News Briefs

UATP, the global network that enables organizations to simplify payment processes and expand their payment capabilities, announced that HRS, the leading global corporate lodging and payment technology platform, is a new UATP Merchant. By joining the UATP network, HRS will be able to accept UATP payments for individual business travelers, meeting attendees, and crews, expanding their growth opportunities across UATP’s vast portfolio of corporate issuers and airline clients.

For UATP, the partnership with HRS represents its first foray into wide-scale hotel acceptance, UATP travel merchants and corporate account holders will have direct access to HRS’ unmatched array of business-travel ready hotels, many available with compelling corporate rates via HRS’ AI-infused platform. Perhaps more importantly, the partnership offers newfound synergies for UATP clients and merchants, as the integration of HRS provides them with invoice automation, billing and reconciliation from a singular provider. For typical corporate programs, this accounts for the vast majority of their total travel expenditures.

“We see a lot of synergies in our partnership with UATP,” says Alexander Olsen, Vice President Spend Management & Payment Consulting, HRS. “By joining forces, we’re creating a truly complete ecosystem for business travel, bridging the complexity of procurement and booking quality hotels with seamless payment and financial reporting. Our combination of innovative automation and hotel expertise also provides a new option for travel suppliers as they seek more cost-effective, streamlined lodging options for their global workforces.”

The companies announced the partnership one day before UATP’s Airline Distribution^® 2025, beginning on Tuesday in Budapest. UATP Chairman, President & CEO Ralph Kaiser will host HRS CEO Tobias Ragge on stage on Wednesday March 19 to further discuss the new partnership.

As a member of the UATP Network, HRS can optimize  a dynamic ecosystem of corporate account holders, Issuers and Merchants. For many businesses and corporate travel managers – HRS’ core market – UATP accounts are their preferred method of payment. With payment efficiency identified as a key component in driving program compliance and use of preferred hotel suppliers, the partnership enables UATP to be used for those payments and expand their footprint at a time of surging corporate travel demand.

“In their commitment to creating efficient, digital and positive experiences for corporate travelers and their embrace of technological innovation, HRS shares many of the same core values of UATP,” said Zach Ornelas, SVP Commercial, UATP. “HRS’ expertise, particularly when it comes to the automated payment processes that govern expedient payment to hotels from corporate enterprises, makes them the perfect partner for our expansion in the hotel and meeting sector. We expect a long relationship marked by extensive mutual benefit.”

Captains of Corporate Travel Come Together

HRS is a leading name in corporate travel. The company’s AI-powered platform technology covers procurement, booking and payment, giving corporate hotel program leaders complete worldwide visibility across every element of a hotel booking. The company’s automation enables real-time tracking of local and regional hotel trends, exposing savings and performance opportunities for transient, meetings and longstay segments. HRS lodging content offers the broadest inventory of GDS and non-GDS properties, and a broad collection of chain-direct and independent hotels.

These capabilities are complemented by UATP’s payment, transaction data, and settlement expertise. Both UATP and HRS provide corporate travel managers with access to customized and detailed reports, including Level III data, expense integration, automated billing and reconciliation, as well as improved cost controls.

Domino's Pizza Inc.,has entered into a partnership with DoorDash. The partnership will allow Domino's to reach new customers through DoorDash Marketplace, while continuing delivery service by Domino's drivers. A pilot is currently underway in select locations, with a planned nationwide U.S. launch beginning in May 2025 and across Canada later in 2025.

"As brands that are both dedicated to digital ordering excellence, our new partnership with DoorDash brings together the scale of our two industry-leading companies, as we continue to build towards the $1 billion opportunity that we believe the aggregator marketplace represents for us," said Joe Jordan, Domino's chief operating officer and president – U.S. "The ability to connect seamlessly with DoorDash customers means more sales for Domino's stores, while efficiently leveraging our brand's robust delivery network. Tapping into incremental customers, particularly in suburban and rural markets, is a meaningful opportunity for Domino's, as our brand continues to open stores nationwide."

"DoorDash is excited to welcome Domino's to our Marketplace across the U.S. and Canada. Domino's chose DoorDash for our unmatched scale and reach, helping them serve millions of customers and drive incremental sales," said Prabir Adarkar, president and chief operating officer of DoorDash. "By joining forces, we're bringing customers a new choice in the rapidly growing pizza category."

A top-tier delivery and digital experience is core to both companies' DNA. DoorDash users will be able to order from their local Domino's store through the DoorDash app, with seamless GPS tracking fully integrated to monitor their delivery progress by a uniformed Domino's driver. Domino's orders will be available to subscribers of DashPass, DoorDash's subscription program, which offers unlimited $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on orders over $12.² Domino's loyalty program, Domino's Rewards, will only be offered on Domino's e-commerce platforms.

For the first time, Waffle House fans can have their favorite menu items delivered right to their doorstep. The iconic 24/7 diner chain is now offering “Late Night Delivery” at select locations through Dispatch from Olo. Waffle House launched online ordering and payment for pick-up with Olo in late 2023.

Ordering delivery is simple: guests can visit the Waffle House website or mobile app, enter their location, and place their order from a participating nearby store. Olo Dispatch then finds the best available delivery provider, ensuring hot and fresh meals arrive quickly through a seamless and reliable experience. 

“We are excited to offer our customers another ordering channel, with delivery, to enjoy Waffle House at night.  We will continue to evaluate expanding delivery to more of our restaurants in the coming months,” said Patrick Marshburn, EVP, Waffle House. “We are going to bring the same commitment of providing great food and hospitality to delivery, ensuring guests can enjoy their Waffle House favorites wherever they are.”

Waffle House delivery through Olo’s Dispatch is now available at more than 500 of the 2,000 locations across 25 states and will continue to roll out to more locations throughout the year.

To check availability at your nearest location, visit order.wafflehouse.com.

Jack in the Box Inc. and its Board of Directors announced Lance Tucker as the permanent Chief Executive Officer for Jack in the Box, where he will also serve on the company’s board of directors.

Tucker served as interim CEO since February 2025 after being hired as chief financial officer for the company in November 2024, which followed a previous tenure as CFO of Jack in the Box from March 2018 to September 2020.

“Lance brings decades of experience within the restaurant industry as well as a financial mind into the CEO role that is well-timed to match with the company's current priorities," said Dave Goebel, Jack in the Box Chairman of the Board. "We are confident that Lance will position our company to perform at high levels, and drive returns that shareholders expect from our iconic brands and profitable business model."

“I am thrilled to have the confidence of the Board, as well as our talented leadership team, to lean on the many strong fundamentals already in place to help restore Jack in the Box as a shareholder success story,” said Tucker. “While there are many priorities to address quickly – including capital allocation, free cash flow acceleration and returning the business to an asset light model – I know our talented corporate team and dedicated franchise operators will work together to position our brands for a very successful future.”

Dawn Hooper will continue to serve as interim principal financial officer until a permanent CFO is named. Tucker will assume permanent CEO duties immediately.

Crave Interactive, a provider of digital guest-engagement solutions, and UrVenue, a resort commerce platform, have joined forces to modernize how luxury hospitality experiences are booked at ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas. This collaboration brings Crave’s in-room tablet technology together with UrVenue’s booking engine, enabling guests to reserve and manage cabanas and daybeds directly from their suite—no phone calls, no hassle.

With this seamless integration, guests at ARIA and Vdara can browse real-time availability, secure their preferred poolside retreat, and plan their day without ever leaving their room. The days of early morning towel dashes and first-come, first-served frustrations are over. This new digital experience gives guests a convenient, self-service way to book prime resort amenities on their own time, with minimal staff interaction.

"We're delighted to partner with UrVenue to further extend the guests' discovery and digital exploration of all the hotel has to offer," said Andrew Cindrey, Chief Operating Officer at Crave. "By integrating UrVenue's industry-leading cabana reservation system into the Crave platform, hotels can seamlessly showcase their poolside amenities, enabling guests to self-book with ease and enhancing the guest experience whilst increasing profitability for the hotel.”

UrVenue’s innovative technology has reshaped how guests book resort experiences, nightlife, activities, and more. This partnership with Crave Interactive enhances in-room engagement, making it easier than ever for ARIA and Vdara guests to access premium amenities.

"This partnership with Crave reinforces our mission to modernize the way resort experiences are discovered and booked," said Tracee Nalewak, Chief Growth Officer at UrVenue. "It’s about putting the guest in control and enhancing their experience in a way that aligns with today’s evolving expectations of luxury hospitality.

“Hotels that implement tablet-based concierge services and streamlined booking engines are not only meeting new rating standards but also driving higher guest satisfaction and increased spending,” Nalewak added. “The ability for guests to browse, book, and manage their resort experiences—from cabanas and daybeds to dining and entertainment—all from their suite, aligns with modern traveler expectations. These solutions also enable cross-selling opportunities, helping top hospitality brands maximize revenue per guest while offering a more dynamic, curated stay.”

For leading resorts like ARIA and Vdara, adopting these digital advancements is more than an upgrade—it’s a strategic move to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. The future of luxury hospitality is digital, and the most prestigious properties are leveraging these technologies to maintain their top-tier ratings and attract high-value clientele looking for more than just a place to stay, but a fully connected, high-touch experience.

Serko Ltd., a leader in online travel for business, and Sabre Corporation, a leading global travel technology company, today announced the release of the 2025 State of AI in Corporate Travel: Unlocking Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges report. The study, based on a survey of more than 300 U.S.-based travel managers at companies with over $50 million in revenue, sheds light on how AI and generative AI (genAI) are reshaping the business travel landscape – and where organizations are still falling short.

“The study’s results are clear: while AI adoption in corporate travel is high, success isn’t guaranteed,” said Darrin Grafton, CEO and co-founder of Serko. “Yes, 90% of travel managers say they’ve implemented AI or genAI, but too many are still hitting roadblocks. Whether it’s poor implementation, a lack of internal capabilities, or limited partner support, these challenges are preventing organizations from realizing the full value of their investment. That’s exactly where technology players like Serko or Sabre have an opportunity to step up.”

Key Findings: AI Momentum, But Support Gaps Remain

• Widespread adoption: Over 90% of respondents report using AI or genAI, primarily for cost savings (71%), enhancing the traveler experience (68%), and improving data analysis (63%).
• Positive ROI: 52% say AI has exceeded expectations; 45% say it’s meeting them. Use cases include booking optimization (73%), pricing and cost savings (70%), and chatbot-based traveler support (64%).
• Transformational potential: Nearly half of travel managers believe AI will have a “significant” or “transformative” impact on their programs over the next five years.
• Support shortcomings: While some respondents feel supported, 49% say support from travel partners is only “moderate,” and 11% say they’ve received little or no help. Tech provider support shows similar results.
• Biggest roadblocks: Implementation hurdles (46%), lack of internal talent (19%), and budget constraints (14%) are slowing progress.

Tech providers must accelerate AI integration, with the customer at the center

As the study suggests, AI has moved from experimentation to expectation, but the survey indicates too many corporate travel programs are struggling to scale their efforts effectively. That’s where travel technology partners must take a more proactive role to bridge the gap between potential and performance.

“The corporate travel industry is moving quickly from exploring AI and genAI to deeply embedding it into their operations,” said Sundar Narasimhan, SVP and President, Sabre Labs. “What was once a ‘nice-to-have’ is becoming an operational necessity. Companies that fail to integrate AI-driven decision-making risk falling behind – not just in efficiency and cost savings, but in their ability to deliver the seamless, personalized experiences that travelers now expect. Our focus is on helping our customers navigate this shift with confidence, helping to ensure they have the right tools, strategies, and support to turn AI investment into meaningful traveler and business outcomes.”

Serko and Sabre agree: it’s not enough to innovate for innovation’s sake. The responsibility lies with technology providers to simplify implementation, provide smarter automation, and actively guide customers through their AI transformation journeys. That means aligning roadmaps to real-world needs, reducing integration complexity, and helping to ensure that AI delivers not only performance improvement, but traveler-centric value.

“This is a defining moment for the industry,” added Andrew Revell, Serko’s head of AI. “Our customers are asking not just for tools, but for trust, expertise, and a clear path forward. We are focused on delivering on all three.”

To download the full report, please visit: https://www.serko.com/ai-ebook-2025.