Keeping guests charged up, wirelessly
Keeping guests’ devices charged is a necessary part of keeping them happy. Savvy suppliers are combining the provision of a useful service for customers with powerful direct marketing capabilities for operators. The obvious advantage of not having to mess about with wires, plugs or power banks means that a growing number of hospitality venues are providing wireless charging. Wireless charging works by transferring energy from the charger to a receiver in the back of the phone via electromagnetic induction. Charging spots can be embedded into furniture or added onto surfaces. Aircharge has enabled more than 5,000
public wireless charging locations worldwide, working with hospitality brands including Premier Inn, Hyatt, Novotel, Aloft, Pret, Vapiano, TGI Fridays, McDonald’s and Starbucks. Thanks to its reach across a wide range of high-street names, Aircharge has produced an app that identifies the closest Aircharge locations for customers to pop into, have a drink or a bite to eat while charging up their phones. The app even alerts customers when their battery reaches 20% power. For operators, Aircharge claims the app results in 10 extra paying customers per day. Average return from installing the wireless charging spots is seen after three months. The service also provides useful analytics and Aircharge claims it leads to more repeat customers and increased revenue per customer. Chargifi, another wireless charging provider,
works with IHG, Ritz Carlton, the Hoxton, MGM Resorts and Marriott. The use of wireless charging is only available to guests who have downloaded the hotel’s own loyalty app. Then, by integrating with Chargifi’s own messaging software, operators can push notifications to guests’ screens, reminding them about an available charging spot whenever they are in range. Operators can track guest usage across the hotel and also across multiple locations and log the information into their CRM. Every time a customer charges their phone there is an opportunity for on-screen messaging, promotions and upselling. In short, hoteliers capture valuable information about visiting guests by requiring them to have the app in order to use the wireless charging service.
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32 | Technology Prospectus 2020
www.thecaterer.com
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