ROTANA, one of the leading hotel management companies with presence in the Middle East, Africa, says the innovation of customer driven smart technology is translating into a significant boost in business. Since launching the Rotana Mobile App three years ago, Rotana has posted a 20% increase in monthly mobile bookings, delivering a significant return on investment in developing the mobility platform. Rotana is embracing the smart technology service model even further with the introduction of online check-in facilities and several other tablet-delivered services. "Today's travellers are constantly connected but they have time constraints. They want information instantly and they value services that save time," said Omer Kaddouri, President & CEO of Rotana. "We have introduced a number of ways that allow our guests to use smart devices to speed up the decision-making and booking process as well as cutting down on administrative tasks related to registration and payments – thus enhancing their overall experience." In Saudi Arabia, where Rotana already operate - Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana in Makkah and the soon to open Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh - the company looks forward to securing a larger share of the market by expanding across the Kingdom's different regions, with plans to add more than 1,500 rooms and suites by 2017 with six new hotels in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Dammam, including four properties under "Centro" brand. Rotana's expansion plans will contribute directly to the Kingdom's hospitality sector by the addition of more than 4100 new hotel rooms and suites, and create more than 1,500 jobs for Saudi youth in various departments within its hotels. For instance, guests at Rotana properties can now check-in online via rotana.com and the Rotana Mobile App. They can then arrive at the hotel and simply collect their room key from a priority check-in desk exclusively reserved for online check-ins. The company is also looking at enhancing the service for Rotana Reward Members, allowing them to pick their room number and preferred floor. In addition, Rotana has re-evaluated several ways by which it could improve guest satisfaction through the use of tablet technology.
