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Harry Styles and Taylor Russell were first romantically linked almost a year ago, and have been reportedly enjoying their low key relationship since. However, a source speaking with People this week says that the musical artist and the Bones and All star have been getting more and more serious.
Omni Hotels & Resorts worked with Google and LiveRamp to drive privacy-focused relevant ads to customers through first-party data.
The U.S. and Canadian hotel chain didn’t want to give up personalized interactions with consumers, so it looked to leverage its first-party CRM data through partners.
It collaborated with its digital marketing agency PMG and programmatic media partner MiQ, and relied on signal-less solutions from Google’s Display & Video 360 and LiveRamp to keep close connections with customers.
Partnerships have become important to make cookieless targeting work. Stephen Yap, managing director of Americas media platforms at Google, said “when third-party cookies go away, we need to work together to reinvent and reimagine an entire industry.”
Yap said the future looks more like a technological cooperative in trying to lift the industry and move past the high anxiety of wondering whether there can be a world without third-party cookies.
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“We’ve been out there talking about that performance is not at odds with privacy, and I think this is a great example,” Yap said.
Google and LiveRamp initiated the partnership in October 2022 to enable publishers and marketers to connect first-party data in a post-signal market, and found performance, better results, in the Publisher Advertiser Identity Reconciliation (PAIR) protocol.
The partnership proved it out with Omni Hotels & Resorts as it participated in the first recorded trial to document the partnership, which went live in May 2023.
PAIR supports the targeting through the secure protocol with encryption keys that give companies like Omni Hotels & Resorts the ability to take its data and connect it with publishers to privately and securely target ads to people who have visited its site and publisher sites.
The protocol creates a one-to-one relationship and cannot be reverse-engineered to access the data. It also ties into Google Display & Video 360 for campaign management, and supported by LiveRamp.
Some might call it a positive wakeup call for publishers and advertisers, because the partnership “moves the industry beyond the cookie,” said Travis Clinger, chief connectivity and ecosystem officer at LiveRamp, adding that it puts the consumer first, but actually works for advertisers and publishers.
Initial results working with Google Display & Video 360’s PAIR and LiveRamp showed an increase in conversions, showing a 4x increase in conversion rate in the first campaign compared with traditional cookie-based CRM first-party audience targeting in Display & Video 360.
Conversions were measured as users visited the Omni Hotels & Resorts website after being served an ad.
Change is never easy, but the group expects the conversion rate to rise, with better performance in the post-cookie world compared with previously. LiveRamp is live running tests with Google PAIR across the U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific.
Dallas-based Omni Hotels & Resorts said Wednesday it was the victim of a cyberattack that caused the company to shut down its systems late last week.
Most of the company’s systems have been restored following Friday’s attack. Omni says it is working with a leading cybersecurity response team, and an investigation into the cyberattack is ongoing.
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BleepingComputer, a technology news website, reported earlier this week that Omni was experiencing a chain-wide outage since Friday that impacted reservations, hotel-room door locks, and point-of-sale systems.
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“Upon learning of this issue, Omni immediately took steps to shut down its systems to protect and contain its data,” the company told The Dallas Morning News in a statement. “As our team works diligently to restore the remainder of the systems to full functionality, we continue to welcome our guests and accept new reservations. We apologize for the disruption and inconvenience this cyberattack is causing.”
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It’s unclear if any sensitive customer data was compromised or if Omni has been asked to pay a ransom.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported ransomware incidents were on the rise in 2023 with over 2,825 complaints reported. That’s an 18% increase from 2022. Reported losses rose 74%, from $34.3 million to $59.6 million.
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Omni Hotels & Resorts is based in Dallas. The chain operates 50 hotels and resorts in the United States and Canada, including the Omni Hotel Dallas near the Reunion Tower downtown.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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WASHINGTON, DC (March 25, 2024) – Five hotels and one restaurant are the newest additions to AAA’s Four Diamonds list. Throughout the year, AAA Inspectors visit hotels and restaurants across North America, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica to verify the 4 Cs of AAA Diamonds: Cleanliness, Comfort, Cuisine, and Consistency. This month, hotels in Canada, Mexico, and Florida and a San Antonio restaurant became AAA Four Diamond properties, offering upscale amenities, remarkable service, and outstanding dining options.
Paradox Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection, Fort Myers, Florida
Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
Mixtli, San Antonio, Texas
Two AAA Five Diamond hotels continue their tradition of excellence, retaining their distinguished designation another year.
Click below to view all AAA Five and Four Diamond properties:
Five Diamond Hotels
Five Diamond Restaurants
Four Diamond Hotels
Four Diamond Restaurants
Diamond lists are updated monthly, as AAA Inspectors visit hotels and restaurants throughout the year.
Diamond designations reflect AAA Inspectors’ commitment to quality and consistency in the hospitality industry. Diamond Inspectors are trained professionals who travel across North America to conduct unannounced, independent, in-person property inspections.
Currently, there are approximately 130 Five Diamond hotels and 60 Five Diamond restaurants, and 1,700 Four Diamond hotels and 500 Four Diamond restaurants.
Five Diamond properties offer ultimate luxury and leading-edge cuisine.
Four Diamond properties offer upscale amenities and distinctive fine dining.
Plan a visit to Diamond properties on Trip Canvas, AAA’s free travel planning tool, or connect with a AAA travel agent for recommendations and hotel reservations.
The 4Cs of AAA Diamonds
Cleanliness: AAA hotel inspections include ATP surface testing, the same technology used to verify cleanliness in the healthcare and food service industries.
Comfort: Inspectors evaluate a property’s quality of experience, range of amenities, and level of hospitality.
Cuisine: Diamond restaurants are assessed on their food, service, and vibe. Inspectors dine at these properties anonymously.
Consistency: AAA Diamond properties – no matter the designation – have one thing in common: consistency. Unlike subjective star reviews, Diamond inspections rely on published guidelines based on industry standards.
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, and financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including more than 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com
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The luxury hotel booking engine for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardmembers is now live.
The Edit by Chase Travel — formerly known as the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection — is now the in-house booking platform for Chase’s premium cardholders looking for added elite perks at posh hotels around the world. The offering was first previewed last December as part of the International Luxury Travel Market conference in Cannes, France. As its name might suggest, The Edit adds an editorial component to the platform by noting what a property is best known for and how it syncs up with traveler needs and preferences.
“We’re thrilled to bring The Edit by Chase Travel to life just in time for those planning spring and summer travel,” said Rena Shah, head of lodging at Chase Travel, in a prepared statement. “From helping to take the guesswork out of travel planning by spotlighting hotels that are hand selected by our in-house experts to bringing cardmembers amazing benefits like the ability to be upgraded, enjoy breakfast for 2 each day of your stay and the ability to earn rewards from Chase Travel and participating hotel rewards programs, The Edit brings a fresh approach to travel planning for today’s luxury traveler.”
The Edit behaves in a similar manner as American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers get elitelike benefits at participating hotels. Breakfast for two, property credits and space-available room upgrades are part of the amenity lineup.
An added bonus for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers who book off The Edit is the ability to earn rewards from both the hotel loyalty program they book from as well as Chase Travel.
On the newly created editorial platform, The Edit will also flag properties under various categories, such as family-friendly resorts, spa or wellness retreats and properties perfect for art lovers, design aficionados or those looking for an elevated culinary experience.
“We are meeting the needs of our card members through new partnerships and programming, and building a brand that is reflective of their passions and lifestyle and you’ll see that come through in our shopping experience, photography, content, and more,” Shah added.
Navigating The Edit
When you go to book a hotel off Chase Travel, hotels included in The Edit will include the premium platform’s logo at the bottom of the listing along with “Hand-selected stays for Chase Sapphire Reserve” next to it.
THE EDIT BY CHASE TRAVEL
Once you click on the hotel, you’ll find a main header page that reveals the elite benefits that come with your stay. For example, the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown comes with daily breakfast for two, a welcome gift, a room upgrade based on availability, a $100 property credit, complimentary Wi-Fi and early check-in/late checkout based on availability.
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THE EDIT BY CHASE TRAVEL
You’ll then find the various room categories and nightly rates.
THE EDIT BY CHASE TRAVEL
When it comes time to pay, you’ll have the option to pay with cash or points or a combination of the two.
THE EDIT BY CHASE TRAVEL
What’s new at Chase Travel
The Edit going live on Chase Travel isn’t the only big news for the platform this week. Chase cardholders can also earn up to 8,000 points upon activating and booking multiple travel components, including hotels, flights, car rentals and cruises, by May 31. Further, you can earn an extra 2,000 bonus points as a new booker.
Voyages by Chase Travel, which will offer elite benefits on cruise bookings, is also expected to roll out for Chase Sapphire cardholders later this month.
Chase’s 2024 travel trends
Ahead of the launch, Chase provided some emerging travel trends that might fit in with the editorial features of The Edit.
Some of the most-booked hotels off Chase Travel’s booking platform for the upcoming New Year’s Eve holiday include the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu, the Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, The Wall Street Hotel in New York City and The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Munich.
Trending properties for next year include The St. Regis Aspen Resort in Colorado; 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (pictured above) in Hawaii; Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Italy; Nobu Hotel Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in the Cayman Islands.
The Chase report also indicated a clear need for travelers to book ahead, especially for major events, and that they might face competition on premium modes of travel.
Year over year, there is a 47% increase in future bookings for springtime travel in 2024, while fall travel is currently experiencing a 59% increase. There’s already a 115% increase in travel bookings to Melbourne, Australia, for the Australia Open, and Salt Lake City can brag about a 39% increase in bookings for dates during the Sundance Film Festival in January. Travel bookings to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl next February are also up by 12% compared to last year.
Travelers aren’t being chintzy, either. Chase Travel reports a 40% year-over-year increase in luxury hotel bookings, a 28% increase in business-class ticket bookings and a 14% increase in first-class ticket bookings.
With data like that, one can’t help but wonder: What is this recession everyone keeps worrying about?
Bottom line
The Edit, for now, appears to be more of a rebranding than a complete gutting and overhaul of Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
The added editorial categories and descriptions will be a nice user-friendly addition, and the overall program should continue to be a major perk for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers — especially amid a swelling movement of travelers deciding to forgo chasing elite status in favor of being a loyalty free agent.
Who needs a top-tier hotel status when you can stay across a variety of brands and still get perks like free breakfast and upgrades? Of course, it’s also nice that you don’t have to forgo earning elite nights and points from a favorite hotel loyalty program when you book off The Edit.
After all, who doesn’t like to double dip in the rewards and loyalty pond?