FIJI GLOBAL NEWS

Beyond the headline

Holiday Inn Suva has installed Fiji’s first self‑service check‑in and check‑out kiosk, the hotel announced, offering guests a faster, cashless option to manage arrivals and departures. The lobby‑based station allows travellers to complete key steps digitally, a feature the hotel says will reduce queues during peak periods while still preserving traditional front‑desk services.

The kiosk operates on a cashless basis and accepts local and international credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. The hotel said alternative payment options will remain available through the front office for guests who prefer them. Holiday Inn Suva described the installation as an additional choice for guests, complementing existing arrival and departure services rather than replacing staff interaction.

The project was led by Akshay Chand, portfolio director of Information Technology for the IHG hotels in the region. Chand was recently recognised with the Rising Star Award at the 2025 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards for his contribution to innovation in the sector, an honour the hotel highlighted as validation of the initiative’s design and execution.

Lachlan Walker, IHG’s regional general manager for Fiji and the Pacific, framed the kiosk as an example of balancing technology with personalised service. “Across IHG hotels and resorts, we are focused on introducing technology that responds to how guests travel today, while reinforcing the importance of human connection at every stage of the stay,” Walker said, adding that automating routine processes frees colleagues to spend more time on meaningful, personalised hospitality.

Holiday Inn’s move reflects a wider shift in traveller behaviour toward convenience and choice. In recent years, operators across the Pacific have been experimenting with digital tools to streamline customer journeys — from airline booking platforms to AI‑driven services — and the new kiosk positions the Suva property alongside that regional push toward tech‑enabled guest experiences.

Hotel officials say the kiosk is already available in the lobby and will be monitored and adjusted in response to guest feedback. They emphasised that traditional check‑in and concierge services will remain for guests who prefer face‑to‑face assistance, noting the aim is to expand options rather than curtail personal service.

As Fiji continues to rebuild and expand its tourism offerings, the introduction of the country’s first hotel self‑service kiosk is a noteworthy step in modernising guest operations and catering to an increasingly diverse set of traveller preferences.


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