Daily Champion (Lagos)
Victor Nze
23 October 2009
Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG), Monday, announced the launch of a new suite of Twitter, Facebook and iPhone applications. The move comes as part of the SPG programme's overall commitment to providing insider access for its loyal guests by tapping into the power of social media.
SPG is the first hotel loyalty programme to establish a presence in these leading social media and mobile networks. And the SPG program sees social media as a key platform for further engaging an influential and rapidly growing segment of its members.
According to research, SPG members are highly active social media participants with 50 percent indicating frequent involvement - and those particular members book and stay more frequently.
In fact, SPG members engaged in social networks are nearly 20 percent more likely to book a Starwood hotel than other SPG members. And SPG members who create blogs are nearly 80 percent more likely to book.
"We want to be everywhere our guests are, and our savvy members are spending more and more of their time engaged in sites like Twitter and Facebook and on mobile devices like the iPhone," said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President of Web Services and Starwood Preferred Guest. "By launching these new applications, we are able to foster positive relationships with our most valued customers and add meaningful benefits to their travel experiences, both online and offline."
In June, SPG became the first hotel loyalty programme to engage guests though its Twitter account @spginsider. Now, SPG is breaking new ground with SPG Insider, the industry's first travel tips mash-up. By "mashing up" the functionalities of Twitter and Google Maps, SPG Insider enables travelers to post insider tips - or "tweets" - on restaurants, bars and entertainment options around the world from their mobile Twitter application of choice.
While the growth of SPG Insider will be largely dependent upon consumer submissions, concierges at Starwood's hotels around the world will play a pivotal role in the evolution of the application. They have already loaded reviews of some of their favorite local hot spots contributing to nearly 2000 points of interest to date, and will continually update the site with their insider recommendations.
Meanwhile, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has continued to solidify its position as an industry powerhouse by working closely with Microsoft Corporation to showcase the Windows 7, the software company's new operating system, prior to its official public launch yesterday, October 22.
Sheraton Hotels has also partnered with HP to feature Windows 7 on HP's next-generation, touch-enabled Business TouchSmart PCs at select Sheraton properties. The new state-of-the art offerings are part of a $6 billion worldwide effort to revitalize the iconic Sheraton brand, including an investment of $2.3 billion in new hotels, $1.5 billion in renovations and $400 million in signature brand initiatives throughout North America.
Sheraton has deployed Windows 7 in its "Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft®," a unique lobby lounge that enables guests to stay connected using Windows-based computers that feature Microsoft Office, Bing, Microsoft's new decision engine, Bing Maps, Internet access and Microsoft LifeCam webcams for emailing video postcards.
"Sheraton's alliance with Microsoft and HP to deploy Windows 7 on HP Business TouchSmart computers prior to its public launch further solidifies our brand as the choice for travelers who want to stay connected using the latest in cutting edge technology. Sheraton recognizes the premium value our guests place on having access to the smartest, most current technology during their stay at our properties.
Through our multi-billion revitalization effort, we've made a long-term investment in the Link@Sheraton and are proud to offer Windows 7 as a unique way to heighten the guest experience and ensure our customers stay connected," said Hoyt Harper, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Management for Sheraton Hotel & Resorts.
The Link@Sheraton is a signature virtual and physical lobby lounge space that enables Sheraton guests to work, relax and remain connected with friends, family and colleagues during their travels in a social environment.
A key feature of the Link@Sheraton experience is Microsoft branded webcams, allowing guests of all ages to easily email video postcards back home. The Link@Sheraton experience also features televisions, daily newspapers and The Link Café.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.
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