Courtyard by Marriott Takes Virtual Concierge to the Next Level and Beyond with New GoBoard® 4.0

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's world, travelers expect to have relevant information readily available at any given time. Courtyard by Marriott, a pioneer and leader in the world of virtual concierge, understands and offers them exactly what they want at their fingertips. Along with its partner, Four Winds Interactive, Courtyard today pushes hospitality technology to the next level by unveiling the new and exciting GoBoard® 4.0.  

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Launched in 2008, the award winning GoBoard®  has evolved to serve the needs of guests and the constantly changing technological requirements of business and personal travelers worldwide. The new 4.0 version highlights mobile integration, enhancing the user experience with features such as Microsoft Tags.

"We are thrilled to present this new technology to our guests," said Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager for Courtyard by Marriott. "The new GoBoard®  4.0 features allow travelers to access information easily and to maximize the use of the GoBoard's offerings. This development helps us deliver on our brand promise of giving our customers more options to empower them while on the road."

The enhanced GoBoard® 4.0 includes:

• Microsoft Tags – Attached to all local information options on the GoBoard®. Guests can now send directions from the GoBoard®  directly to their smart phones.  
• ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) friendly – The ADA button located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen enables access to information and features on the GoBoard®  for those with disabilities.
• Flight information – Immediate access to detailed flight departure and arrival information for all local airports.
• Expanded view – Full-screen access to popular content offerings including Entertainment & Local Events, Hotel Information and Air & Ground Transportation details.
• Walking directions – Access to walking directions through a new directional option that has been added to all destinations.

Together with Four Winds Interactive, Courtyard created the GoBoard®  to serve as a key component of its redesigned lobby environment that offers guests an open and flexible space to "eat, drink and connect." Along with media pods, Wi-Fi and a variety of seating zones, the redefined space is ideal for everything from pop-up meetings to social gatherings. The GoBoard®  serves as the center of information, providing real-time content including news, weather, travel details and local area mapping. Currently available in more than 390 locations worldwide, the GoBoard®  was designed with today's busy traveler in mind.

"We have worked closely with Marriott to identify enhancements that would make the guest experience with the GoBoard® more efficient and dynamic," said David Levin, president, Four Winds Interactive. "The GoBoard® has garnered critical acclaim and recognition not just throughout the hospitality market, but the digital signage industry as a whole, which speaks to its versatility and relevance."

The GoBoard® is currently located at more than 390 Courtyard properties across the United States, as well as at three airport "lobby zones" in Baltimore, Phoenix and Houston that will showcase the new Courtyard experience this fall. Internationally, the GoBoard®  has been installed at 25 hotels in more than 10 countries, including Germany, France, India, China, Mexico and Canada. Courtyard expects to add GoBoards to all domestic and international hotels in the next few years. Apart from the virtual concierge capability, the international GoBoards also feature multi-lingual capabilities.

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced.   Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' needs for choice and control.  With more than 900 locations in 35 countries, Courtyard by Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay.  For more information go to www.courtyard.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.   

Four Winds Interactive (FWi) provides a software platform for developing, deploying and managing digital communications networks on digital signs, interactive kiosks, web and mobile devices. FWi's solution makes it possible to quickly and easily create dynamic messages to inform, educate and motivate your audiences through a single solution that supports all of your digital communications applications.  Visit www.fourwindsinteractive.com for more information.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.