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Meliá has followed the path of Disney and Carnival to introduce wearable tech. But it has taken the concept further, enabling nearby merchants like Starbucks to also accept payments made by guests via its new smart wristbands.
Meliá Hotels has begun offering guests electronic bracelets that serve as a payment method while on its properties in Magaluf, a popular Spanish resort.
While other travel companies have introduced wearable tech for payments, Meliá's effort stands out for also being able to work at nearby participating merchants, such as a Starbucks coffee shop, a Mango fashion store, and a shop at the Katmandu theme park.
In June, Meliá, Spain's largest hotel chain, began handing out the wristbands to guests when they check in at Sol Katmandu Park Hotel and Calviá Beach The Plaza. Between mid-August and early autumn, it will make the bracelets operational at nine hotels.
Guests can walk up to the door of their guest room and use the bracelet to unlock it automatically. They can also pay for spa treatments, restaurant meals, and rides at the Meliá-owned Wave House theme park in Magaluf. Purchases are charged to the room.
"The bracelet is waterproof for wearing in a pool, ocean, or shower," said Sara Ranghi, brand leader for corporate brands and customer experience at Meliá.
The bracelet syncs wirelessly by Bluetooth antennas to the hotel chain's mobile app. Parents can use the Meliá app on their phone to control the settings for each bracelet used by a family member, such as setting a maximum spending limit for a child.
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