Italy: KeyNest is expanding its key exchange service to Italy, in a move that will allow 80,000 operators and hosts to grant property access to guests remotely.
The expansion comes through the addition of 350 automated lockers to the KeyNest network, and represents Italy’s first nationwide key exchange network. The launch also brings the total number of KeyNest locations to over 1800 across Europe. When they aren’t able to meet in person, users can drop off keys at these lockers where they can be collected by guests, greeters, cleaners and contractors. The lockers have been added through KeyNest’s global partnership with automated parcel locker leaders InPost.
KeyNest has appointed Mia Schettino, formerly of Veeve, to oversee the launch as KeyNest’s first country manager for Italy, in a role that will see her growing KeyNest’s client base and expanding the number of KeyNest’s Italian locations. “We’re very pleased to welcome Mia Schettino to KeyNest as our country manager for Italy,” said Marc Figueras, KeyNest co-founder. “Mia’s appointment shows our long-term commitment to this market and we’re confident that her experience in this sector will allow us to add new clients and grow KeyNest in Italy quickly and successfully.”
The launch of KeyNest in Italy coincides with the release of KeyNest Verify, an ID verification service that allows hosts to comply with Italian hospitality regulations and request a scan of their guests’ passport prior to check-in. Together the two services will allow hosts to manage property access remotely and entirely automate the check-in process.
Florian Hoven, co-founder of KeyNest, said “Launching in Italy is a significant milestone for us. Italy is the third largest market in the world for short-term rentals and serviced apartments with over 300,000 listings on Airbnb alone – but it lacks services that make life easier for hosts. Bringing our service to Italy will cut down hassle for 80,000 serviced apartment operators and short-term rental hosts, and give them secure and convenient remote key exchange for the first time. After partnering with InPost in the UK last year we are delighted to both strengthen our relationship with InPost and benefit thousands of Airbnb hosts and guests across Italy.”
Mia Schettino said: “Thanks to our network of Keynest stores with long opening hours and 24-hour lockers, hosts and operators will no longer have to wait for delayed guests. In addition, our tracking and notification systems will keep hosts informed at all times and give them peace of mind.”
Located in supermarkets, shops and railway stations, the lockers allow customers and guests to exchange keys 24-hours a day. Customers can drop off and collect keys from the lockers by entering a pre-booked code into the locker’s screen, at which point the locker will open, and the keys can be picked up or deposited. The network covers the whole of Italy, including rural areas outside of Italy’s major cities. All of the lockers are CCTV-monitored and free parking is provided.</p
