Travel operators race to develop Apple Watch apps
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Accor Hotels has become one of the first operators to preview an app designed for Apple’s new Smartwatch, which officially debuted in the United States this week.
From the end of April, the Accorhotels iOS app for Apple Watch will be available for download from the Apple App Store.
Romain Roulleau, Accor’s SVP e-commerce and director of the “mobile first” programme said the new app was designed to position the operator as “an audacious digital hospitality player”
“This policy is part of the group’s digital plan, which aims to accompany the changeover to new mobile practices. Accor is thus fully embracing the era of connected wearables and adopting an ongoing improvement approach to this robust market trend so it can provide guests with a value-added service before, during and after their stay.”
The app will be made available in 10 languages and works in connection with the smartphone app. It will allow users to manage current bookings and receive alerts regarding online check-in timings.
Airlines are also jumping on the Apple Watch bandwagon. Air New Zealand confirmed yesterday it was working on an app that would allow its
customers to receive flight information and notifications on their Apple Watch device including boarding calls, a departure countdown feature and their electronic boarding pass. Those eligible for lounge access will even be able to order barista made coffee at some of the airline’s lounges straight from their wrist.
Air New Zealand Chief Information Officer Julia Raue says the airline’s developers visited Apple in California during the development of the app. “We’re looking forward to introducing it to our customers in the coming weeks,” says Ms Raue.
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