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Accor has announced the global launch of its digital key solution, ‘Accor Key’, in line with its strategy to provide a contactless guest journey across its facilities.
The rollout will provide customers with a keyless door entry solution, whilst “ensuring that hotels do not lose the human touch that guests require”.
On arrival, customers will receive their room key virtually by downloading Accor’s digital key app. They will then be given access to rooms, entry to meeting rooms and floor access via lifts using their smartphone. Once departing the hotel, the mobile key will automatically be deactivated.
Following successful pilot programs in North America, Europe and Asia, the rollout will start in all new Accor hotels opening in 2021 and extend to existing properties.
The group plans to equip 500 hotels with Accor Key this year, and at least 50% of all rooms across the network within the next five years.
It added that the move will help reduce the amount of plastic used for traditional key cards and cardboard for the key holder.
Patrick Mendes, chief commercial officer Accor, in charge of Sales, Marketing, Distribution and Loyalty, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of “Accor key” within our entire network. Making contactless and seamless guest experiences a reality is a priority for Accor.
“Accor key is a great example of how the group can build solutions and deploy them efficiently in all Accor operating countries.”
Floor Bleeker, chief information officer Accor, added: “We always strive to adopt technology which can improve the overall guest experience. Guests increasingly seek contact-light travel and hotel experiences. Therefore, the easy to operate and highly practical application will provide a streamlined process for our guests.”
Accor key program will be delivered through a partnership with STAYmyway.
Faustino Fernandez, STAYmyway founder and CEO , said: “We are honored to be working with such an innovative company at such a critical time in our industry.
“A recent Deloitte study shows that 60% of travelers are more likely to stay at a hotel that allowed contactless check in and the ability to use a smartphone as a room key—16% even say it’s a “must have”. The demand is even higher for frequent travelers.”
