embracing digital technology to ensure guests comfort and particularly our super Hi-Speed Wi-Fi enabling seamless communication and business, " said Mr Hasnain Noorani, Managing Director of PrideInn Group of Hotels.

Facing increased demand but also unprecedented competition, hotel service providers must remain relevant and constantly improve their product to ensure their continued success.
Holidaymakers expect far more than just a good night’s sleep and plentiful breakfast.

"We are seeing unprecedented disruptive forces impacting the hotel industry today and technology is our only line of defense. Hotels that operate the sameway they did 5 years ago are quickly becoming the fallout of these tectonic shifts”, added Mr. Noorani
New technologies will have an increasing role in the modernization and growth possibilities of the tourism sector and, therefore, hotel industry players are aiming at the use of Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, among others to attract more clients to their establishments.

Many of IT's solutions, such as booking, help build customer loyalty by digitizing spaces that create a unique visitor experience. On mobility solutions, which allow tourists to enjoy their stay in a completely safe way.
An enormous amount of knowledge is generated about the behaviour of travellers through the sensors that make up the different tech services, allowing hotels to offer them what they particularly need at any given moment.

From a marketing point of view, technology allows hotels to target their potential customers in a more efficient way.
One of the simpler examples is hotels reminding their business clientele about their conference schedules, targeting specific groups, for example, people who have arrived at the same convention, highlighting special deal and offers.
Such an ability to relate to their target audience in real time cuts down on marketing cost, while at the same time, enhances the effectiveness.

“Gone are the days of making room reservations via the telephone as the digital age gives travellers the ease of looking for information on room rates, promotional prices and reviews on the Internet. Travellers also habitually turn to global online hospitality sites for promotional deals, a trend that has been growing in the last five years,” said Joy Morai, Sales Director for PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort.

The Kenya edition of Smart SMB Summit & Awards held at the Crowne Plaza in Nairobi on the last week saw an impressive turnout of over 300 decision makers from the mid-market in attendance.
The event was held under the theme ‘Redefining Digital and Business Transformation’ and focused on pivotal topics that are integral to the adoption of digital transformation.