DayAway Company Profile

Background

Overview

DayAway is a Singapore-based company founded in 2020 by Martha Waslen, a former fashion executive with experience at Ralph Lauren and Luxola. The company specializes in providing a suite of e-commerce software solutions designed to help hotels maximize direct ancillary revenue. Their platform enables hotels to offer bookable daytime experiences, such as spa treatments, dining, and activities, to both in-house and local guests. This approach allows hotels to optimize underutilized spaces and generate additional income streams.

Mission and Vision

DayAway's mission is to "elevate the everyday" by offering unique, engaging, and restorative daytime experiences that allow guests to relax, recharge, and reconnect. The company envisions a future where luxury hotels provide accessible and memorable daytime experiences, enhancing their appeal to a broader audience.

Industry Significance

In the hospitality industry, DayAway addresses the growing demand for flexible and personalized experiences. By enabling hotels to diversify their offerings, DayAway contributes to the evolution of the experience economy, where consumers seek meaningful and unique activities beyond traditional overnight stays.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Revenue Diversification: Assist hotels in generating additional income by offering bookable daytime experiences.

Operational Efficiency: Provide a unified platform that integrates with hotel Property Management Systems (PMS) to streamline operations.

Market Expansion: Extend the availability of curated hotel experiences to a global audience.

Areas of Specialization

Daytime Hotel Experiences: Curated packages that include spa treatments, dining, and activities.

E-commerce Solutions for Hotels: Software that enables hotels to sell experiences directly through their websites.

Key Technologies Utilized

AI Integration: Incorporation of AI to create and manage experience packages, enhancing personalization and efficiency.

PMS Integration: Seamless connectivity with hotel Property Management Systems to ensure smooth operations.

Primary Markets Targeted

Luxury Hotels: Establishments seeking to diversify their offerings and attract a broader clientele.

Urban and Resort Destinations: Locations with a high density of hotels and potential for daytime experiences.

Financials and Funding

As of the latest available information, DayAway has secured funding to support its expansion and technological development. Specific details regarding total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed. The capital is intended to enhance the platform's capabilities, expand its market reach, and onboard additional hotel partners.

Pipeline Development

DayAway continues to expand its portfolio of hotel partners and curated experiences. While specific timelines for upcoming milestones are not publicly available, the company has demonstrated a consistent growth trajectory, entering new markets and forming strategic partnerships to broaden its offerings.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Experience Management System: A centralized platform that allows hotels to create, manage, and sell daytime experiences.

AI-Powered Package Creation: Utilizes artificial intelligence to design personalized experience bundles for guests.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Employs data-driven insights to optimize pricing, availability, and marketing strategies.

User Behavior Analysis: Studies guest preferences and behaviors to tailor offerings effectively.

Leadership Team

Martha Waslen: Founder and CEO. With a background in luxury brand development, including roles at Ralph Lauren and Luxola, Waslen established DayAway to revolutionize the hospitality experience economy.

Joy Scharff: Chief Marketing Officer. Scharff brings extensive experience in digital marketing and brand strategy, focusing on expanding DayAway's brand presence and customer engagement.

Shamilee Vellu: Product and Operations Director. Vellu oversees the development and operational efficiency of DayAway's platform, ensuring seamless integration with hotel partners.

Market and Competitor Analysis

The market for daytime hotel experiences is expanding, driven by consumer demand for flexible and personalized activities. Hotels are increasingly seeking innovative ways to utilize their facilities and attract both local and international guests.

Competitors

Dayuse.com: Offers daytime hotel bookings but focuses primarily on room rentals rather than curated experiences.

ResortPass: Provides access to hotel amenities for non-overnight guests, including pools and spas, but does not specialize in curated experience packages.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

DayAway has formed partnerships with luxury hotels such as Raffles Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, and Marina Bay Sands Singapore. These collaborations enable DayAway to offer exclusive daytime experiences to a discerning clientele.

Operational Insights

DayAway's platform offers a competitive advantage by providing a comprehensive solution that integrates with hotel PMS systems, streamlining operations and enhancing the guest booking experience. This integration reduces operational friction and increases conversion rates for hotel partners.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

DayAway is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing trend of experiential travel by expanding its network of hotel partners and diversifying its offerings. Future directions include entering new international markets, enhancing AI capabilities for personalized experiences, and exploring additional revenue streams such as corporate partnerships and event hosting.