New app cuts out contact

A Perthshire businessman is behind pioneering software which will help the crisis-hit hospitality industry welcome guests back safely in the post-lockdown world.

Richard Drummond, co-owner of MacKays Hotel in Pitlochry, is a director of Hop Software, the firm which has developed a hospitality management system which minimises human contact.

Using the company’s branded app, guests can book, check-in, pay bills and check out without having to physically distance in reception queues.

The app even enables customers to open and lock their hotel bedroom doors remotely.

Furthermore, with hospitality being one of the sectors worst hit by the fall in tourism, the company claims the system will help businesses slash costs through staff efficiency and removing payments to third parties.

Room service can also be ordered from the app on any device and a text service alerts guests to COVID-complaint measures in place in the establishment.

Director Richard Drummond, who previously worked at Gleneagles Hotel and for Whitbread before co-owning MacKays in Highland Perthshire, said: “Because Hop Software is a company started by hospitality people for hospitality people, we know the challenges our clients face.

“We need to create environments where customers feel safe but that are not too clinical. People still want to enjoy their experience and the technology can reduce the level of contact but still provide the customer with a high level of service.

“Innovations such as digital door locking and opening, for example, completely cuts out the need for the touching of handles and surfaces from which the virus can be passed and reduces cleaning cycles for staff.”