Miscellaneous - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 61

2 min

Chef Badara Gueye at Purple Summer’s Château de Candi

🍳 Badara Gueye, a 40-year-old chef and painter from Senegal, marks nearly five years at Château de Candie in the French Alps. Starting as a dishwasher in Dakar, his persistence led him to roles in esteemed restaurants and advanced training in France. La Cantine de Candie attracts visitors with its locally sourced, seasonally evolving menu. A standout dish, veal rump with blackcurrant and beetroot jus, highlights his culinary artistry. His evocative paintings enhance the ambiance, drawing international attention.

2 min

The evolution of digital payments and fintech in India

💸 In the mid-2010s, nearly half of India's population lacked bank accounts or official IDs, keeping cash dominant. By 2024, less than 4% of adults had credit cards, and debit cards were mainly ATM tools. Mobile wallets like Paytm and FreeCharge gained traction, offering cashless convenience and QR code payments, but operated as isolated systems. Despite digital growth, India's need for open, interoperable payment channels remains evident.

2 min

Retailaer announces implementation of…

✈️ Retailaer's integration with Air Europa began in Spain, offering travel agents enhanced shopping and servicing experiences with flights and services. This initial phase will expand globally later in 2025. The collaboration aims to set a new industry standard through modern technology and supports partners like PROS and IATA. Air Europa's Yago Casasnovas highlights the flexibility offered via multiple channels, aligning with their "You decide" campaign. Retailaer's Anders Lofgren emphasizes adaptability and partner enablement.

2 min

Emirates agrees to terms with Crypto.com

💰 Emirates and Crypto.com signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate Crypto.com Pay into its payment systems, effective next year. The signing involved key figures like Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and executives from Emirates and Crypto.com. The move aligns with Dubai's vision for financial innovation and targets tech-savvy customers who prefer digital currencies. Both companies aim to enhance cryptocurrency adoption through promotional campaigns, as Dubai strengthens its role as a global cryptocurrency hub.

3 min

Oklahoma hospitality powerhouse, McNellie’s Group, plans openings and expansions in 2025 and beyond

🍺 Elliot Nelson launched McNellie’s Pub in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2004, transforming a modest dining scene into a vibrant hub with over 100 venues. By 2025, McNellie’s Group operates 18 concepts across 25+ locations, soon expanding further in Oklahoma City with Malfi Enoteca and Bar Serra. The group's reach extends to Arkansas and eyes Dallas for future growth, driven by local demand and lower operational costs. Nelson received a James Beard Award Semifinalist nod in 2025.

2 min

Duetto and The Hotels Network Partner to Boost Direct Hotel Bookings and Optimize Marketing Spend

🎮 Chuck E. Cheese, celebrating nearly 50 years, launches "Chuck’s Arcade" for adults and lifelong fans, blending retro and modern gaming experiences. Locations are open in 10 locations across eight states, including Kansas City, Missouri, featuring unique artwork and a full menu. Expect iconic games like Ms. Pac-Man and new ones, overseen by animatronic characters. Exclusive merchandise is available, making each visit special. CEO David McKillips emphasizes the expansion as a tribute to Chuck E. Cheese's legacy.

HOF 2025: “When attacking a market, always aim for the upscale segment”

🏨 Alban Ruggiero, with a catering background, founded JOST to innovate in the stagnant budget hotel sector in France. Recognizing a market opportunity, he focused on creating a hybrid budget hotel brand targeting business travelers, backpackers, and families. The brand aims to generate year-round revenue and positions itself as a premium offering, competing against brands like JO&JOE. The strategy leverages structured and quality accommodations in a market lacking homogeneous hotel chains.

2 min

Technoheaven Launches Next Generation Global Bed Bank Platform

🎲 Chuck E. Cheese launched 10 Chuck's Arcade locations across eight states, including Kansas City, Missouri, as it nears its 50th anniversary. These arcades blend modern and retro games like Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, with animatronic characters overseeing each venue. Locations include St. Petersburg, Trumbull, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Victor, Buford, El Paso, Nashua, Salem, and St. Louis. This new concept targets adults with nostalgic ties and features unique game lineups and retro-themed merchandise.

2 min

New HR in Travel networking group plans events

📅 HR in Travel launched by Best Workplaces in Travel, founded by Gail Kenny, on July 7. The group targets HR professionals in the travel industry. Key founders include Jo Harley, Nicky Lyle, Leah Spence, Claire Steiner, Rebecca Thornley-Gibson, Danny Waine, and Victoria Wilson. The first meeting occurs on September 4 at Grant Thornton offices, London. It offers a membership directory and a confidential platform to share best practices, aiming to elevate HR's role in the industry's growth.

Travelers want to book vacations with loyalty points

💳 Jul 9, 2025, Expedia: 82% of travelers express interest in using non-travel loyalty points for vacations; 43% are extremely interested. Credit card companies and retailers can capitalize by partnering with travel brands. Customization and affordability are priorities for 57%, with 50% favoring discounted packages. Pop culture inspires 32% of travelers; Amex's partnerships highlight this trend. 83% of cardholders prefer redeeming points on travel over cash back, urging issuers to create attractive travel packages amidst inflation concerns.

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