Innovation

📱 Palantir Technologies Inc. partners with Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Co-op to implement AI and transform operations. QSCC, serving over 6,400 Wendy's across the U.S. and Canada, is the second largest buying cooperative in the QSR industry. The initiative will include moving to Palantir’s AI Platform for enhanced decision-making and developing AI-driven supply chain management solutions, aiming to generate cost savings and efficiencies. The partnership underscores Wendy’s commitment to data-driven business strategies and positions the brand at the forefront of industry innovation.

💸 A study by GBTA and Cvent reveals a significant potential for integrating AI and blockchain in corporate travel, with 88% of TMCs, 74% of suppliers, and 59% of buyers confident in their tech use. Technology spend is expected to remain flat, yet most suppliers and TMCs anticipate increased investment, compared to only 36% of buyers. On average, 18% of travel program budgets are allocated to technology, with European buyers more likely to increase tech spending than North American counterparts. Data was collected from 388 North American and European travel professionals between February 6-19, 2024.

🏨 Amadeus surveyed 100 global hotel leaders from ten markets for its "Travel Technology Investment Trends 2024" research. All respondents plan to invest in digital media, with 33% allocating $50,001-$100,000 and 21% spending over $100,000. Digital campaigns are prioritized to target profitable audiences, with 41% praising data-driven ads for reaching new guests. One King West Hotel & Residence increased revenue per booking by +57% via digital ads. AI is embraced by 98% of hoteliers, seeing its potential to enhance operations, including Capital Region USA boosting visitors with AI-based ads.

🚊 Hotels are enhancing the guest experience with personalized guest transportation, a trend that caters to individual needs and preferences. This service differentiates hotels in a competitive market, offering benefits like an enhanced guest experience, increased guest satisfaction and loyalty, and additional revenue streams. Challenges include scalability, information management, and measuring satisfaction. Technology, such as guest airport pickup software integrated with property management systems, helps overcome these challenges. Welcome Pickups provides a cost-free solution, enabling guests to book airport pickups alongside room bookings, boosting both guest satisfaction and hotel brand image.

🛑 In 2023, 31% of hospitality organizations experienced a data breach, according to Trustwave. Mews, a provider of hospitality management software, has mandated two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure customer accounts. The activation process for Mews users is simplified to encourage usage. 2FA is critical in safeguarding customer data, fighting phishing, ensuring compliance, and maintaining guest trust. Mews also advises vigilance against phishing scams, private login credentials, and understanding security protocols like SSO and SCIM for better account protection.

💰 Boostly raised $5.6 million in seed funding from Trestle Partners, Relish Works, Singularity Capital, and Y Combinator. The platform has driven over $50 million in restaurant sales. Jaime's pizzeria reported a 20% sales increase in April and May and 33% in June's first week, attributing an extra $20,000 monthly sales to Boostly. Founded by Shane and Mikey Murphy, Boostly plans to expand its team and market presence with the new funding.

🚗 3V Infrastructure launches to provide Level 2 EV chargers mainly in multifamily housing and hotels. With up to $40 million from Greenbacker Capital Management, they aim to address the gap in charging infrastructure. JD Power found over half of potential EV buyers are deterred by charger scarcity, while less than 5% of rentals and only 20% of hotels offer this amenity. 3V targets properties with more than 20 sites to accelerate deployment and simplify implementation for real estate owners.

🍴 PwC research indicates that excellent service can command up to 16% higher prices, and a one-star increase on Yelp can increase revenue by 5-9%. A 2024 BrightLocal survey found 77% of customers check two or more review sites before making a decision. Moreover, 32% of customers would stop doing business with a brand after one bad experience. In the digital era, restaurants must have a mobile-optimized website, use SEO, engage on social media, and offer online reservations. During dining, POS systems and digital menus enhance the experience. Afterward, personalized follow-up via email or SMS, and responding to online reviews within two to three days, is expected by 34% of consumers. Kim Lawton, with 25 years of experience, is the founder and CEO of Enthuse Marketing.

💰 3V Infrastructure, a new EV charging infrastructure operator, announced its launch today, aiming to increase access to EV charging at long-dwell properties such as multifamily housing and hotels. The company has a $40 million capital commitment from Greenbacker Capital Management and will focus on Level 2 EV chargers. A JD Power study shows over half of potential buyers are deterred by charger scarcity. 3V Infrastructure aims to address this by targeting underfunded Level 2 charging access, with 27% of apartment tenants and 20% of hotel guests seeking this amenity. The company targets real estate with over 20 sites for broad and rapid deployment, offering operational expertise in permitting, utility setup, maintenance, and monitoring without upfront and ongoing costs for property owners.