Fourth Unveils AI Platform Revolutionizing Hospitality Operations

Fourth Unveils AI Platform Revolutionizing Hospitality Operations

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on March 25, 2024

In a significant move for the hospitality industry, Fourth, a leading software developer, has introduced the Fourth AI platform. This cutting-edge platform aims to optimize operations in the hospitality sector through advanced AI-driven solutions tailored to workforce and inventory management.

Designed to enhance scheduling, labor spend optimization, and customer demand fulfillment, the Fourth AI platform promises to streamline processes and improve service delivery for businesses in the hospitality sector.

One of the key features of the platform is its scheduling solution, which leverages AI to deliver demand forecasts, recommend optimal shift patterns, and efficiently allocate available workers through shift pooling. By providing actionable insights, this solution enables hospitality operators to make informed decisions, balancing labor costs with customer service needs.

Several renowned hospitality companies, including PizzaExpress, Wagamama, Stonegate, and Cote, have already embraced this innovative technology, recognizing its potential to provide them with a competitive edge.

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Clinton Anderson, CEO of Fourth, highlighted the platform's ability to empower managers by allowing them to focus on people, service, and creativity, rather than administrative tasks. With AI models trained on extensive industry datasets, Fourth aims to embed AI across its customers' entire restaurant operations, revolutionizing the way businesses operate.

In addition to scheduling, Fourth's inventory products will soon incorporate AI forecasting to further refine purchasing, preparation, and stock management processes. By minimizing manual efforts in ordering and inventory management, businesses can reduce costs and food waste, ultimately enhancing their bottom line.

The Fourth AI platform represents a significant advancement in the hospitality industry, offering unique AI-based solutions purpose-built for restaurant, retail, and hospitality operators. With its suite of workforce, inventory, and recruitment solutions, Fourth is poised to transform the way businesses operate in the hospitality sector.

By harnessing the power of AI, hospitality operators can optimize operations, maximize margins, and empower employees, ultimately delivering exceptional service to their customers. With a strong pipeline of new capabilities planned for the future, Fourth is set to continue leading the way in revolutionizing hospitality operations through AI-driven innovation.


Journey Launches Loyalty Program for Boutique Hotels and Rentals

Journey Launches Loyalty Program for Boutique Hotels and Rentals

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 7, 2024

Journey, a new travel loyalty program founded by entrepreneur John Sutton and supported by Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, has officially launched. The platform is designed to offer travelers the ability to earn and redeem points at independently operated boutique hotels and private rental homes, which have traditionally been excluded from existing loyalty programs.

Journey sets itself apart by allowing guests to collect points for stays at unique properties, ranging from luxury city hotels to secluded rental homes. “Loyalty has become increasingly important to consumers,” said Kelly, who serves as Senior Advisor and Investor at Journey. He added that travelers will no longer need to give up loyalty benefits when seeking distinct, boutique experiences.

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Travelers who book directly through Journey will earn at least five points per dollar spent, compared to one point per dollar when booking through third-party sites. This incentive encourages direct bookings and supports independent property owners. The platform also includes AI-powered tools that help operators personalize guest experiences, attract repeat visitors, and optimize booking during off-peak seasons. “Journey is about creating an ecosystem where independent operators can thrive without compromising their identity or profits,” Sutton explained.

Journey’s leadership team is composed of industry veterans with significant expertise. John Sutton, the company’s CEO, previously held various roles at Red Ventures, including Chief Digital Officer. Brian Kelly, known for his work at The Points Guy, lends his experience in loyalty and travel media. James McBride, recognized for his leadership at top luxury hotels, acts as Alliance Ambassador. Advisors like Eric Wu, co-founder of Opendoor, and Chris Burch, co-founder of Tory Burch, contribute their business acumen to support Journey’s growth and strategic direction.

The launch of Journey follows the company's acquisition of StayWatch, a platform specializing in short-term rental travel deals. This move will bolster Journey’s offerings and partnerships with top independently owned properties. Sutton noted that by spring next year, the platform is expected to feature 2,000 rental homes and 200 boutique hotels in its “Journey Alliance.” Some properties set to join include Nihi Sumba Island in Indonesia and Dawn Ranch in California.

Journey’s future plans include launching a credit card tailored for frequent travelers, aiming to compete with existing loyalty credit cards from major financial institutions.


Marriott to Launch Tech Accelerator in Hyderabad, Expanding Global Technology Footprint

Marriott to Launch Tech Accelerator in Hyderabad, Expanding Global Technology Footprint

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 10, 2024

Marriott International is set to strengthen its global technological capabilities with the launch of the Marriott Tech Accelerator in Hyderabad, Telangana. This new Global Capability Center (GCC), slated to open in early 2025, marks the first such center for Marriott in India, tapping into the region's dynamic tech talent and robust IT infrastructure.

Hyderabad has emerged as one of India's foremost technology hubs, known for its world-class information technology professionals and thriving innovation ecosystem. Drew Pinto, Marriott’s Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer, highlighted the significance of the location, stating, “We have chosen to establish the Marriott Tech Accelerator in Hyderabad because of its world-class talent and strong reputation as a major IT hub. We appreciate the close collaboration with the Telangana government and look forward to expanding our best-in-class technology workforce.”

This initiative is part of Marriott’s broader strategy to enhance its engineering capacity, develop next-generation solutions, and strengthen security infrastructure across its global operations, which span 141 countries and territories. The new tech center will significantly boost the company’s technology division, enabling them to implement cutting-edge solutions that align with Marriott’s growth and expansion goals.

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The Telangana government has been a key player in attracting global companies to set up their GCCs in the region. Duddila Sridhar Babu, Telangana’s Minister of Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, and Industries, remarked, “Telangana has emerged as a global tech leader with over 200 GCCs driving business transformation. Our talent pool includes over 1 million GCC-ready tech professionals and 350,000 AI and Chip designers, with an annual influx of 250,000 engineers. This new GCC advances our vision of making Telangana a global hub for AI, Data Science, and IIoT.”

As of October 2024, Marriott’s portfolio in India includes 29,000 rooms across 17 brands. With future expansion plans, the company expects to increase its room count to over 42,000 in the upcoming years. This expansion will be supported by technological innovations stemming from the Marriott Tech Accelerator in Hyderabad.

The launch of this center is expected to further solidify Marriott’s presence in India, ensuring that the company continues to lead in both hospitality and technological innovation. ANSR, a company specializing in establishing GCCs, will provide support for Marriott’s latest venture, ensuring its seamless integration and success.


Marriott Launches Tech Accelerator in Hyderabad, India

Marriott Launches Tech Accelerator in Hyderabad, India

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 7, 2024

Marriott International has announced the establishment of its first Global Capability Center (GCC) in Hyderabad, India. This new venture, called the Marriott Tech Accelerator, aims to leverage Hyderabad's skilled tech talent to expand Marriott's global technology infrastructure, engineering capabilities, next-generation solutions, and security across its operations in over 141 countries and territories.

Marriott chose Hyderabad due to its strong reputation as a major IT hub. Drew Pinto, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue & Technology Officer at Marriott International, highlighted the city's talent and collaboration with the Telangana government, stating, "We have chosen to establish the Marriott Tech Accelerator in Hyderabad, India because of its world-class talent and strong reputation as a major IT hub. We appreciate the close collaboration with the Telangana government on this project and look forward to expanding our best-in-class technology workforce."

Hyderabad has gained recognition as a leading tech destination, with over 200 GCCs already driving business transformation. Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister, Shri Duddila Sridhar Babu, emphasized the state’s efforts in fostering a tech ecosystem. He said, "TTelangana has emerged as a global tech leader with over 200 GCCs driving business transformation. Our talent pool includes over 1 million GCC-ready tech professionals and 350,000 AI and Chip designers, with an annual influx of 250,000 engineers. This new GCC advances our vision of making Telangana a global hub for AI, Data Science, and IIoT. We thank Marriott International for choosing Telangana for their global tech center, reinforcing our position as a technology leader."

The Marriott Tech Accelerator is set to open in early 2025 and will be supported by ANSR, a leader in establishing and operating GCCs for global enterprises.

Marriott has been in India since 1999, when it opened its first property, the Goa Marriott Resort and Spa. The company recently marked the opening of its 150th hotel in the country with the Marriott Katra Resort and Spa. Marriott's expansion in India continues with plans to increase its room count from around 29,000 rooms across 17 brands to over 42,000 in the coming years.

Reflecting on Marriott’s journey in India, Ranju Alex, Area Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, expressed pride in the company’s 25-year history in the country. "We are tremendously proud of our 25 years of doing business in India. As we celebrate this milestone, we are committed to continued growth in India, with over 80 properties in the development pipeline."

The announcement was made by Marriott’s senior leadership, including Drew Pinto, Global Chief Technology Officer Naveen Manga, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Asia Pacific (excluding China) John Toomey, and other key executives. 

Marriott’s Tech Accelerator is expected to open in early 2025 and will be supported by ANSR, a leader in establishing and operating GCCs for global enterprises.  

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