May 28, 2013, Bangkok:??Marriott International signed an official agreement to commence working with leading UK hospitality guest services developer iRiS Software Systems.
In a ceremony that took place at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong hotel in Bangkok, Marriott International?s Regional VP Information Resources, Asia Pacific (Martin Bookallil) signed a formal agreement with global hospitality software developer iRiS Software Systems, attended by Mr Jason Jefferys, CEO of iRiS, who flew in from London to attend. Also in attendance was Mr Bruce Hoffmeister, Global CIO of Marriott International based in Washington DC.
The agreement formalizes Marriott?s acceptance of the iRiS F&B application that has been taking the hotel restaurant world by storm across the globe. In keeping with the modern world?s trends, iRiS? software allows restaurants to take a fresh approach to their menu presentation by turning them digital and presenting them on tablets (iOS and Android) for their diners. This enables restaurants to present their wine cellar and bar on a modern, clear, enticing and informative platform. The restaurant?s clientele can then view as much or as little information as they require.
Martin Bookallil, VP of IR at Marriott said:
?Mobility in our Hotels is one of our key priorities. iRiS Software Systems will provide us with practical software tools that enable our Guest facing operation to present and engage with our Guests in fresh new ways. We are very excited to work with the iRiS team on several new opening Hotel projects this year to bring these products and processes to life, starting with our Ritz-Carlton properties.?
According to Jason Jefferys of iRiS, this has come at the perfect time:
?We are very excited to be working with Marriott, a world class organization that recognizes that even their most traditional brands stand to benefit greatly through the iRiS F&B app. Not only do guests enjoy using the wine list far more, but they will be able to do so in their preferred language. People love using tablet technology and nowadays it is becoming common-place but is still exciting.?
Features such as iRiS? ?Shortlist? function and ?Sommelier Specials? are enabling guest engagement to be taken to a new level. Diners who are unsure can have an informed conversation with the Sommelier or waiter, where perhaps they may have been concerned to do so.
The design, look and feel is bespoke for Marriott International and tailored for each property; diners view stunning images, and are offered three separate categories: Sommelier, Bar and Menu.
The development and design of the F&B and Room Valet product is currently in progress and will see the tablet option deployed with the opening of the new China Ritz-Carlton hotels.