TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
Marriott International | May 26, 2023
Marriott International announced today that it has signed an industry-first agreement with Rappi, Inc., the multilatina technology company. The collaboration aims to increase everyday earning opportunities and offer an elevated travel experience for both Marriott Bonvoy members and Rappi users.
Marriott Bonvoy members will soon be able to link their Rappi and Marriott Bonvoy accounts, which will result in exclusive benefits, like earning Bonvoy Points for qualifying Rappi purchases while offering additional benefits to Rappi Prime users. This unique arrangement marks the first time that a global hotel company has entered into a strategic collaboration with a Latin American technology company, showcasing Marriott International's continued commitment to innovative and tech-forward collaborations that meet the evolving needs of its guests.
"As the largest hotel company in the Caribbean and Latin America, we continue to be committed to enhancing the travel experience of our Marriott Bonvoy members, from booking to check-out, ensuring we are meeting our guests where they are. Working with one of the most innovative startups will allow us to keep our promise of providing more everyday earning opportunities for members and introduce us to Rappi users who may still be unfamiliar with our award-winning travel program," said Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace, currently has over 5.8 million users in the Caribbean and Latin America. The collaboration with Rappi will enable Marriott International to offer its services to Rappi's more than 30 million users across nine countries in Latin America, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.
"With this strategic partnership with Marriott Bonvoy we continue to strengthen our position as a leading multi-vertical technology company in Latin America, ensuring the best offer and experience when booking travel through Rappi, and continuing to make our Prime subscription the highest value program in Latin America," said Guido Becher, Global Head of Rappi Travel.
The collaboration between Marriott Bonvoy and Rappi will roll out first in Mexico, Marriott's largest market in the region, and will be followed in the upcoming months by Colombia and other markets where Rappi operates.
Rappi, which has quickly become one of the most popular and trusted technology companies in Latin America, is a leader in digital services that offers innovative solutions to unmet needs, as it manages to connect users, commerce and courier in a strong digital ecosystem. Among its verticals, Rappi offers restaurant, grocery & pharmacy delivery, courier, Fintech, ecommerce and travel, and a Prime subscription service offering free delivery and numerous other benefits. Rappi is headquartered in Bogota, Colombia, and currently services over 350 cities in 9 Latin American countries.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,500 properties under 31 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy, its highly awarded travel program.
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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
businesswire | March 31, 2023
GigNet, a Digital Transformation company that provides high-speed broadband and advanced value-added services to enterprise clients and residential communities based on its extensive fiber-optic network from Cancun to Tulum, announced today the signing of a Collaboration Agreement with the State of Quintana Roo Ministry of Tourism to enhance the tourism experience in the Cancun region. The signing took place at the 47th annual edition of the Tianguis Turistico México, an international showcase for the Mexico tourism industry. Quintana Roo Governor María Elena Lezama Espinosa attended the ceremony and signed the agreement as a Witness of Honor. Quintana Roo enjoys connectivity to more than 120 cities around the world through its three international airports, hosting more than 30 million passengers at the Cancun Airport in 2022.
The overall purpose of the Collaboration Agreement, signed by State Secretary of Tourism Bernardo Cueto Riestra on behalf of the Quintana Roo Ministry of Tourism (SEDETUR) and Mark Carney, OBE and President of GigNet Mexico, is to promote tourism-related technological development in the Mexican Caribbean. The agreement establishes a framework for the deployment of advanced, secure broadband locations in the State of Quintana Roo to improve the tourist experience of visitors and promote tourism development in the region through world-class Internet services and information technologies. The signing ceremony was also attended by Ana Patricia Peralta de la Peña, President of Benito Juárez (Cancun Municipality) where the first GigNet-sponsored special public Wi-Fi Internet access areas will be located, as well as various leaders from the Mexico national tourism sector.
The first phase of this Agreement will establish public Wi-Fi zones in tourist destinations in the Mexican Caribbean starting with Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The commitment to the technological development by GigNet is expected to cover, in subsequent phases, not only all the municipalities of the Mexican Caribbean in their tourist areas but also in commercial and administrative centers in multiple cities, fostering a true digital transformation in the region. With this Collaboration Agreement, GigNet will provide visitors and residents the opportunity to access Wi-Fi to find and shop at local businesses and for enhanced public safety and security.
This Collaboration Agreement is also recognition that technology will be a primary driver for the next generation of travelers to the Mexican Caribbean. According to the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), 64% of tourists who visit the Mexican Caribbean are under 39 years of age and almost 50% of them are Millennials. These tourists travel with between 5 and 10 electronic devices that allow them to be connected to the Internet while traveling. Through their phones, tablets and personal computers, they search for routes, promotions and activities to do before and during their trip.
Mr. Carney stated, “With one of the best climates and natural environments in the world, incredible and innovative restaurants and shopping malls, a youth destination culture, and thousands of new smart home units for residents and digital nomads, we truly believe the quality of life of the Mexican Caribbean has all the elements to attract investment, businesses, and now - with access to GigNet high-speed Internet - tech entrepreneurs and established technology companies seeking to relocate to this attractive business environment.”
GigNet’s “Silicon Maya” vision is to make Quintana Roo the leading state in Mexico for digital transformation, technological innovation, and Smart Cities – and a model for all of Mexico and Latin America. High-speed broadband access has been proven around the world to increase economic growth and opportunities for all segments of society. GigNet's “Silicon Maya” initiative can provide tremendous social benefits like online learning, improved healthcare, remote work opportunities, a diversified economy, and increased access to public services. For more information, see GigNet - Silicon Maya
ABOUT GIGNET
GigNet is the Mexican Caribbean brand of GigNet, Inc., a U.S. based international Digital Transformation company specializing in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services for Smart Homes and Smart Communities, and Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) value-added services for enterprise customers including hotels, resorts, retailers, offices, large commercial operations, governmental offices, and medical and educational facilities, as well as fiber-optic transport services for mobile phone operators and carriers. Through its Mexico operating subsidiaries, GigNet, S.A. de C.V., and Sanalto Redes Peninsular, S.A.P.I. de C.V., the Company is a fully licensed telecommunications provider in Mexico. GigNet is actively adding clients and additional products and services in the Mexican Caribbean, one of the largest and fastest growing tourism and new residential development destinations in the world with over 30 million annual airport passengers achieved in 2022. GigNet is a leader in the Digital Transformation of the region.
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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
businesswire | May 04, 2023
Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) (the “Company” or “Sphere Entertainment”) today announced it has completed the sale of its 66.9% majority interest in Tao Group Hospitality to Mohari Hospitality, a global investment company focused on the luxury lifestyle and hospitality sectors.
The completion of the sale follows a successful bidding process with multiple parties, which reflects that since the Company acquired a majority interest in 2017, Tao Group Hospitality has transformed into a global powerhouse in entertainment dining and hospitality. As previously disclosed, in connection with the sale, Sphere Entertainment has also entered into a multi-year agreement with Tao Group Hospitality for ongoing consulting, marketing, and support services.
About Sphere Entertainment Co
Sphere Entertainment Co. is a premier live entertainment and media company. The Company includes Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of entertainment. The first Sphere venue is currently under construction in Las Vegas. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a companion streaming service, MSG GO, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming.
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