Technology makes hotel rooms more personal

"With the proliferation of mobile devices, personal digital assistants, portable DVD players, MP3 players, and Smartphones, hotel guests often arrive with all the technology they need," said Maggie Moore, Exhibition Director of the Hotel Show 2008 that takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, United Arab Emirates, from 8-10 June 2008.

"The question is, are all hotels keeping up with their guests' expectations with in-room facilities as well as adequate back office technology?

"In-room systems, enhanced amenities, and information resources can deliver a new and more personal kind of experience - whether guests are viewing digital pictures on their hotel room TV or using their mobile phone to access room service," she added.

Smart hotel operators can provide for MP3 players, digital cameras, and other devices to connect to in-room audio-visual devices for listening and viewing experiences that create a home away from home. They can also provide universal adapters to enable guests to plug in mobile devices. New docking devices can also accommodate Smartphone and pocket PC phone devices, offering direct access to hotel systems.

"More and more hotels are creating a guest experience that incorporates technology into their hotel rooms - offering the same multimedia experience to which they are increasingly accustomed to at their home or office," said Moore.

Within the 1,800 square metre technology arena of the Hotel Show, a Business Lounge equipped with terminals and Internet access will be provided for visitors and exhibitors, sponsored by South Korean multinational and the world's largest electronics and IT company, Samsung Electronics.

Samsung is manufacturing specially customised 70-inch LCD screens for the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building currently under construction and including a major hotel.

The Hotel Show features a comprehensive range of the latest products, services and technologies and attracts key industry leaders. Organised by dmg world media Dubai, one of the region's leading exhibition companies, the Hotel Show has evolved into one of the most important dates on the international industry calendar. Visitor profiles included regional owner-operators, decision makers from international five-star hotel chains, architects and interior designers.

In excess of 16,500 square metres of exhibition space has been reserved for 2008, to accommodate surging demand from both international and regional exhibitors, and is already heading towards another complete sell-out.