Skift Travel News Blog

Marina Bay Sands Hotel has launched a series of new Smart Hotel features within its mobile app.

Singapore’s largest hotel, which boasts over 2,200 rooms and suites, is to offer its guests a raft of new services through the app, including the opportunity to bypass the conventional check-in process at the front desk and complete verification requirements remotely.

Guests will also be able to use their mobile phones as ‘digital keycards’ in order to access their rooms and the hotel lifts, as well as order in-room services, validate bills and make payments. 

Available for both Android and Apple users, these new services are the first stage in a transformative initiative aimed to integrate digital experiences into the guest journey. 

“Marina Bay Sands has always embraced technology in our constant pursuit to enhance service standards and convenience for our guests,” said Paul Town, chief operating officer at Marina Bay Sands.

“Our aim is to not only transform the conventional check-in experience, but to also allow guests to truly maximize their time and start discovering the property from the moment they arrive. We have big plans for our digital offerings and are investing heavily to enhance the overall customer journey across even more touch-points,” Town continued.

At the Skift IDEA Awards, we are looking for hotel projects that are defining the future of hotels and the guest experience.

If you have an exciting initiative to share, head to the Skift IDEA Awards and start your submission today.

Emirates has launched its City Check-in and Travel Store in Dubai’s financial district, featuring Sara, a portable robotic check-in assistant designed to assist customers when booking their travels, checking-in for flights and dropping off their luggage. 

Situated at ICD Brookfield Place, the remote check-in centre will enable customers to enhance their experience by utilizing self check-in kiosks, dedicated desks with Emirates agents, or with the assitance of Sara – who has the ability to match faces with scanned passports, check passengers in, and guide them to the luggage drop area.

“Emirates City Check In is our latest addition to the Emirates travel experience, showing our commitment to providing customers with an array of check-in options,” said Adel al Redha, Emirates’ chief operating officer.

“We are pleased to collaborate with ICD Brookfield on this project and look forward to providing our customers with more technology-focused solutions in the future.” 

Emirates passengers holding valid boarding passes will also enjoy complimentary access to selected lifestyle facilities within the venue, including various restaurants, gyms, and luxury stores on site.

At the 2023 Skift IDEA Awards, we are looking for the most innovative travel technologies that drive experiential outcomes, from mobile applications to online booking systems, self-service kiosks, and other advanced technologies.

Do you have an innovative Technology product that deserves recognition? Head to the Skift IDEA Awards and start your submission today.