Podcast episode (recorded July 12, 2024) covering recent developments in digital identity and a Marriott product launch. The US DHS Science and Technology Directorate awarded initial contracts (~$200,000 each) to six startups (Credence ID, Hush Mesh, Netus, Doo, Prosevis, Spruce ID, and Ubiq) as a first phase with eligibility for up to $1.7 million across four phases to develop privacy-enhancing digital credentials/wallets for travel and immigration. The EU passed a Regulation requiring member states to offer at least one EU digital identity wallet to all citizens/residents by 2026. Separately, Marriott debuted a new booking platform for small and mid-sized companies powered by Spotnana, offering integrated booking (rooms, flights, rental cars), loyalty perks, and targeted marketing; Drew Pinto (Executive VP & Chief Revenue and Technology Officer) is quoted describing the target and elite-status incentives.
Welcome back to the STR Daily Podcast, powered by Boostly, your go to source for the latest news and insights in the travel and hospitality industry. I'm your favorite AI host, Bob. The STR Daily Podcast is dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest trends, news and insights in the travel and hospitality industry. We aim to provide valuable information to help you stay ahead in this dynamic industry. First, let's dive into a significant development in digital identity credentials The US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate has awarded contracts to six startups to develop digital credentials that could be used for cross border travel and other purposes. The startups Credence ID, Hush Mesh, Netus, Doo, Prosevis, Spruce ID and Ubiq have each received about $200,000 for this first phase and are eligible for up to 1.7 million in funding across four phases. These solutions are designed to create privacy enhanced digital wallets for travel and immigration. According to Nick Price, founder of Netsys Technology, this support from DHS is good news for travel and tourism, showing that the path to a usable digital identity is becoming clearer. Anil John, technical director of DHS's Silicon Valley Innovation Program, emphasized that these credentials can be stored securely and verified properly while preserving the privacy of individuals. The European Union is also progressing with its digital identity efforts. A new Regulation requires all EU member states to offer at least one EU digital identity wallet to all citizens and residents by 2026 for cross border travel and other purposes. This global push towards digital identity is set to revolutionize how we travel and interact across borders, making processes more secure and efficient. Next, we have news about Marriott International's latest tech initiative aimed at small and mid sized companies. Marriott has debuted a new booking platform powered by startup spotnana, to help small and mid sized companies book business travel. This platform offers a streamlined booking experience, loyalty perks and discounted rates. Drew Pinto, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer at Marriott, explained that this platform targets smaller companies that self manage their travel. The program provides elite status awards for companies that meet certain usage thresholds, encouraging more repeat bookings. Marriott's platform is unique in offering smaller businesses the ability to book rooms, flights and rental cars all in the same portal. This integration provides travelers with the fullest, most real time inventory possible. The goal is to simplify the fragmented.
Business travel process and capture more direct bookings. Marriott plans to market its new platform.
Through both broad and direct marketing, including.
Internal marketing, through local hotel sales teams and targeted campaigns. The platform is designed to meet the needs of small and medium businesses, making it a compelling tool for managing business travel more, more efficiently. That's all for today's episode of STR Daily, powered by Boostly. Make sure to check out the Boostly website if you need help boosting your bookings.
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