ST. AUGUSTINE, FL Wingate Inn franchisees were happy to hear executives say at the brands annual conference that they are enhancing the capabilities of the Express Desks, commonly known as EDs, which sit in all Wingate lobbies.
Franchisees have commonly complained that ED, which is meant to be used as a check-in/check-out kiosk, is widely under-utilized throughout the system as consumers are still opting to get personal service at the front desk.
In fact, at the first mention of ED by Wingate executives at the brand s business conference being held here this week, a loud grumbling erupted from the audience.
But when these same attendees heard that ED s capabilities were being enhanced, at no charge to them, they loudly applauded.
Local destination information will be provided on ED through Go2online, which has signed a corporate-wide agreement with Cendant Corp., Wingate s parent company. Meanwhile, ED software and hardware will be upgraded, allowing the screen that viewers see while using ED to be modeled after Wingate Inns homepage on the Internet.
All franchisees will get a new CPU and keyboard, at no cost, said Wingate executives.
Franchisees also applauded the fact that their monthly high-speed Internet fees will be going down for the second time. Executives explained that provider LodgeNet was able to lower the cost thanks to an agreement signed with AT&T. As a result, Wingate properties now pay an average of $825 a month for the service.
LodgeNet s services to Wingate will also be enhanced, thanks to the fact that the provider is switching over to digital servers. That move means Wingate customers will now have access to new revenue-generating services, like music on-demand, and short, independent-style films. They will also be able to check out using the television, and have their folio e-mailed to them so they don t have to stop at the front desk for a paper copy of their bill. (4/20/01) Ruthanne Terrero