Danica Smith

Danica Smith, CEO & Founder of MorningStar GX and a guest experience expert, dives into what modern guests truly want. She reveals the gap between guest desires and hotel perceptions, stressing that true personalization is key. Danica emphasizes the impact of emotional connections on loyalty and the importance of breaking down internal silos. Discover how technology complements human interaction and why prioritizing staff satisfaction directly enhances guest experiences, essential for thriving in hospitality today.

In this discussion, Danica Smith, Founder of MorningStar GX, shares her expertise in using technology to enhance guest experiences in hospitality. She emphasizes guest satisfaction as the key goal in tech adoption. Simplicity is crucial—foundational services should be prioritized before advanced solutions. Danica highlights the importance of strong partnerships with tech providers and the need for transparency. She also offers practical tips on evaluating tech partners and navigating integration challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, dives deep into their remarkable success in achieving 100% direct bookings without OTAs. He shares innovative strategies for organic growth and creative social media use, emphasizing the importance of building a brand that resonates with guests. Alongside guest experience correspondent Danica Smith, they explore the challenges of nurturing personal connections in a tech-driven world and how digital detox can enhance guest experiences. This is a must-listen for anyone in hospitality!

Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, transforms wellness travel by offering immersive digital detox experiences in nature. He discusses how typical digital detox options fail to engage guests and what makes Unplugged unique. Danica Smith, guest experience correspondent, probes into Hector's journey through a silent retreat in the Himalayas, highlighting the significance of disconnecting from technology. Together, they delve into the deeper commitment needed to truly embrace digital detox in hospitality, fostering genuine connections and community.

Danica Smith, a guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX, shares her expertise on enhancing guest interactions through her Four Ps framework: Personal, Purposeful, Playful, and Participatory. She emphasizes the necessity of genuine personalization beyond mere data, highlighting travel as a catalyst for growth. Danica also discusses the importance of creating playful and participatory experiences to foster guest loyalty. Tune in for actionable insights that can elevate hospitality practices and drive impressive results.