A TRAVEL tech start-up has marked its first three months with a boost for its “mobile concierge” app that allows holiday accommodation hosts to create their own app for guests.

The Knight Residence in Edinburgh – part of the Mansley Group – which runs 30 serviced apartments in the capital, has signed up with Criton Apps. It brings to 160 the total number of organisations using it on a trial basis or full sign-ups since its launch in December.

The National:

Colin Stone, Mansley’s group general manager, said they also had accommodation in Inverness and London and were looking to expand further. As part of the Great China Welcome programme, he now plans to translate their app into Chinese to meet the needs of the growing number of Chinese guests.

“Today’s traveller uses digital technology all the time, from booking to checking out reviews and recommendations, so we see Criton as a valuable way to tap into that mindset and build their connection with us – before they arrive, to help them settle into the apartment and as they explore the city,” he said. “I am rolling out the app across all our locations and planning to create a Chinese version.”

Julie Grieve, founder of Information Apps, which launched Criton, added: “Securing the Knight Residence as a customer has given the team a real boost. Apps are no longer the domain of large hotel groups, our app service is an easy and affordable route for independent hotels, serviced apartments and holiday home owners to offer the benefits of an app to their guests.”