Hospitality And Restaurant News – July 21, 2014
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In the news, Marriott is adopting a new pilot that it claims is the first implementation of geo-targeted mobile offers during a stay, and a new Hotels.Com study shows that technology is a compelling factor behind the recent Chinese outbound travel surge. And Tim Hortons is envisioning the store of the future, with innovative new menu choices and outlet revamp to help spur future growth.
Marriott expands mobile platform to integrate with iBeacons
Mobile Commerce Daily reported that, in a significant expansion of its already cutting-edge mobile platform, Marriott is piloting what it claims is the first implementation by a major hotel of geo-targeted mobile offers during a stay. The recently announced LocalPerks program will use of iBeacons to send guests push notifications based on their location at one of its properties and will tie into Marriott Rewards for travelers to enjoy instant gratification via time sensitive offers.
Technology A Compelling Factor Behind Chinese Outbound Travel Surge
Hospitality Net reported that the latest Hotels.com® Chinese International Travel Monitor (CITM), reveals just how much technology has become a powerful element in the decision-making mix of this critical sector, following another record year for travel and spending. Surveying more than 3,000 Chinese international travelers and 3,000 hoteliers around the world, the third annual CITM reveals more travel, higher spending, greater independence fueled by online and mobile apps.
Tim Hortons’ store of the future? Quinoa salads, beer taps and cold brew coffee
As Tim Hortons moves towards capacity in Canada, with 3,600 outlets, the CEO has put new emphasis on menu innovation and redesign as ways to continue market growth, according to this article from the Financial Post. The chain plans to open another 500 outlets in Canada over the next five years, and 300 in the U.S. and 220 in the Middle East.
Hospitality and Restaurant Talking Points:
This article from Forbes provides some insights into the lessons to be learned from Red Lobster and Frontier Airlines. Two acts of corporate kindness recently made the news. The first was when a pilot for a delayed flight on Frontier Airlines ordered pizzas for all of his passengers, and the second was when a recent widow who had celebrated 35 anniversaries at the restaurant had her tab picked up by Red Lobster. The two lessons in this articles are: You can do well by doing good; and you should empower your employees to do that little something extra.
In an interesting turn of events, this article documents how one restaurant en