InterContinental Brings iPad 2 Concierge App To China

InterContinental Shanghai Expo and InterContinental Hong Kong are among ten InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties around the world that will connect guests face-to-face with their concierge teams using the new iPad 2 from Apple.

InterContinental states that it is the first global hotel brand to equip its concierge teams with the iPad, and says it is committed to ensuring travelers have unparalleled access to local attractions, cultural events and "Insider" travel tips. Using the FaceTime feature on Apple products — be it a MacBook, iPhone 4, iPod touch or iPad 2 — consumers can video chat with InterContinental's concierge teams and receive personalized service and destination recommendations, even before they leave home.

InterContinental properties participating in the initiative include hotels and resorts in Greater China, Asia, the Middle East, the UK, and the USA.

In addition to being the first global hotel brand to provide its staff with the iPad, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts was the first major hotel brand to offer consumers an app designed specifically for the iPad in December 2010. To date, InterContinental's free concierge app, which allows current and future guests to tap into the collective knowledge and experiences of "Insider" concierge teams in more than 140 destinations, has been downloaded by more than 7,000 consumers and has received a four out of five star rating.

Commenting on the concierge app Simon Scoot, the vice president of global brand management for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, said they were excited to further enhance their interaction with travelers via the iPad 2. Scoot added that as a brand, they prided themselves on their 'Insider' Concierge teams and personalized service, and now prospective guests could access authentic destination advice and travel tips face-to-face before they even leave home.

The enhancements associated with the iPad 2 along with InterContinental's Concierge app for the iPad allows consumers to explore over 140 cities and exotic destinations where InterContinental Hotels & Resorts are located by providing immediate access to the following: FaceTime video chatting with concierge teams at the ten InterContinental hotels participating the in the global pilot (also available via iPhone 4, iPod Touch and Mac computers); destination-specific concierge videos packed with useful insider information and recommendations not normally found in travel guide books; interactive globe with Google Maps technology featuring high-resolution satellite imagery, close-up street views and detailed walking routes as well as recommended shops, restaurants and local attractions; recommendations and suggested itineraries for a concierge's perfect day (morning, afternoon and evening) for each location; insider tips around the local culture; what to pack; and interesting facts about the destination.

Guests can connect with InterContinental concierge teams via FaceTime and download the concierge iPad app by visiting chat.intercontinental.com.