News Briefs

Expedia Group announced today that American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) will use Expedia Group’s Fraud Prevention as a Service (FPaaS) solution for travel bookings on its Amex GBT Egencia solution. FPaaS blocks fraudulent transactions before they happen, reducing unscrupulous activity and enabling more protection for their clients. 

With data models based on billions of data points from over 25 years of travel industry experience, Expedia Group’s Fraud Prevention as a Service solution leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) to look at signals and flag suspicious activity when behavior patterns deviate from the norm, allowing intervention before fraud occurs. 

Key features included in FPaaS used by Amex GBT’s Egencia solution are ‘Booking Screening’, where Expedia Group reviews e-commerce transactions in real time with AI/ML fraud detection models to stop fraudulent transactions at the source, and ‘Account Takeover Protection’ - Expedia Group monitors and reviews customer logins in real time using AI/ML models to secure the safety and integrity of customer accounts when potentially fraudulent activity is detected via suggested remedial actions. 

Other partners can also take advantage of the solution’s ‘Chargeback Management’ feature: Expedia Group’s in-house specialist fraud operations team takes full end-to-end ownership of the dispute management and resolution process, dealing with all interactions with banks and merchants, all backed by a 100% chargeback guarantee, which reimburses partners for any true fraudulent transactions.^[1]

Anxiety around fraud is on the rise. Recent research found that 70% of businesses say their concern about fraud increased compared to the year before and 58% of consumers have been a victim of online fraud, know someone who has been a victim, or both.^[2] The impacts are felt by the travel industry too: in total, fraud costs the travel industry over $21 billion dollars annually, including $6 billion dollars in damages and $15 billion in overheads.^[3]  In addition to direct and operational overheads incurred by dealing with fraudulent transactions, they can also result in the loss of personal data and create financial losses through unauthorized logins to customer accounts, resulting in reputational damage and customer retention problems.

“We’ve combined over 20 years’ experience in the fraud prevention space with our unwavering commitment to continually evolve our technology in response to changing partner needs, resulting in targeted business solutions such as Fraud Prevention as a Service,” says Karen Bolda, Senior Vice President, Demand Solutions, Expedia Group. “By leveraging AI and machine learning, we’re happy to be offering Amex GBT a simple and effective way to help them manage fraudulent activity, ultimately, giving their customers better peace of mind when they’re booking trips.”

The technology collaboration shows the progress the partnership is making between Expedia Group and Amex GBT, and symbolizes the strong relationship between the two organizations since Expedia Group sold Egencia to American Express Global Business Travel in 2021. 

“We value our long-standing partnership with Expedia Group and their AI-driven solutions that address the ever-evolving needs of business travel and its many stakeholders,” said John Sturino, Senior Vice President of Travel Products and Engineering, Amex GBT. “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to our clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions that still meet the highest standards of security.”

For more information about how Fraud Prevention as a Service can work for your business, click here, or come and speak to one of the team at the Expedia Group booth at ITB in Berlin, March 5-7.

Domino's Pizza Inc. introduces its new and improved loyalty program. 

Domino's Rewards offers loyalty members even more opportunities to earn and redeem points across its corporate and franchise store locations. Domino's enhanced rewards program allows customers to:

• Earn points for less
  • Loyalty members will now earn 10 points on every order of $5 or more
• Redeem points for even more menu items – and earn free Domino's after just two orders
  • Members can redeem a variety of points for more menu items:
    • 20 points: A free dipping cup, a 16-piece order of Parmesan Bread Bites or a 20 oz. drink
    • 40 points: An order of Bread Twists or Stuffed Cheesy Bread
    • 60 points: A medium, two-topping pizza; pasta; Oven-Baked Sandwich; or a 3-piece order of Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes
• Earn more rewards
  • Loyalty perks are now even better, as members will have exclusive access to member-only deals, special discounts and opportunities to earn bonus points!

"We are thrilled to give the brand's loyal customers additional ways to earn free Domino's items more often," said Mark Messing, Domino's vice president of digital experience and loyalty. "At a time when most brands are scaling back their loyalty programs and making it more difficult to earn and redeem points, Domino's is doing the opposite. We want to make it easier to reward our customers and give them more options so they can get rewarded faster."

Marketing a LTO 

From now until Oct. 22, 2023, rewards members can take advantage of a limited time offer to redeem 20 points for a free order of Domino's new Pepperoni Stuffed Cheesy Bread, which is normally a 40-point redemption, in celebration of the product's recent launch. 

Bounteous  and  Accolite Digital, a digital engineering, cloud, data & AI services provider, have announced their merger, creating a new end-to-end digital transformation services consultancy that partners with leading brands around the globe to co-innovate and drive exceptional client outcomes.

The combined company will be headquartered out of Chicago with offices across North America, Europe, Asia and will be 5,000 people strong, with 1,200+ in North America, 3,400 + in APAC and 400+ in Europe. Post the merger, the company serves over 300 Fortune 1,000 and high growth clients, solving their mission-critical problems. With this merger, the company will be amongst the world's leading digital transformation consultancies.

Keith Schwartz will serve as CEO and Leela Kaza will serve as Co-CEO of the combined entity, where they will work together to further their mission of empowering businesses worldwide to compete more successfully in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Clients will benefit from a comprehensive range of AI & Data, Cloud, Customer Experience & Martech, Digital Commerce, and Product Engineering solutions. With an experienced, scaled and diverse team of experts across the globe, clients will have access to the right talent to deliver excellence, regardless of location.

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“This combination accelerates the realization of the vision Bounteous has been working toward since our founding: to become the world's preeminent digital innovation partner. Accolite shares our obsession with customer success and has an admirable track record of creating lasting value and impact for their clients," said Keith Schwartz, Co-Founder and CEO of Bounteous. "Together, we are re-shaping the landscape of digital transformation and helping businesses adapt and succeed in the age of the connected customer.“

"As customer demands become increasingly complex, businesses need a technology partner who can see the bigger picture and deliver solutions that help them win in their category," said Leela Kaza, Founder and CEO of Accolite. "With the digital innovation mastery of Bounteous combined with Accolite’s digital engineering expertise and talent across North America, EMEA, and APAC, we are uniquely positioned to empower our clients to create extraordinary customer experiences that inspire genuine brand appreciation and long-term loyalty. This combination also fulfills our stated goal of becoming one of the top digital engineering firms in the world.”

Both companies are backed by New Mountain Capital, a New York-based investment firm.

BentoBox, the Official Restaurant Technology Partner of the James Beard Foundation, has launched the BentoBox Marketing & Commerce Platform, an all-in-one restaurant commerce engine—encompassing modules for websites, online ordering, reservations, and events management.

This includes the introduction of BentoCore, the heart of the platform that houses a restaurant's diner data and centralizes menu information, marketing tools, and branding materials. BentoCore powers diner-facing modules that restaurants can activate based on their needs, including Restaurant Website, Takeout & Delivery, Digital Waitlist, Online Catering, Events Management, Reservations, Gift Cards, and QR Code Order & Pay. The activation of more modules allows BentoCore to collect more data, providing a fuller view of restaurant's diners and overall business performance, enabling more targeted marketing and smarter hospitality.

Key features of BentoCore include:

1. Diner Database: Gives restaurants a unified view of their diners.
   • It collects and stores data from diner interactions with a restaurant's website, online ordering, reservations, and more, which restaurants can then use to create more personalized marketing and hospitality experiences.
2. Menu Management: Allows restaurants to centrally manage all of their menus and menu items, taking a one-and-done approach.
   • Whenever a restaurant needs to make a change to a menu, they only need to do it once and the menu will automatically update everywhere it shows up online.
3. Brand Center: Stores diner-facing brand elements live such as logos, colors, and fonts.
   • Once the restaurant's brand elements are uploaded to the Brand Center, they can be applied to any module, making it easy to give diners a consistent brand experience.
4. Marketing & Loyalty: Includes all the tools that restaurants need to stay connected with customers and keep them coming back such as email marketing, SMS marketing, and loyalty programs. These include:
   • Automated Emails: After a customer has ordered online, made a reservation, or planned an event, the platform will automatically send well-timed emails encouraging them to do it again.
   • Email Campaigns: Restaurants are able to create custom email campaigns like newsletters and send to pre-built or custom-segmented customer lists.  
   • SMS Marketing
     • Automated SMS: After a customer has ordered online, made a reservation, or planned an event, the platform will automatically send well-timed texts encouraging them to do it again.
     • SMS Campaigns: Restaurants are able to create custom campaigns with promotions and other updates and send to pre-built or custom-segmented customer lists. 
   • Loyalty Programs: Restaurants are able to keep customers coming back by offering rewards and incentives based on the number of orders placed or amount of money spent.

As restaurants today face numerous challenges, the BentoBox Marketing & Commerce Platform enables restaurants to stand out, sell, engage more diners, and operate more efficiently. As a champion of restaurants and the hospitality industry, BentoBox is providing restaurants with technology that will create better guest experiences, better operator experiences, and faster growth.

ProSafe, a provider of hotel safety solutions, announced a groundbreaking update to its platform, introducing cutting-edge features designed to enhance the safety and well-being of hotel associates.

Origins and Vision

The idea behind ProSafe originated from a simple yet profound concept: safeguarding hotel associates is crucial for creating a secure work environment. ProSafe’s Co-Founders are based in New Jersey, the first state that required geolocation panic buttons legally.  Yazan, was a GM at the time  in Southern New Jersey and received a phone call from procurement and was unimpressed by existing options and completely floored by the price of pre-approved vendors.  Having a keen understanding of brand, on-property and above-property operations and recognizing associates as a hotel's most valuable asset, this truth led ProSafe’s Co-Founders to develop and innovate its platform to address various forms of harassment, ensure compliance, and optimize workflow.

Differentiating from Competitors

ProSafe distinguishes itself by embracing a holistic approach to safety, setting it apart from competitors. Seamlessly integrating with hotel operations, ProSafe creates a unified ecosystem that prioritizes simplicity, ease of use, and security. This distinctive approach empowers hoteliers to elevate safety measures without compromising their daily operations.

In addition to its holistic approach, ProSafe offers a suite of features that outshine competitors.  The platform stands out as a cost-effective safety solution, providing comprehensive features at a competitive price point. This ensures that hotels, regardless of size, can implement robust safety measures without straining their budget.

ProSafe's commitment extends to protecting every staff member at a hotel, from housekeeping to management. This inclusivity sets ProSafe apart, making it the preferred choice for hotels aiming to safeguard their entire team.

The platform automatically encrypts both audio and visual evidence on the device and a remote server. This not only ensures precise incident details but also prevents data loss in case of device damage or theft.

ProSafe's Panic Button offers flexibility with both discreet and auditable alarm options. Associates can activate the Panic Button silently or audibly, tailoring their response based on their comfort level with the situation.

ProSafe introduces its patented SafeKey, a 2-in-1 wearable panic button and master key that seamlessly integrates an additional layer of security into its platform. This unique feature enhances overall protection for associates and hotel operations.

Legal concerns are addressed by providing a documented trail of incident reports. This not only assists in effective dispute resolution but also mitigates legal liability for hoteliers, ensuring a safer and legally compliant environment.

New Features Transforming Safety Protocols

ProSafe's latest features empower associates and hotel management to proactively address safety concerns. The Panic Button feature provides a layer of safety, allowing associates to discreetly or audibly activate it based on their comfort level. Audio and visual evidence are automatically encrypted and saved, ensuring protection and preventing data loss.

SafeSync, a patented feature, alerts the dashboard and all active users simultaneously, ensuring the quickest possible response time. The platform's streamlined setup process, from creating a ProSafe account to self-installation and associate setup, ensures a simple yet powerful and efficient onboarding process for hotels.

Revolutionizing Safety and Security

ProSafe's latest features, combined with strategic partnerships, mark a significant step towards revolutionizing safety and security in the hospitality industry. The platform's real-time monitoring, and access control set a new benchmark for comprehensive safety solutions.

"ProSafe is not just a set of tools; it's a comprehensive safety ecosystem designed to evolve with the industry's needs," says Yazan Barqawi, ProSafe's CEO. "Our goal is to empower hoteliers with the tools they need to prioritize safety without compromising the warmth and hospitality that define their establishments."

ProSafe's Commitment to Simplicity and Security

ProSafe's commitment to simplicity ensures that getting acquainted with the application's interface won't require extra time or training. ProSafe's discretion function darkens the layout when the panic button is pressed, displaying only essential buttons for added privacy.

Active Alert and Incident Reports

In the event of an incident, ProSafe's SafeHub immediately notifies hotel management and all associates on site for a prompt and effective response. The platform also offers incident reports, allowing hotels to document and track all incidents, providing essential information if matters escalate.

Conclusion

As ProSafe continues to pioneer safety solutions for the hospitality industry, the impact on hotel associates and the industry at large is poised to be transformative. With a commitment to excellence, simplicity, and security, ProSafe is leading the charge in redefining safety standards for hotels worldwide.

INNsight, a hospitality software and marketing agency with more than a decade of industry experience, is excited to announce the launch of its newest features and updates aimed at enhancing the digital presence and operational efficiency of hotels, inns, and B&Bs. 

With a proven track record spanning more than 10 years, INNsight has played a pivotal role in driving hundreds of millions of dollars in direct revenue for its hotel clients. The company’s comprehensive suite of services covers a range of essential online tools, including website design and deployment, email hosting, domain management, pay-per-click management, social media management, and property management system software. 

INNsight stands out in the industry by offering an all-encompassing solution to eliminate the hassle of seeking multiple providers for digital marketing and management needs. The proprietary software suite includes a property management system, website content management system, reputation management system, facilities management system, email marketing system, and more. 

One standout feature is ADA TRAY, a reliable and cost-effective patent-pending widget designed to enhance website accessibility. INNsight’s commitment to inclusivity allows users with audio, visual, or mobility disabilities to customize websites, ensuring compliance with WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 requirements. 

Another noteworthy addition to INNsight’s portfolio is Keen™ Reputation Management. Keen™ goes beyond the ordinary, offering advanced software and services that revolutionize the way businesses engage with customer reviews on major online travel agencies and review platforms. Offering real-time monitoring, Keen™ enables hoteliers to track satisfaction trends, receive immediate notifications for new reviews, and engage customers effectively. Versatile across platforms like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, Keen™ categorizes reviews by tone (neutral, positive, negative), empowering hoteliers to swiftly address issues and build brand loyalty. Keen’s proactive Review Solicitation System sends customized emails to guests, encouraging positive reviews and transforming satisfied guests into advocates. A personalized QR code system strategically placed throughout the hotel incentivizes guests to leave reviews, enhancing online reputation and rankings on review sites. With a dedicated account manager responding within 24-48 hours, Keen™ ensures prompt guest engagement, addressing concerns, and capitalizing on positive feedback. Keen™ sets a new standard for efficient reputation management in the competitive hospitality industry. 

INNsight proudly introduces its latest product, the Online Guest Directory. This comprehensive and user-friendly directory aims to provide a seamless and personalized guest experience while streamlining hotel operations. With the Online Guest Directory, guests can access information about the property, services, and more, eliminating the need for outdated printed materials and reducing inquiries for enhanced hospitality.

“We are thrilled to unveil these innovative features and products that reflect our commitment to revolutionizing the hospitality tech landscape,” said Raj Patel, CEO at INNsight. 

INNsight’s dedication to excellence has garnered the company a reputation as a go-to solution provider for the hospitality industry. For more information about INNsight, please visit https://www.innsight.com/.