InterContinental Hotels Group on Wednesday announced that it will develop with Amadeus a next-generation Guest Reservation System (GRS) using a new cloud-based community model, a first in the hotel sector, and similar to the model it developed for the global airline industry.
As launch partner, IHG will work with Amadeus on the design, functionality and evolution of the system, which will ultimately replace Holidex, IHG’s proprietary reservation system. This follows the completion of a successful engineering study by IHG and Amadeus to scope out potential technologies and solutions to drive innovation in the industry for the long-term benefit of owners and guests. GRS can be operated alongside Holidex and the transition to GRS, which is due to be rolled out globally in 2017, will be undertaken in phases to minimize risks.
Amadeus is taking responsibility for funding and maintaining the reservation system and each member will pay for usage on a transaction fee basis. IHG will continue to work with Amadeus to evolve and future-proof the system over time.
IHG stated this next-generation GRS gives it a foundation to continue to invest in technology through system-funded capital investments and evolve its own bespoke systems, which will be connected to GRS and hotels directly through a separate interface. IHG said this effort will result in a first of its kind, standardized, scalable and flexible global technology eco-system.
“The next-generation guest reservation system we will create with Amadeus will deliver a powerful global platform for hotels to manage guest interaction, will be intuitive for hotel teams, and will help us accelerate our work to revolutionise and personalise the guest experience through technology,” said IHG CEO Richard Solomons.