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Feb 20 2025

Agoda Sees Instant Rise in Koh Samui Interest Following White Lotus TV Show Effect

Agoda Sees Instant Rise in Koh Samui Interest

Agoda noted a 12% increase in Koh Samui accommodation searches

Agoda noted interest from the United States grew by 65% compared to last month’s average, a 12% increase in accommodation searches.  Thailand is enjoying the global spotlight following the season premiere of the popular HBO show ‘The White Lotus’, for the island of Koh Samui in particular, the series’ main shooting location.

United States enter Koh Samui’s inbound top five. With the US replacing Malaysia, the top international markets searching for travel to Koh Samui in the past two days are now all from the West: Israel, Germany, France, United States, and United Kingdom, respectively.

After the previous two seasons of ‘The White Lotus’ were reported to have a positive effect on the tourism sectors of Hawaii and Sicily, respectively, the Thai government and Thailand’s tourism authority TAT successfully convinced the series’ producers to shoot the third season in ‘the Land of Smiles.’ Filming took place in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Pha-Ngan, and Phuket, with a star-studded cast including the likes of Patrick Schwarzenegger and Thailand’s BLACKPINK megastar, Lalisa Manobal.

Pierre Honne, Country Director Thailand at Agoda said: “The third season premiere of ‘The White Lotus’ has been a highly anticipated event in Thailand as it has across the rest of the world. It’s thrilling to finally see beloved Thai destinations like Bangkok and Koh Samui as the settings for a global TV sensation. The potential positive effects on Koh Samui and Thailand’s tourism are undeniable.”


Feb 20 2025

IHG Hits 50 Open Hotels Milestone in Japan

IHG Hotels & Resorts hits 50 open hotels milestone in Japan

IHG on track to double its estate

IHG remains on track to double its estate in key priority market. Growth includes debuts for Six Senses, Vignette Collection and Garner brands.

IHG has passed 50 open properties in Japan – where it remains on track to double its estate following market debuts by three brands.

This major growth milestone was celebrated during the recent visit of IHG’s Chief Executive Officer Elie Maalouf to Tokyo.

Left IHGs CEO Elie Maalouf and Abhijay Sandilya CEO IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan and Managing Director IHG Hotels Resorts Japan Micronesia
(Left) IHG’s CEO Elie Maalouf and Abhijay Sandilya, CEO, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, and Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia

Maalouf joined owners, partners and colleagues to mark a successful 2024 for IHG in Japan, where the business introduced its Six Senses, Vignette Collection and Garner brands as the country set a record by attracting more than 36 million international arrivals.

Abhijay Sandilya, CEO, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, and Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia, said: “Debuting three new brands in this vibrant market last year demonstrates the great growth momentum we’re building here, and we remain on track to double our estate in the country in the next few years. We’re also seizing the great opportunity in the country’s conversion space where international brands only represent 5% of hotels, far lower than the global average of close to 20-25%.”

The hotel group has broadened its appeal to owners and guests in Japan over the past 12 months by strategically growing its portfolio across segments.

  • The opening of Six Senses Kyoto marked the luxury brand’s market debut.
  • IHG’s first collection brand, Vignette Collection, launched with hotels RIGHA Royal Hotel Osaka and The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa joining the IHG system.
  • Most recently, new midscale conversion brand Garner welcomed guests in Japan with three hotels in Osaka.

Japan’s status as an international hotspot looks set to continue with JTB forecasting another record year for international arrivals in 2025, which are set to reach 40.2m. Domestic travel in the country is also expected to grow, with JTB projecting an increase of 2.7% to 305 million travellers.

Sandilya added: “The recent launch of our newest brand, Garner, a mid-scale conversion brand, is a big opportunity for us, given the size of the country’s midscale market. Also, we’re set to celebrate more notable growth milestones this year, including the return of our powerhouse midscale brand, Holiday Inn, to Tokyo and Kyoto. It will be a special moment when Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo welcomes guests as Kyoto was the brand’s first destination outside of the Americas when it opened in the 1970s.”

“In 2025, we’ll continue to expand our extensive footprint of ANA Crowne Plaza hotels to new destinations including Okinawa, while the world’s first and largest international luxury brand, InterContinental, will open for the first time in Sapporo.”

“So, all in all, 2025 is going to be another landmark year for IHG in Japan following our 60th anniversary celebrations in the country last year.”


Feb 20 2025

Ovolo Hotels to Lead Hotel Digital Marketing

Nodal Founder Tim Durgan and Ovolo Hotels Group Director of Marketing Stephen Howard
Nodal Founder, Tim Durgan, and Ovolo Hotels Group Director of Marketing, Stephen Howard

A World First, Ovolo Hotels Partners with Nodal to Revolutionise Hotel Digital Marketing

In a world first, Ovolo Hotels, an award-winning, dynamic and innovative boutique lifestyle hotel collection, has announced a strategic partnership with Nodal, a rising star in the marketing world with industry-leading AI-powered digital marketing solutions. This collaboration aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence to elevate Ovolo’s marketing efforts, driving exceptional performance driven results.

Ovolo Hotels, known for its vibrant and eclectic approach to hospitality, has made a name for itself by challenging the status quo. With a commitment to providing guests with unforgettable experiences, Ovolo is poised to leverage Nodal’s cutting-edge AI optimisation techniques to further amplify its brand presence and reach new audiences.

Nodal’s expertise in AI optimisation at scale positions them as a trailblazer in the digital marketing landscape, by utilising advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms.

Nodal uses AI to understand personas in a deeper way and craft targeted campaigns to ensure Ovolo’s unique message reaches the right audience at the right time, whilst utilising ‘Connect’, their AI platform, to distribute insights, personalised reports and advanced analytics across the entire Ovolo business. This partnership will enable Ovolo to tap into Nodal’s innovative strategies, driving engagement and conversions while maintaining the brand’s unique identity.

As part of the engagement, Nodal will be rolling out ‘Connect’, their proprietary AI platform, to centralise all the disparate marketing, CRM and property management platforms into one customised interface. The stakeholders within Ovolo will all have their own personalised AI chatbot that uncovers market insights, brand monitoring and end-to-end performance reporting tailored to their specific needs. This is a world first for the hospitality industry that continues Ovolo’s legacy as true innovators in the ever-challenging travel environment.

“We are excited to partner with Ovolo Hotels, a brand that embodies creativity and a fresh perspective in the hospitality and tourism sector,” said Tim Durgan, Founder of Nodal.

Co-founder Daniel Gibson added “Our AI-powered solutions will empower Ovolo to not only enhance its marketing efforts but also to create personalised experiences that resonate with their guests. Together, we will redefine what it means to connect with travellers in today’s digital age.”

Ovolo Hotels is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “At Ovolo, we pride ourselves on being a challenger brand that constantly seeks to innovate and elevate,” said Stephen Howard, Group Director of Marketing of Ovolo Hotels. “Collaborating with Nodal is a world first and we are confident that we will unlock new opportunities for growth and engagement, ensuring that our marketing strategies are as dynamic and unique as our hotels, whilst also ensuring our internal communication and reporting is robust.”

As the hospitality and tourism industry continues to evolve, the partnership between Nodal and Ovolo Hotels represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to create impactful marketing strategies. Together, they will set a new standard for how brands can utilise AI to connect with consumers, drive loyalty, and ultimately, enhance the overall guest experience.


Feb 19 2025

Cross Hotels Expands Bali Portfolio with Geonet Property & Finance Group

Cross HotelsExpands Bali Portfolio with Geonet Property & Finance Group
Corss Hotels signing of a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Geonet Property & Finance Group

Cross Hotels & Resorts strengthen its footprint in Indonesia

Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its footprint in Indonesia with the signing of a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Geonet Property & Finance Group for a new 120-suite resort in Berawa, Bali, set to open in 2028.

Strategically located in one of Bali’s most vibrant districts, the new property is designed as a family-friendly destination, catering to the growing trend of immersive, all-in-one hospitality experiences. Guests will enjoy a rooftop restaurant & bar, a speakeasy lounge, retail and F&B outlets, a lagoon-style saltwater swimming pool, and a dedicated wellness centre, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and lifestyle-driven experiences.

Cross Berawa hotel
Rendering of Cross Berawa_hotel exterior
Cross Berawa hotel interior
Rednering of Cross Berawa_hotel interior

The property’s prime location near Café del Mar, Batu Belig Beach, and Bali’s thriving social and entertainment hub underscores its strong positioning in the market.

Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, commented: “This partnership marks another milestone in our mission to be APAC’s leading alternative to global hotel operators. With Geonet’s strong investment expertise and our proven track record in delivering high-performing hotels, this collaboration ensures sustainable long-term value for investors while setting new benchmarks in guest experiences.”

With a portfolio spanning six distinct brands – Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen, Cross Collection, and Kaura – Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to redefine hospitality by integrating bold design, modern amenities, and operational excellence. This latest signing further cements its commitment to exceeding stakeholder expectations while capturing growth opportunities in Southeast Asia’s dynamic hospitality sector. Cross Hotels & Resorts current portfolio includes 28 hotels across four countries, namely Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.


Feb 19 2025

EVA Air Unveils New Premium Economy Class Seats

EVA Air Unveils Fourth-Generation Premium Economy Class Seats

Eva Air Setting A New Benchmark For The Industry With Industry-Leading Seat Pitch

EVA Air unveiled its fourth-generation Premium Economy Class seats with a new industry-leading seat pitch of 42 inches. It was presented today during the “Focus on Evolution: Taking Off with Heart” launch event at Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation’s No. 4 Hangar.

Presided over by EVA Air President Clay Sun, the event showcased the airline’s latest seat design. This is the first time the airline has introduced the new Premium Economy Class on the Boeing 787-9, elevating the design concept from an “upgraded economy” standard to a “business-class-like” experience. The airline aims to offer a refined and comfortable cabin experience, strengthening its comprehensive three-class service offerings.

“As the world’s first airline to launch Premium Economy Class, EVA Air has consistently focused on innovation driven by passenger needs and setting industry trends. The fourth-generation seats retain the core philosophy of previous generations while enhancing comfort, fashion, and functionality, showcasing our commitment to service innovation and attention to detail.”  Said EVA Air President Clay Sun.

“The Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring the new Premium Economy Class will initially serve the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)-Jakarta (CGK) route, with future deployment on flights from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Munich (MUC), Milan (MXP), direct flights to Vienna (VIE), and on the early flight(BR8/BR7) to SFO in the future” he added.

The new Premium Economy Class features 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. The cradle motion recline mechanism allows the seat cushion to slide forward and upward simultaneously, creating a comfortable recline equivalent to 8 inches while preserving space for the passenger behind. Each seat is equipped with the industry-largest 15.6-inch high-definition screen in Premium Economy Class and a multi-function entertainment system controller. The tray table includes a stand for personal devices, and the seats are fitted with 110V AC and USB combo sockets to meet modern passengers’ diverse needs.

The new design emphasizes enhanced privacy with side privacy panels on the headrests and dedicated reading lights. The headrests, armrests, and footrests are upholstered in premium leather, delivering a luxurious and comfortable experience. Ample storage spaces in the armrests, under-seat compartments, and dedicated bottle holders make it convenient for passengers to store and access personal items. A wheelchair-accessible armrest on aisle seats ensures that flight attendants can assist passengers with special needs.

EVA Air was the first airline to introduce Premium Economy Class, then known as Evergreen Deluxe Class, in 1992. This innovative addition revolutionized cabin services by offering a new class between Economy and Business and reshaping the industry landscape. The seats featured a 38-inch pitch, significantly larger than standard Economy Class, and were the first to come equipped with personal TV systems. EVA Air’s continued enhancements to Premium Economy Class have earned numerous accolades from Skytrax, including awards for “World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airlines,” “World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airline Catering, ” and “Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seats.”

EVA Air is enhancing its service with a new collaboration with the renowned British brand HUNTER. Passengers in Premium Economy Class on long-haul routes to the U.S., Canada, and Europe departing from Taipei will receive an olive-green amenity kit, while return flights offer an oatmeal brown version. The stylish, outdoor-functional design includes a detachable strap for versatile wear and comes with HUNTER-brand lotion and lip balm for a refreshing long-haul skincare experience.

EVA Air continues prioritizing high-quality and environmentally friendly service items, including pillows and double-sided blankets for superior comfort, exclusive high-quality noise-canceling headphones, and customized tableware created in collaboration with Italy’s century-old brand, Guzzini. Bamboo fiber eco-friendly napkins further demonstrate EVA Air’s commitment to sustainability. The premium service lineup also features Royal Laurel Class toiletries, deep gray velvet slippers, gourmet mixed nuts, and dried fruits to elevate the passenger experience.

The newly delivered Boeing 787-9 aircraft (Registration No. B-17887) features Royal Laurel Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class. All future Boeing 787-9 will follow this three-class configuration. During its ferry flight to Taiwan, the new aircraft operated with a 30% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reducing approximately 61,500 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, showcasing EVA Air’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

EVA Air will continue to optimize its fleet and enhance service quality by introducing eight more Boeing 787-9s (three-class configuration) and five Boeing 787-10s (two-class configuration) by 2029. Additionally, the airline plans to introduce 18 A350-1000 wide-body aircraft starting in 2027 and 15 A321neo narrow-body aircraft starting in 2029. 


Feb 18 2025

Hyatt Introduces Asia Pacific Meetings & Events Alliance to Streamline Multi-city Event Planning for Organizers

Hyatt Introduces Asia Pacific Meetings & Events Alliance to Streamline Multi-city Event Planning for Organizers
Grand Hyatt Bali

Hyatt new program aims to provide corporate planners with a seamless, efficient, and centralized approach across the collection of Hyatt properties

Hyatt announces the launch of the Hyatt Asia Pacific Meetings & Events Alliance, a strategic initiative designed to streamline multi-year, multi-city event planning across the Asia Pacific region. Building upon the success of the Hyatt Convention Alliance, Hyatt Wellbeing Collective and Hyatt Resort Alliance in the United States, this new Asia Pacific program aims to provide corporate planners with a seamless, efficient, and centralized approach to event management across multiple Hyatt properties in the region.

The Hyatt Asia Pacific Meetings & Events Alliance will initially include nine premier Hyatt properties across key business and convention hubs in Asia Pacific including Bali, Bangkok, Singapore and more. The combined collective power of these properties can elevate the meeting planning process by allowing event service teams to work together across locations to deliver on planner needs, and enabling benefits and operational efficiency for large-scale meetings and events clients.

“The strength of the Hyatt Asia Pacific Meetings and Events Alliance lies in our exceptional network of hotels strategically located across the region, supported by dedicated and experienced Event Planning Managers who collaborate closely. Seamless communication and collaboration allow our teams to anticipate planner needs and maintain consistency, enabling flawless experience at their events at participating hotels,” says Kate Atkinson, Vice President of Global Sales, Hyatt Sales Force, Asia Pacific. “When clients need to book across multiple destinations, they can benefit from the added advantage of incentives and offers from our hotels. At the heart of it all is the collaboration we build with our clients, creating lasting value and memorable experiences together.”

The Hyatt Asia Pacific Meetings & Events Alliance can provide planners with:

  • Dedicated Centralized Contact and Support: Dedicated alliance hotel representatives will collaborate to streamline the negotiation and event planning process across participating properties, ensuring seamless transitions from one event to the next.
  • Customised Packages and Incentives Tailored to Planners’ Need, which could include:
    • Complimentary Suite Upgrades
    • Exclusive VIP Club Lounge Access
    • Curated Spa & Wellness Offerings
    • Exclusive Incentives for Multi-events
    • Special Offers on F&B Dining Packages
    • Up to Triple World of Hyatt Points

The nine participating Hyatt Asia Pacific Meetings & Events Alliance properties were strategically selected for their premier meeting and event facilities:

  • Grand Hyatt Bali – A stunning resort offering 24 exceptional event spaces including a spacious 1,202 square meter ballroom that can cater up to 1,420 people.
  • Grand Hyatt Singapore – A leader in luxury events and conferences in Southeast Asia with over 5,100 square meters of highly flexible spaces.
  • Hyatt Regency Sydney – Australia’s largest upscale hotel, overlooking Darling Harbour offering over 4,000 square meters of space across 23 flexible spaces.
  • Grand Hyatt Taipei – A premier venue for corporate events in Taipei offering 850 accommodation rooms and 13 versatile meeting and event spaces.
  • Grand Hyatt Hong Kong – Offering 21 state-of-the-art event spaces with stunning harbour views including The Grand Ballroom, one of the largest in Hong Kong accommodating up to 1,600 people.
  • Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok – A prime location for high-profile business meetings in Thailand with 3,330 square meters of event and meeting space across 14 versatile venues.
  • Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur – A sophisticated venue in the heart of Malaysia’s capital offering 13 dynamic meeting rooms spanning 4,215 square meters of space.
  • Grand Hyatt Manila – Delivering world-class service and event spaces in the Philippines with 2,281 square meters of meeting and event space including the Pillar-less Grand Ballroom and intimate Garden Pavilion.
  • Grand Hyatt Incheon – A key meetings and events hub near Incheon International Airport ideal for large-scale meetings and events with 26 venues and 4,566 square meters of event space.

Among participating properties, the Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency brands represent the epitome of elegance and service when it comes to meeting the needs of meeting and event planners, business travellers, and more.

Hyatt customer Trina Butler, Senior Director, Global Accounts at HelmsBriscoe, says, “What truly stands out to me when working with Hyatt is how seamlessly its properties across the Asia Pacific region collaborate to deliver creative solutions that prioritize the client’s needs. The Hyatt sales teams, particularly within the Asia Pacific Meetings and Events Alliance, have deep knowledge of each property and maintain strong relationships, ensuring a smooth process for internal referrals and providing clients like me with a variety of exceptional options and benefits.”


Feb 17 2025

MGM Resorts looks to lead industry with groups, meetings business in 2025

MGM Resorts looks to lead industry with groups, meetings business in 2025
MGM Resorts International completed the transition of its Delano Tower on the Mandalay Bay campus to the W Las Vegas in December. (MGM Resorts International)

By Bryan Wroten, Hotel News Now

December convention-related bookings were company’s highest ever.

MGM Resorts International’s executive team is looking to carry over the momentum of a record 2024 into the new year.

During the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 earnings call, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle said looking at the rest of the first quarter and into the remainder of the year, there are multiple positive indicators to keep the trend going. Revenue is up at MGM Resorts’ domestic operations in January, and average daily rates are on pace to continue to grow for most of 2025.

“We are bringing to fruition our goal of being the industry leader in groups and meetings with over 2.2 million room nights on the books for 2025,” he said.

In December, MGM Resorts closed on its strongest convention-booked month ever, Hornbuckle said. Bookings in December were 43% higher than its previous record month.

The company’s first year with Marriott International outperformed original expectations with more than 660,000 room nights stayed as well as higher tracked spend in the leisure package rooms it looks to displace, he said.

“Importantly, we see further runway to grow in 2025 since all of our properties will be live for a full year of bookings,” he said.

Las Vegas properties faced difficult comparison in the fourth quarter, so revenue was down 6% and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent costs was down 11%, Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Halkyard said.

Excluding some variances, including the F1 race, the underlying trend remains solid as evidenced by several data points, including the all-time quarterly record domestic slot win in the fourth quarter, he said.

“We concluded the quarter and the year on a strong note with December occupancy and ADRs up single digits over 2023 and an all-time record for monthly domestic slot handle and slot win,” he said. “This momentum gives us optimism that MGM’s Las Vegas operations can grow in 2025, with the exception of the challenging comparisons this month of February, of course.”

The impact of the Super Bowl moving to New Orleans from Las Vegas this year came in as estimated in November at about $65 million, Halkyard said.

Portfolio management

MGM Resorts is continuing to reinvest into its portfolio, Hornbuckle said. Through 2024, it worked on the broad improvement of the Bellagio, renovating all of its suites and adding new food-and-beverage offerings and refreshing its premium gaming spaces.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas completed its transitioned to MGM Rewards.

Last year, the company completed its $100 million investment in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, he said. The property is now welcoming new and existing convention customers to the space.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, MGM Resorts rebranded its Delano Tower at Mandalay Bay to the W Las Vegas, which has significant brand recognition and can now benefit from Marriott’s distribution system and loyalty program, he said.

The renovation project at the MGM Grand is making progress, with 600 rooms already back online for guests, Halkyard said.

Regional updates

At MGM Resorts’ domestic properties outside of Las Vegas, revenue grew by 7% and adjusted EBITDAR increased by 21% during the quarter, Halkyard said. The MGM Grand Detroit drove much of that increase due to strong execution and recovery from the previous year’s labor strike.

In Macau, MGM Resorts’ two properties achieved their best-ever full-year segment adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent costs in the history of its MGM China operations.

The MGM Cotai and MGM Macau continue to be high-performing outliers in the market, Halkyard said. Its first resident show at MGM Cotai, Macau 2049, and the Polyart Museum at MGM Macau have helped drive non-gaming revenue and visitation to the area.

“We grew market share in December to over 16%, and we concluded the year at similar levels,” he said. “We remain confident and believe we have proven that we have sustainable market share in the mid-teens, driven by our strong product innovation teams and the focus on the premium mass market.”

MGM Resorts’ integrated resort project in Osaka, Japan, continues to advance as planned, Hornbuckle said. The ground preparation is expected to be complete this year with main construction to start shortly after. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for April 24. The opening of its subway in January marked an important infrastructure milestone by enhancing transportation options for future guests.

For the company’s MGM Empire City project in Yonkers, New York, MGM Resorts will submit its request for application by the middle of the year, he said. The company is actively engaged with the city government on zoning.

By the numbers

MGM Resorts reported consolidated net revenue of $17.2 billion, up from $16.2 billion the year before, according to the company’s earnings release. It reported net income of $747 million, down from $1.1 billion in 2023 primarily due to the gain on its sale of the Gold Strike Tunica in 2023.

During the fourth quarter, MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas hotel operations saw occupancy reach 94%, up from 91% the year before. Average daily rate dipped 8% to $271, and revenue per available room fell by 6% to $254. Rooms revenue amounted to $822 million, down 6% year over year.

As of press time, MGM Resorts’ stock was trading at $39.30, down 14.2% year over year. The NYSE Composite Index was up 17.7% for the same period.

Credit Hotel News Now


Feb 17 2025

Tencent Cloud Enhancing McDonald’s China Digital Ordering System

Shihong Chen, Chief Information and Experience Officer of McDonald’s China (right)
(Right) Shihong Chen, Chief Information and Experience Officer of McDonald’s China

Over the past 70 years, McDonald’s has become a leading retail food service giant with over 40,000 locations worldwide. Shihong Chen, Chief Information and Experience Officer of McDonald’s China, stated, “McDonald’s China chose to create an in-house digital department instead of acquiring a digital system from external suppliers. At the same time, a highly skilled cloud computing partner is still essential to McDonald’s China, for the partnership on architecture and technology while fully understanding the company’s business requirements.”

In the food service industry, consumers expect quick ordering and food pickup. Today, more than 90% of transactions at McDonald’s China are from digital channels. Therefore, McDonald’s digital ordering system must be robust enough to handle both regular peak times and promotional surges to ensure a consistently positive customer experience. However, simply increasing server bandwidth to boost capacity would lead to escalating costs. David Su, Industry General Manager of Tencent Smart Retail, said, “By leveraging Tencent Cloud‘s capabilities, the two companies collaborate on auto scaling to reduce costs during low-traffic periods while maintaining an optimal ordering experience during peak times. In complex and variable offline network environments, where network quality could be very low, ensuring that consumers can quickly access McDonald’s China’s online ordering APP and Mini Program presents a big challenge and is a key focus for Tencent Cloud. Additionally, during promotional periods, Tencent Cloud provides extensive technical support to safeguard applet data and protect consumers, while ensuring that product discounts reach genuine customers rather than being exploited by ‘coupon hunters.’ We work very closely with McDonald’s. Whenever new challenges arise, the Tencent Cloud team is there working together on finding the best solution from both a product and technical perspective.”

By the end of 2024, McDonald’s China currently manages over 6,800 stores and has set ambitious plans to expand to 10,000. By leveraging Tencent Cloud big data solution, McDonald’s China is now capable of conducting intelligent assessments of over one thousand factors for a smarter store location selection. Su explained, “For a specific location, we can assist the brand in determining the rationality of the site selection, as well as the specific store scale, format, and operational direction, based on desensitized environmental and demographic big data. Tencent Cloud is dedicated to empowering its clients through the strategic use of big data.”

McDonald’s China digital transformation journey signifies not only a commitment to technological innovation but also a profound reimagining of its traditional business model. From the introduction of self-service ordering kiosks to today’s constantly evolving, comprehensive digital strategy, McDonald’s China has consistently prioritized consumer needs, leveraging technology to innovate and optimize the dining experience. Throughout the ongoing collaboration, Tencent Cloud has provided McDonald’s China with robust technical support and invaluable experience, serving as a model for other foodservice enterprises seeking to drive digital transformation. The partnership between Tencent Cloud and McDonald’s China exemplifies how digital continues to shape and drive efficiency and innovation at the leading edge of the food service industry.