Allow me to introduce Katarina Railko, a seasoned hospitality expert with a deep-rooted passion for travel and tourism. With years of experience shaping guest experiences and a strong presence in the entertainment and events space, particularly through her work with expos and conferences, Katarina brings a wealth of insight into how technology is transforming the hospitality industry. Today, we’re diving into the exciting partnership between two innovative platforms that are redefining guest services and creating new opportunities for hotel operators. Our conversation explores how this collaboration enhances the digital guest experience, drives revenue for hoteliers, and taps into the growing demand for mobile solutions and local experiences.
How did the partnership between these two innovative platforms come about, and what sparked this collaboration?
This partnership was born out of a shared vision to elevate the guest experience while providing tangible value to hotel operators. Both platforms recognized a gap in how hotels could seamlessly connect guests with curated local experiences and on-property services. We saw an opportunity to combine our expertise in mobile solutions with a robust catalog of travel experiences, creating a synergy that benefits everyone involved. It started with conversations about how technology could bridge the divide between what guests want and what hotels can offer, and from there, it naturally evolved into a strategic alliance.
What are the overarching goals you’re aiming to achieve through this joint effort?
Our primary goal is to enhance the guest journey by making it easier to discover and book both local adventures and on-property amenities. At the same time, we want to empower hotel operators with tools that boost efficiency and open up new revenue streams. It’s about creating a win-win scenario—guests get personalized, memorable experiences, and hoteliers gain financial benefits and operational ease. Ultimately, we’re striving to set a new standard for how hotels engage with their guests through digital innovation.
Can you walk us through what the Digital Guest Directory offers to hotel operators and how it transforms their operations?
The Digital Guest Directory is a game-changer for hotel operators. It’s a centralized mobile platform that allows guests to explore and book a wide range of services directly from their devices. For operators, it streamlines communication and service delivery, reducing the workload on staff while enhancing guest satisfaction. It’s fully customizable, so hotels can showcase their unique offerings, from dining reservations to spa treatments, and now, with this partnership, an array of local tours and experiences. It’s all about convenience and connection, packaged into one user-friendly tool.
How does integrating a travel experience platform enhance the capabilities of the Guest Directory for both guests and hoteliers?
By integrating a travel experience platform, we’ve expanded the Guest Directory into a one-stop shop for curated local adventures. Guests can now book private city tours or cultural excursions right alongside their hotel services, making their stay more immersive and personalized. For hoteliers, this adds a layer of value because they can earn commissions on these bookings, turning the directory into a revenue-generating tool. It also positions the hotel as a trusted guide for local exploration, which strengthens guest loyalty and satisfaction.
How does this collaboration create financial benefits for hotel operators looking to diversify their income?
Financially, this partnership is a significant opportunity for hotel operators. They earn a commission on every local tour or experience booked through the platform, which adds a steady stream of ancillary revenue without any additional overhead. Beyond that, the ability to upsell on-property services like room upgrades or spa packages directly through the directory increases overall profitability. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to boost the bottom line while focusing on what matters most—delivering exceptional guest experiences.
What kinds of local experiences and on-property services can guests access through this digital platform?
Guests have access to a wide variety of options tailored to their interests. On the local side, they can book city guides, private tours of nearby attractions, or unique cultural experiences right from their phones. Within the hotel, the platform offers bookings for things like spa treatments, gym classes, dining reservations, and even room upgrades or late check-out options. It’s designed to cover the full spectrum of a guest’s needs, whether they’re exploring the destination or enjoying the hotel’s amenities.
Can you describe how guests interact with the Digital Guest Directory and what makes it so accessible during their stay?
We’ve made accessibility a top priority. Guests can interact with the Guest Directory in multiple ways—through pre-arrival communications with booking links, in-room QR codes, or signage throughout the hotel. Once they access it on their mobile device, the interface is intuitive, allowing them to browse and book services or experiences with just a few taps. We’ve also ensured that payment options are secure and seamless, so the process feels effortless from start to finish. It’s all about removing barriers and making engagement as natural as possible.
There’s been a noticeable rise in demand for mobile ordering and local experiences. What’s driving this trend from your perspective?
I think the rise comes down to a shift in traveler expectations. Guests today crave convenience and authenticity—they want to order services at their fingertips and dive into the local culture without the hassle of extensive planning. Mobile ordering meets that need for immediacy, while curated local experiences satisfy the desire for meaningful connections with a destination. Technology has also made people more comfortable with digital solutions, so it’s a natural evolution. We’re seeing travelers prioritize experiences over material things, and that’s fueling this demand.
How do you see this platform evolving to meet or even anticipate future guest expectations in this space?
We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve by continuously refining the platform based on guest feedback and emerging trends. That means investing in features like personalized recommendations powered by data, expanding the range of bookable experiences, and ensuring the technology remains user-friendly across all devices. We’re also exploring ways to integrate more interactive elements, like real-time updates or gamified discovery tools, to keep guests engaged. Our aim is to not just meet expectations but to surprise and delight guests with what’s possible.
What is your forecast for the future of digital guest experiences in the hospitality industry?
I believe digital guest experiences will become the cornerstone of hospitality in the coming years. We’re moving toward a fully connected ecosystem where every touchpoint—from booking to check-out—is seamlessly integrated into a mobile-first framework. Personalization will be key; guests will expect tailored recommendations and instant access to services that match their preferences. I also foresee a deeper blend of technology and human interaction, where digital tools enhance, rather than replace, the personal touch that defines great hospitality. It’s an exciting time, and I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.
