In a striking example of digital innovation meeting rural entrepreneurship, UK farmers are harnessing technology to transform their farms into thriving outdoor hospitality ventures. Thanks to Wigwam Holidays’ collaboration with eviivo, a property management system (PMS), over 80 glamping sites in the UK are operating as “outdoor hotels.”
Dynamic pricing technology is at the heart of this transformation, boosting year-round occupancy rates to 70%. One site reported a staggering 300% increase in bookings within six weeks of implementing the system.
What’s remarkable is that the majority of Wigwam’s franchisees, 80% to be exact, are farmers with little experience in hospitality or tech. With tools like eviivo Suite and its mobile app, these farmers are automating operations, managing bookings, and simplifying guest communications and payments.
The initiative isn’t just about economic uplift. “It’s giving farmers a much-needed break from the isolation and stress of farm life,” eviivo noted, adding that hosting guests has become a source of joy and social engagement for many.
Indonesia Streamlines Visa Applications with VFS Global
Indonesia has appointed VFS Global to revamp its visa application process. This move is aimed at enhancing convenience for travelers and attracting greater tourism and investment.
The updated visa services encompass holiday, second-home, and golden visa categories, aligning with Indonesia’s broader goal of boosting its global appeal. The appointment of VFS Global underscores the country’s commitment to modernizing its bureaucratic processes and making travel to Indonesia more seamless.
The change comes as Indonesia gradually integrates digital solutions into its visa services, setting a benchmark for traveler convenience.
Visa’s QR Payment Expansion Across Asia
Visa is revolutionizing touchless payments in Asia with its new QR payment program. Starting with a pilot launch in Singapore, the initiative will soon roll out across the region, enabling users to scan and pay via everyday payment apps.
This endeavor brings Visa’s technology into collaboration with QR payment providers like Lakala (China), Touch ‘n Go Digital (Malaysia), and Line Pay (Taiwan). Users can now enjoy a unified and secure payment experience abroad, eliminating the hassle of carrying multiple currencies or cards.
“This represents a significant leap for the payments ecosystem in Asia Pacific,” said T.R. Ramachandran, Visa’s SVP for Asia Pacific. By integrating with local systems, Visa is delivering a truly global payment experience for travelers accustomed to QR systems in their home countries.
Travelex’s Contactless ATM Upgrade
Travelex is modernizing its international ATM network, upgrading its 600 machines across eight countries with cutting-edge features. The overhaul includes contactless cash withdrawals, barcode readers, and near-field communication (NFC) technology that allows users to tap their card or phone to withdraw cash.
The updated ATMs, powered by NCR Atleos’ SelfServ range, aim to simplify currency exchange while enhancing security and convenience. The new hardware will be rolled out in key markets, including the UK, Australia, and Switzerland.
Travelex’s investment highlights the growing demand for frictionless financial transactions in an increasingly digital global economy.
SITA Sets a New Benchmark in Aviation Technology
SITA, a global leader in air travel technology, has integrated IPS Intelligent Passenger Solutions into its Airports portfolio. Rebranded as “IPS, a SITA company,” the technology suite offers solutions like self-service bag drops, kiosks, touchless scanners, and printers.
This integration aims to redefine the passenger experience, minimizing wait times and personalizing journeys. By setting what it calls the “gold standard” in Aviation Technology Industry (ATI) services, SITA is positioning itself as a leader in the race to digitize air travel.
The system also benefits airports by enhancing operational efficiency, making it a win-win for both travelers and service providers.
Sector-Wide Digital Innovations Driving Growth
The push for digital transformation spans diverse sectors, from hospitality and financial services to aviation and visa processing. Here’s a snapshot of key outcomes:
- Farm-to-Gate Revolution: Glamping sites powered by digital systems are creating new revenue streams for UK farmers while revitalizing rural hospitality.
- Visa Simplification: Indonesia’s partnership with VFS Global is streamlining international travel and attracting tourism.
- Unified Payments: Visa’s integration of QR payments delivers a borderless, secure payment experience across Asia.
- Frictionless Currency Exchange: Travelex’s contactless ATMs respond to the growing need for seamless international financial transactions.
- Next-Gen Aviation: SITA’s advanced solutions redefine passenger experiences at airports worldwide.
These advancements reflect a collective drive towards efficiency, convenience, and personalization, setting the stage for a more connected and innovative future.
