Shangri-La Group launches e-services

Shangri-La Group launched its WeChat mini program and WeChat online pay services, making it the first hotel company to offer a range of e-services under the WeChat ecosystem, including online pay and offline deposit for guests with WeChat accounts, the group said. By personalizing their experience through WeChat functionalities, Shangri-La guests can enjoy greater convenience, as well as enhanced communications via social media engagement on the WeChat platform. 

These initiatives are a result of the Shangri-La and Tencent strategic partnership, which has enabled the group to tap into a wide range of platform resources and to engage with a broader base of WeChat users in China and globally.
 

The WeChat mini program and WeChat online pay service are available in all 50 Shangri-La properties in mainland China. The full suite of WeChat e-payment functions will be followed in stages for the other properties worldwide, with the service eventually covering the group’s more than 100 hotels globally including Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen and Traders properties. 

The introduction of the Shangri-La WeChat mini program will also enable Golden Circle members to link their membership with their WeChat ID. Shangri-La’s official WeChat service account will also be upgraded by adding access to the mini program.

“Working with Tencent has enabled us to make much progress in our joint efforts to drive the technology transformation of the hotel industry,” Shangri-La Group CTO Yang Jiancheng said in a statement. “We are excited by the many possibilities and innovative solutions that come from leveraging technology to create even more convenient and personalized experiences for our customers. We look forward to bringing more unique offerings to our guests.”

With the launch, Shangri-La guests and WeChat users will be able to enjoy a smoother stay experience and multiple benefits, including:

  • Seamless guest journey by WeChat mini program: Guests will be brought on a seamless digital journey from the time they search, book, check in and check out (currently available in mainland China) to deposit payment with a few taps on a smartphone.
  • WeChat Pay one-stop solution: By integrating the multiple transaction touch points within the WeChat app, Shangri-La can bring a one-stop payment solution to guests through the e-payment tools of WeChat Pay. Guests can look forward to a seamless, secure and hassle-free payment process when they use WeChat online pay for room bookings. In addition, 46 Shangri-La hotels in mainland China allow offline WeChat deposit pay for check-in at the front desk. Guests can track the offline deposit transaction via their WeChat account and get instant refund upon check-out.
  • Easy access for Golden Circle members: Shangri-La Group has also brought the Golden Circle membership and WeChat ID together under one platform. Existing Golden Circle members can opt to manage their account from the WeChat end, while WeChat users can enroll to the Golden Circle program directly via the platform.