Booking.com is partnering with Futurestay – one of Phocus Wire’s Hot 25 Startups for 2020 – to provide online check-in for Futurestay partner properties booked through the online travel agency. In an email statement, a Booking.com spokesperson says this is one of several initiatives the company is developing to address consumers’ COVID-19-related concerns.
“Because we know travellers are prioritising health and safety measures when they travel, we are working with a number of technology providers – including Futurestay – to make it easier for our accommodation partners to set up online check-in at their properties, helping save them time and streamline their operations while delivering a more seamless guest experience. As a part of our commitment to rebuilding together, we will continue to focus our efforts on bringing our partners the tailored tools and technology they need to effectively respond to the evolving travel environment,” the statement says.
Philip Kennard, Founder and CEO, Futurestay says the automated check-in collaboration began late last year out of the two companies’ shared vision for a ‘seamless travel experience’ – but accelerated once the pandemic began.
“With this technology, it’s not that it is new, it’s more along the lines of it’s now necessary. It’s almost table stakes at this point in time,” Kennard says.
“I believe Booking and Futurestay are really pioneering on this in the short-term rental side. And I think we will see this accelerating through most of the alternative accommodations sector, just because this is the perfect time for travellers to stay in alternative accommodations, and they want socially distanced stays.”
