'Wyndham Connect' launched in North America

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS recently launched Wyndham Connect, a new guest engagement platform by Canary Technologies, in North America. The platform, first announced at the company’s 2023 global conference, is available at no additional cost to owners, with nearly 2,000 North American hotels already using it, Wyndham said in a statement.

“We always put our franchisees first, and investing in innovative technology like AI sets them apart from the competition," said Scott Strickland, Wyndham’s chief commercial officer. "With access to powerful solutions like Wyndham Connect, our franchisees can manage their businesses more efficiently and curate guest experiences to help make stays more meaningful than ever. The result? Happier guests, higher chances for repeat business and money in franchisees’ pockets.”

Wyndham Connect features mobile-centric tools, using AI-driven large language models, the statement said. It enables owners to meet the needs of modern travelers, increasing profitability by streamlining operations. The company invested nearly $325 million delivering sales, marketing and digital innovations over the last six years.

Features of Wyndham Connect include:

• Enables AI-generated messaging for guest communication via text.
• Smart mobile check-in that accelerates check-in processes for guests and front desk agents, facilitating pre-verified guest information and reducing chargebacks.
• Offers opportunities for incremental revenue through early check-ins, late check-outs and personalized upgrades.
• Smart mobile check-out provides a quick, contactless check-out experience, notifying front desk agents and housekeeping of room availability.
• Prompts guests to complete post-stay surveys via text, boosting the likelihood of positive online reviews and addressing guest concerns promptly.
• Simplifies leaving housekeeping tips without cash, with an average tip exceeding $10 based on adoption across Wyndham hotels.

“I do business with Wyndham because they invest in my success,” said Ajit Patel, Wyndham franchisee. “With industry-leading property and revenue management services and access to technology like Wyndham Connect, I’m building relationships with my guests and its translating to hundreds of dollars a week that I’d otherwise miss out on.”

In May, Wyndham appointed Amit Sripathi as chief development officer, succeeding Chip Ohlsson, who left the company in June. Formerly Wyndham’s senior vice president of strategic and corporate development, Sripathi now heads the North American franchise sales team.