Micros SA launches innovative e-gifting global platform for the hospitality industry
The event was also aimed at showcasing the ways in which technology can be used to help companies in the industry future-proof themselves, and seize opportunities.
The outbreak of Covid-19 has affected every sector across the globe, and the hospitality industry is among the hardest hit.
Despite many restaurants and hotels in Midrand being affected by the countless lockdowns, the industry at large is now on its way to recovery and gearing for growth.
Ike Osei, owner of Halfway House-based restaurant and bar Ikos Palace-The Hub, said that restaurants and other hospitality venues still remain under capacity even after the lockdown.
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“If you don’t have a great line-up or good strategy, the venue will remain empty, and small businesses like ours lack the capital to stage such big name events, and we are still recovering,” said Osei.
He explained that they are currently attempting to bring in regular customers on a daily basis, as well as rekindle what used to be a spark in the restaurant.
To help companies in the industry increase direct and repeat business, acquire new customers, and reward and win back existing customers, Micros South Africa, in conjunction with Singapore-based CPR Vision Management, launched an innovative e-gifting platform.
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Named Isipo, the new platform launched on October 10 at Adapt IT Campus in Noordwyk, is based on a platform developed by CPR Vision Management and widely used in the Asia Pacific region.
The Hospitality TechConnect 22 event was also aimed at showcasing the ways in which technology can be used to help companies in the industry future-proof themselves, and seize opportunities.
Managing Director for Micros SA Reginald Sibeko said e-gifting saved many hotels during the lockdowns, but what is really exciting is how it can be used to turbo-charge growth and improve margins as the hospitality industry takes off.
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“Today’s market is all about experiences, and Isipo provides a way for South African and African hospitality players to sell the emotional, experiential side of their business,” said Sibeko.
Speaking at the launch, Cameron Richards, CEO of CPR, highlighted the many ways that e-gifting vouchers could be used to open up new income streams for the industry and build a recurring direct income.
Moreover, Isipo allows hospitality companies to ‘close the loyalty loop’ quickly, responding rapidly to aggrieved customers with an apology and a voucher, thus converting detractors into ambassadors. Similarly, vouchers can be used to convert customers into repeat business.
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“This is a purely Web-based platform, so it’s ridiculously easy to implement and use, and doesn’t require the purchase of new hardware or software, making it extremely cost-effective and eliminating any risk,” concluded Richards.
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