InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world’s first hotel brand to offer global destination specific concierge websites and videos, announced the launch of its free Concierge Insider Guides app designed specifically for the Apple iPad. InterContinental is the first major hotel brand to offer consumers an iPad app.
From the finest restaurants, chicest shops and trendiest nightspots to insider tips on local culture, attractions and events, the Concierge Insider Guides app allows current and future guests to have a richer travel experience by tapping into the collective knowledge and experiences of InterContinental Concierge Teams in more than 120 destinations. InterContinental Concierge is the cornerstone of the brand’s ‘in the know’ positioning, and truly defines the InterContinental guest experience.
The iPad app allows consumers to explore the exciting cities and exotic destinations where InterContinental Hotels & Resorts are located by providing access to the following:
destination-specific concierge videos packed with useful insider information not normally found in travel guide books; interactive maps with Google Maps technology of recommended shops, restaurants and local attractions; tecommendations and suggested itineraries for a concierge’s perfect day (morning, afternoon and evening) for each location; and insider tips around the local culture, what to pack and interesting facts.
To download InterContinental’s Concierge iPad app, visit www.intercontinental.com/insiderguides.
Additionally, the iPad app facilitates online booking and provides detailed information and images about individual properties. Creating further convenience, once the app is downloaded the guest can view all of the content without a wireless connection, with exception of streaming video.
“The InterContinental Concierge Insider Guides app helps our guests engage with the InterContinental brand and the city they’re visiting,” said Simon Scoot, Vice President, Global Brand Management, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, IHG. “It enables them to get under the skin of the place that they are going to through digital access to the destination through the eyes and ears of our highly trained head concierges and their professional teams. The information enables you to conduct some quick or detailed research, prepare for your journey and also to get in touch with our concierges to set things up for you ahead of time.”
In April 2010, InterContinental was the first hotel brand in the world to launch a global iPad initiative equipping Concierge teams with content-rich iPads to enhance day-to-day interaction with hotel guests.
The InterContinental Concierge Insider Guides app for the iPad is an extension of IHG’s mobile strategy or “fifth channel” and follows the highly successful releases of the Priority Club Rewards app for the iPhone in late April and the Priority Club Rewards app for the Android™ in late July 2010. Combined these apps have been downloaded over 172,000 times globally.
“Consumers continue to use new forms of wireless devices to not only search, shop and book travel, but they are increasingly turning to wireless tablets as modern day magazines to explore locations in a much deeper and richer way,” said Michael Menis, Vice President, Web and Interactive Marketing, IHG. “In response to this emerging trend, IHG has taken the InterContinental ‘In the Know’ experience, which is personified through our concierge, and brought it to the Apple iPad.”