Amaya Resorts and Spas forges ahead with pioneering smartphone Apps

Friday, 1 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Amaya Resorts and Spas on Wednesday broke new ground in the digital marketing arena by being the first in the industry to launch user friendly Smartphone Apps with a range of features and benefits. The two new smart device applications for iPhone and Android users facilitate bookings and useful information among others. Senior officials of Amaya Resorts said the launch of App was in recognition of the increasingly connected mobile guests, changing lifestyles of the traveller and rapid growth in online bookings. Relevant information

Before, throughout and after a stay, the app provides relevant information such as directions, property dining options and other hotel amenities. Integrated social media channels including FourSquare allow users to virtually “check-in” to their stay, remain connected to family and friends and engage through Amaya Resorts’ various social media channels. The apps act as an extension of the Amaya Resorts’ website, allowing travellers to easily make reservations researching accommodation options, browsing user reviews, accessing hotel deals and booking and managing their accommodation choices. The Amaya Resorts’ App will not stop at this. Together with its technology partner FortunaGlobal, future innovations are currently being tested including checkout and guest service requests. As the brand rapidly grows, Amaya also plans to expand mobile guest services vastly. This new Amaya app is now available for free download on the Google Play and Apple App Stores. Special offers

As part of the marketing effort all app downloaders will be entitled with special offers, deals and goodies at the Amaya properties. Amaya Resorts and Spas Managing Director Lalin T. Samarawickrama said online bookings for the Amaya chain of hotels are on the rise. “From about 8% a few years ago, online bookings now account for over 20%,” he said adding that travellers were finding it convenient and cost effective. “We do participate in several important travel fairs where we meet the trade. However given the wider use of social media by people globally, smart devices have become an important new channel for marketing,” Samarawickrama said. Amaya Resorts and Spas Director Marketing and Sales Denesh Silva said e-marketing is the future of the industry. “As Sri Lanka gets popular as a tourist destination, reaching prospective tourist or the traveller via his widely used mobile smartphone or pad will be critical. Our strategy via the launch of the App also signifies that as a brand we are going to the people as opposed to waiting or expecting customer to come to us,” Silva added. Android and Apple Senior Marketing and Sales Manager Hameem Farook said as per research two out of five mobile searches for holidays are via an android or

apple device. In marketing the mobile app, Amaya Resorts and Spas has lined up special offers for bookings made via the new channel. Upgrades and free services and ordering of menus are some of the benefits planned. Hayleys Group Chief Information Officer Ajith Dandeniya said after downloading the app and if notifications feature is enabled, a user will benefit from being updated with regular and new deals on offer at the Amaya chain of hotels comprising Amaya Lake in Dambulla. Amaya Hills in Kandy, Hunas Falls by Amaya in Kandy, Langdale by Amaya in Radalla, Coral Rock by Amaya in Hikkaduwa, more recently Amaya Signature in Dambulla and The Bungalow by Amaya in Kandy. Amaya said it offers customers the best of the country’s indigenous cultural and ecological heritages bringing guests an authentic experience that reflects the culture, nature and beauty of Sri Lanka. Amaya, the Sanskrit word for reality and non-illusion, has been named such because it offers its customers the best of the country’s indigenous cultural and ecological heritages. This concept has been carried across all of the resorts and spas, with improvements in facade, products offered and service standard showing Amaya’s enhanced commitment to its customers. To join the ongoing Amaya conversation, like the Facebook page at (Facebook.com/AmayaResorts) and follow it on Twitter (Twitter.com/AmayaResort, @amayaresort). For more information or reservations, visit - www.amayaresorts.com.