5 QUESTIONS TO ANTHONY LYNSDALE VICE PRESIDENT, IT, AT ATLANTIS, THE PALM

In June, Lucid Pay, a smart settlement platform, integrated blockchain technology into the systems of the iconic 5-star resort Atlantis, The Palm, making it one of the first to do so in hotels worldwide. HN asked Anthony

Lynsdale, vice president, IT, at Atlantis, The Palm, to explain the reasons for introducing the system and assess its impact to date

1. What benefits are you hoping to obtain from the blockchain and how will it enhance your guests’ experience?

First and foremost, we wanted to introduce a cashless solution for our guests to make their payment experience as convenient, seamless and safe as possible in the resort, while also exploring the wider city. Blockchain was not necessarily a requirement; however, as we embarked on this project, we saw the value of the blockchain’s extended security capabilities beyond the boundaries of the hotel. For example, we could partner with the Dubai Opera, and if an in-house guest wishes to go there, our blockchain partnership enables them to charge the purchase of tickets back to their Atlantis, The Palm account. Ultimately, it’s about extending the 5-star Atlantis, The Palm experience for guests.

2. Why did you partner with Lucid?

With Lucid, we found a like-minded partner that shared our vision for delivering seamless, next-generation, 5-star guest experiences. They understood our goal and were flexible in their approach and solutions offered. Quick to develop and deploy market-leading technology, Lucid has a strong knowledge of both the cashless business concepts and points-of-sale systems that were crucial to the project’s success.

3. Do you think guests are ready for it?

Yes. This new approach is very much in line with our goal of providing each and every guest with the ultimate Atlantis, The Palm experience. With technology’s continued popularity with guests and increased prominence in the hospitality environment, we believe this new initiative is the logical step to providing greater convenience and choice for guests.

4. What has been the initial feedback?

The technology has been integrated into a wider cashless guest experience, so while we have not promoted this element specifically, the overall cashless experience continues to be very well received by guests.

5. What return on investment are you seeking?

Ultimately, the introduction of this new cashless system gives our guests more freedom while in resort. By eliminating disputes and fraudulent activity, while also speeding up transaction times, we have delivered an enhanced guest experience, which will only improve as we continue to develop the technology’s application. In fact, as we continue to evolve our new cashless platform, it will ultimately take the form of a digital wallet, giving guests access to all transactions in one place, while providing Atlantis with the ability to push financial rewards and exclusive promotional offers to enrolled guests, generating even more opportunities to save.