News Briefs
- 1/28/2025
HotelREZ Helps Hotels Become Environmentally Sustainable With Greengage
HotelREZ, a hotel representation company, has teamed up with Greengage, sustainability solutions provider, to introduce ECOsmart certification - international certification to demonstrate venues’ commitment to sustainable practices and achievement of recognized standards - to its member properties.
The partnership enables hotels, accommodation and hospitality providers to prove their sustainability credentials and cater to the growing demand for sustainable accommodation, positioning HotelREZ at the forefront of the hospitality industry's environmental revolution.
Under the new partnership, ECOsmart certification will now be available for all HotelREZ properties, providing them with a certification platform to showcase their commitment to sustainability and consultancy support for next level improvements.
"HotelREZ is a trusted name in the industry, and their technology simplifies the certification process for hoteliers," said Andrew Perolls, CEO, Greengage Solutions. "Through this partnership, we can extend the ECOsmart framework to thousands of independent hotels across the UK and Europe, making sustainable hospitality more accessible than ever."
Since its inception in 2020, the ECOsmart certification has helped properties demonstrate their environmental commitments, with a growing number already within the HotelREZ network. The certification is available in Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum levels, awards are accompanied with transparent information on how the hotel qualifies including details such as carbon footprint per night and the availability of sustainable amenities like EV charging points.
"Bookings are increasingly driven by a demand for sustainable travel options," commented Daniel Simmons, CCO, HotelREZ. "This collaboration not only empowers our properties to meet these expectations but also aligns with our mission to support the planet and agencies requirements with their preferred global accommodation partners. Greengage's ECOsmart solution was the clear choice for helping hotels navigate and maximise opportunities in this sustainably focussed marketplace. This certification supports hotels to secure additional business by appealing to the sustainability needs of the consumer, agencies and corporate bookers – to meet the requirements of the corporate responsibility programmes leading to more inclusion and agency bookings and loyalty. Today - sustainability is a necessity, not a luxury."
The ECOsmart certification will be integrated into HotelREZ’s REZtoMarket content platform and the Cvent negotiated corporate solicitation tool, which has streamed the application process. Hotels’ sustainability credentials will also be prominently displayed on the GDS platforms, REZMedia image tool and HotelREZ's consumer site Best Loved Hotels.
The hotel's sustainability details will be clearly visible to potential guests and booking agents identifying specific criteria behind the certification such as a commitment to no single-use plastic, reduced laundry cleaning or recycling of water usage. This supports the increasing demand from environmentally conscious travellers for transparency to show what steps hotels have put in place to be sustainable .
HotelREZ is taking its commitment to sustainability seriously by undergoing its own ECOsmart audit. This initiative demonstrates the company’s dedication to "walking the walk" and setting an example for its clients.
Together, HotelREZ and Greengage are setting a new standard for the sustainably conscious in the hospitality industry, empowering properties to attract discerning travellers and contribute to an environmentally sustainable future.
- 1/21/2025
Wonder Franchises Buys Pizza Factory
Tucker’s Farm Corp. has acquired Pizza Factory Inc., a restaurant franchisor. The acquisition was completed via the Farm’s franchisor platform Wonder Franchises. Founded in 1979 by Danny Wheeler and Ron Willey, Pizza Factory has approximately $94 million in system sales across 84 franchisees and 110 restaurants. Since 2012, the business has been led by owner and CEO, Mary Jane Riva, who will stay on as CEO moving forward.
In 2023, Tucker’s Farm launched Wonder, a franchise-focused holding vehicle, with $30 million of committed, long-term equity capital. Wonder is dedicated to partnering with and acquiring emerging to mid-size brands with the goal of long-term growth. Wonder’s priority is to be a great partner to sellers and a responsible steward for world-class brands and related assets.
“We’re extremely excited to be acquiring Pizza Factory and to be partnering with MJ to take Pizza Factory to the next level. We love the longevity and stability of the system, the passion that MJ and her team have for their franchisees, and the community-focused culture of the brand. We feel fortunate to be partnering with someone with as much character and knowledge as MJ and believe there’s a great fit both culturally and in terms of our respective skillsets. We’re excited to have the deal closed so we can now focus on driving value for our franchisees,” said Adam Lewin, a partner on the private equity team at Tucker’s Farm and CEO of Wonder Franchises.
This is the third franchise transaction for Tucker’s Farm in recent months, after portfolio company VIO Med Spa, the nation’s med spa franchisor, was successfully sold to Freeman Spogli in September 2024, and Wonder acquired The Decor Group, the leading holiday decorating franchisor with 245 franchised territories and $75 million in system sales, in November 2024.
Riva received HT's Top Women in Restaurant Technology - Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.
“I’ve been part of this system for more than 30 years and this company means the world to me. I chose Wonder because I really felt they were the partner that could help improve and grow the system but would do so in a way that took good care of the brand and the franchisees. The Wonder team is smart, young, and energetic – all things that I love – but the thing that really stood out compared to other groups was the way they asked so many questions. They didn’t come in with a ‘we know best’ mindset, they truly wanted to learn about Pizza Factory, understand what’s gotten us this far, and build on what we’re doing. The better I’ve gotten to know their team, the more confident I am that Wonder is the right partner and that the next chapter for Pizza Factory will be a great one.”
A community staple in 100-plus communities, Pizza Factory has stayed true to its roots with hardworking operators, family-friendly dining and high-quality products, offering fresh, hand-tossed pizza, pasta, wings, sandwiches, salads, beer, wine and more. With multiple restaurant designs, an Express model, and robust off-premise dining options including delivery and mobile ordering through a custom app, Pizza Factory is built to excel in the restaurant industry moving forward.
- 1/28/2025
AiDEN Automotive Teams Up with Mavi to Make In-Car Ordering a Reality
AiDEN Automotive, a leader in privacy-first connected vehicle technology, announces an exciting partnership with Mavi, the creators of the innovative Mavi OnMyWay Commerce platform. This collaboration will bring Mavi’s full-featured food and beverage shopping platform to a wide range of vehicles, enabling drivers and passengers to enjoy top-tier eCommerce experiences while on the go.
The automotive e-commerce market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating an increase from $100.14 billion in 2024 to $343.13 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6% during the forecast period, according to Fortune Business Insights. This surge underscores the expanding role of digital commerce within the automotive sector.
On the Go Convenience
Mavi OnMyWay Commerce is designed to redefine convenience for travelers, empowering them to shop for food, beverages, and other essentials seamlessly from their vehicle's interface. By integrating AiDEN’s advanced connected car technology, Mavi can now scale its platform quickly and efficiently across diverse automotive ecosystems, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for consumers.
Mavi was a finalist in Restaurant Technology Network's Start-Up Alley at MURTEC in 2024 and 2023.
“We’re thrilled to partner with AiDEN to expand the reach of Mavi OnMyWay Commerce,” said Cynthia Hollen, CEO, Mavi.io. Hollen was one of HT's Top Women in Restaurant Technology - Rising Star Award in 2023. “With AiDEN’s cutting-edge connected car solutions, we can bring our robust eCommerce platform to a broader audience, making in-car shopping more intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable than ever.”
The partnership leverages AiDEN’s expertise in vehicle connectivity and data integration, ensuring that Mavi’s OnMyWay Commerce platform operates seamlessly across a variety of vehicle brands and models. Together, the companies are poised to transform the connected car landscape, combining Mavi’s eCommerce expertise with AiDEN’s technology to deliver best-in-class shopping experiences to drivers and passengers worldwide.
“Integrating eCommerce into the connected car experience is the next frontier, and our partnership with Mavi marks a significant step in that direction,” said Niclas Gyllenram, CEO and Co-founder of AiDEN Automotive. “By uniting AiDEN’s advanced vehicle technology with Mavi’s leading commerce solutions, we’re setting a new standard for convenience and innovation in the automotive industry.”
The collaboration reflects both companies’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of what connected vehicles can offer. With the integration of Mavi OnMyWay Commerce, the future of in-car shopping promises to be faster, smarter, and more connected than ever before.
For more information about the partnership and its impact on connected vehicle commerce, visit aiden.ai or mavi.io.
- 1/28/2025
HTA Hires Joshua Beagrie as Consultant
Hospitality Technology Advisory has appointed Joshua Beagrie to the role of Consultant.
Beagrie will be working directly with partners to optimize hotel service, operations, and profitability through digital and IT transformations that elevate both guest and staff experiences.
He joins the company from Alliants, where he held the role of Senior Business Analyst for more than three years. Prior to that he was at Kognitiv Corporation, where he worked on the group’s distribution, loyalty programme and travel technology strategies.
Beagrie said: “Having been founded only last year, Hotel Technology Advisory is already a trusted partner to some of the most reputable hotel brands, and sits precisely in the sweet-spot of advisory as well as execution and solution implementation. I’m very excited to make tangible change and help hotels exceed in an ever changing business environment.
“Being a critical friend that you can trust is a principle of mine. I'll be working closely with our partners to deliver robust service delivery; enabling staff to deliver a better guest experience, and data insights that drive revenue opportunities and a stronger bottom line.”
Looking forward, Beagrie said: “Hotels are moving towards a cohesive technology stack that unifies guest and staff experiences, and new data insights for better profitability. With a drive towards tightening operational standards and a reduction in the burden of administration, we expect to see opportunities across the sector.”
Kevin Edwards, HTA CEO, said: “Having worked with Joshua before, I know the depth of his abilities in delivering operational improvements and creating better guest experiences.
“We look forward to drawing on his extensive experience in the sector, and to delivering our vision of driving better business performance through innovation and increased profitability.”
HTA was launched in early November by Edwards and Simon Kaye, hotel experts who have identified an opportunity to align technology more closely with properties' needs.
The company operates globally, across branded and unbranded properties.
- 1/28/2025
Beyond and Booking.com Announce Partnership
Beyond, the global pioneering leader in revenue management for the short-term rental (STR) sector, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Booking.com. This collaboration equips vacation rental partners with Beyond's advanced revenue management solutions and enables property managers already using these solutions to unlock the next stage of their growth - making it easier to increase revenue, streamline operations, while reaching new guests on one of the world's leading travel platforms.
This integration enables vacation rental partners to automatically sync daily and seasonal dynamic pricing and manage their listings seamlessly between systems. By combining Beyond's dynamic pricing technology — which uses real-time market data, historical trends, and machine learning to adjust nightly pricing — with Booking.com's global reach, properties can stay competitively priced and maximize occupancy year-round.
Addressing Key Challenges for Hosts
Managing dynamic pricing, optimizing occupancy, and staying competitive in the ever-changing travel industry can be challenging for ordinary short-term rental hosts and property managers. That's why Beyond is excited to announce this new integration with Booking.com, designed to help solve common headaches. With this advanced integration, vacation rental partners can avoid common pricing and availability syncing issues that can lead to overbooking and underpricing, allowing for more time to be spent on revenue maximization strategies."This partnership with Booking.com is a pivotal moment for Beyond and the vacation rental partners we serve," said Maria Flores Portillo, Chief Revenue Officer at Beyond. "By aligning our advanced revenue management solutions with Booking.com's unmatched global traveler reach, we're creating new possibilities for hosts and property managers to boost their revenue and fill their calendars. Together, we're simplifying how hosts manage their listings while opening doors to untapped markets and more bookings. It's a collaboration that will help our customers thrive in today's fast-evolving short-term rental industry."
"We are excited to start this partnership with Beyond and leverage their unique revenue management expertise to further empower our partners and help property managers on Beyond start or accelerate making the most of the Booking.com's growth and investments in the vacation rental space", said Eric Bergaglia, VP of Homes & Growth Segments at Booking.com.
- 1/26/2025
OPIC Technologies' Spatial Livestream Technology
OPIC Technologies, Inc., the global leader in Spatial Livestream technology, is transforming the way people explore the world. This innovative 3D livestreaming platform, which provides a more immersive and life-like experience than traditional video, is poised to revolutionize the travel industry by offering new ways to showcase destinations, engage audiences, and connect travelers with unique experiences from anywhere in the world.
What is Spatial Livestream Technology?
Spatial livestreaming uses advanced 3D technology to broadcast events and locations in a way that replicates the depth and realism of being physically present. Unlike traditional video, Spatial Livestream technology allows viewers to feel immersed in the scene, whether they're exploring a historic site, walking through a vibrant city street, or experiencing a natural wonder. The content can be viewed using VR headsets for full immersion or on traditional 3D-enabled screens with glasses, making it widely accessible.
“With Spatial Livestream technology, we’re breaking the limitations of distance and offering a way for people to engage with the world as if they were truly there,” said Bob Douglas, CEO of OPIC Technologies. “This technology opens up incredible opportunities for the travel industry to connect with audiences and share the beauty and diversity of our planet.”
Transforming the Travel Industry
The adoption of Spatial Livestream technology offers numerous benefits for the travel industry, including:
- Destination Showcases: Tour operators and travel companies can livestream 3D virtual tours of iconic destinations, providing potential travelers with a realistic preview of what they can expect.
- Cultural Experiences: Livestreamed cultural festivals, performances, and local traditions in 3D allow audiences to experience events from across the globe in an engaging and life-like way.
- Accessibility: Individuals who are unable to travel due to financial, health, or logistical reasons can now explore the world and participate in experiences they might not otherwise access.
Applications for Tourism and Hospitality
From small boutique hotels to global tourism boards, Spatial Livestream technology provides a tool for showcasing unique experiences in a compelling and interactive way:
- Resort and Hotel Previews: Guests can explore resorts and accommodations through live 3D tours, enabling them to make more informed travel decisions.
- Travel Planning: Virtual travel previews allow individuals to explore destinations and attractions before booking, creating excitement and confidence in their plans.
- Eco-Tourism and Preservation: Virtual access to fragile ecosystems, such as coral reefs or rainforests, provides a way to promote eco-tourism while minimizing physical impact.
A New Chapter for Travel
With its ability to provide immersive and interactive experiences, Spatial Livestream technology is set to become a vital tool for the travel industry. OPIC Technologies is leading the charge, enabling destinations, travel providers, and cultural organizations to share their stories and connect with global audiences in innovative ways.