Miscellaneous

💰 Nectar360 and Marriott Bonvoy have teamed up for an exciting partnership. Nectar members can now earn 500 Nectar points for the next three hotel stays and convert Marriott Bonvoy points into Nectar points. The collaboration offers flexibility to earn and redeem points across 10,000 destinations and 30 hotel brands globally. New Marriott Bonvoy members signed up via Nectar receive a 500-point bonus. Launched this summer, it aims to boost loyalty and brand engagement.

✈️ STARFLYER, a premium Japanese airline, upgraded its STAR LINK loyalty platform with IBS Software's iLoyal solution. Transitioning from a legacy system to a cloud-native platform, STARFLYER launched new mobile and web functionalities, real-time updates, and exclusive rewards. The overhaul includes a revamped mobile app and member portal. Hiroshi Goto, STARFLYER Inc's VP, emphasizes the digital transformation as a key modernization step. Marcus Puffer of IBS praises iLoyal’s adaptability for mid-size and larger airlines.

🧀 Strengthening communities through craftsmanship can transform young people, families, and towns. Business should focus on building character and relationships rather than just making money. The true craft is about shaping hearts and souls. The author values work, character, and meaningful relationships, aspiring to emulate supportive friendships like those with Brian and Rebeccah.

🍴 A Street Hospitality, based in Boston, began in 2011 with Trade as the flagship restaurant. Cofounded by Eric Papachristos, Jody Adams, and Jon Mendez, this nine-unit group includes Greek and Mediterranean-themed eateries like Saloniki and Porto. In 2020, the group restructured under a single entity due to pandemic challenges. La Padrona, their latest opening, is critically acclaimed. A Street focuses on perfecting operations and hopes to expand Saloniki, capitalizing on the ease of scaling fast-casual concepts.

🍕 Domino’s Pizza saw a 5.8% increase in carryout comps for Q2 2025. The introduction of the Parmesan-Stuffed Crust Pizza late in Q1 attracted new customers. CEO Russell Weiner reported successful execution and positive customer feedback during an earnings call. A “best deal ever promotion” offers any pizza with any toppings for $9.99 via mobile app or dominos.com until August 3, providing value for cash-strapped consumers.

🛫 Trevolution Group reported $627.41 million in bookings and 508,333 airline tickets sold in H1 2025. Canada saw a 164% demand increase, while Italy's demand dropped 24%. Business class demand rose by 32.43%, with 57,421 tickets sold. 88.69% of tickets were economy class. Travel planning shifted earlier, with 31% booking 90+ days ahead, while shorter trips became popular. Dreampass app exceeded 37,000 members. The younger demographic grew, but seniors aged 90+ remain the largest customer group at 31.19%.

🛫 Etraveli Group, headquartered in Stockholm, partnered with KKR as a new minority investor alongside CVC Capital Partners, who acquired it in 2017. The new strategic partnership aims to bolster Etraveli's global expansion. An eight-year agreement with Booking.com, active since 2019, continues. Etraveli also launched a Fintech division offering Precision, a fraud management tool for airlines. CEO Mathias Hedlund emphasized innovation and global growth with CVC and KKR. Financial details remain undisclosed.

📱 Thomas Cook, the UK's oldest travel agency, now part of eSky Group, launched its first app on iOS and Android. This app allows users to book ATOL-protected dynamic packages from hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotels globally, all in one transaction. Chief Holidays Officer Alan French highlighted the growing mobile trend, emphasizing the app's role as both a booking tool and a personal travel guide. Developed in-house, it supports Google Pay, Apple Pay, Mastercard, and Visa.

The other day, I needed to go all of two blocks. Less than a mile, barely a stone’s throw in my location. Go to my trusty Uber app, hit the…

🍴 Bret Thorn, a senior editor since 1999, covers food and beverage trends for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. He previously wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and spent 1992-1997 in Thailand with Asia Times and Manager magazine. Thorn is a Tufts University graduate and Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. He served as IFEC president in 2005 and won a 2006 journalism award. Thorn authored entries for Oxford encyclopedias in 2012 and 2015.