Hotel Technology Franchise Opens New Territories

Advanced Media Information Ltd, the technology franchise providing touch-screen information terminals to hotels, has continued to expand its franchisee network despite the recession.

International expansion has always been the goal of managing director Phil Smith-Lawrence.

"Our concept is so simple, yet so effective,” he says. “Our company sources major hotels in both the UK and abroad and sites the latest touch-screen information kiosks for guests to use alongside the concierge service.

“Franchisees are trained and shown how to approach local businesses in the area offering them the opportunity for the hotel to promote their business to the thousands of guests per week."

The AskAMI unit is aesthetically attractive, multilingual and provides directions and details to amenities in the local area.

Anything a hotel guest is likely to want, such as restaurants, bars, clubs, sightseeing attractions, shops, taxis, car hire, and so on, are included. Recent additions to the listed services include property, solicitors, doctors, dentists and plastic surgeons.

This month has seen the opening of three four-star hotel sites with the screens.

Franchisees Don and Gary, based in London, have just expanded their portfolio to a fourth site, while the first kiosks for franchisees in Portugal and Paris are being delivered.

Smith-Lawrence adds:

"Large brand names are just as attracted to our concept as some of the smaller, local businesses.

“Recent additions to our advertisers include Spearmint Rhino, Rainforest Cafe, Hugo Boss and Versace, helping to further increase confidence for our franchisees and making the business even more credible with new customers."

One franchisee recently appointed, based in Cyprus, generated 30,000 Euros of sales in the first few weeks. Already, four more hotels sites have been earmarked for expansion.

Smith-Lawrence concludes:

"Anyone can run this business, but a sales and marketing background is something we look for in our franchisees along with good communication skills.

“Our latest website www.askami.co.uk explains everything you need to know about us and we look forward to receiving enquiries from potential new franchisees in the near future."