NORTH AMERICA. Global travel restaurateur HMSHost, a Dufry Group company, has partnered with OpenTable to offer a table reservation service at selected restaurants in Canadian airports.
The OpenTable app is already available at Toronto Pearson International Airport’s The Hearth by Lynn Crawford, and will roll out to Twist by Roger Mooking, LEE Kitchen by Susur Lee, and Fionn MacCool’s in the coming weeks.
HMSHost is planning a nationwide roll-out, including airports in Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal, later this summer, with selected US airport locations to follow.
Part of Booking Holdings, OpenTable is recognised as a global leader in restaurant tech, powering hospitality at over 55,000 restaurants, bars, wineries, and other venues. The app drives reservations, experiences, payments, guest insights and operations.
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HMSHost Vice President Digital Neil Thompson said: “Diners are accustomed to the convenience of booking reservations at restaurants on the street, so we saw no reason why we couldn’t extend this experience to the airport environment.
“This new feature will help travellers not only save time, but also enjoy a more comfortable, frictionless journey whether they are travelling to or through Toronto Pearson International Airport.”
Greater Toronto Airports Authority Chief Commercial Officer Khalil Lamrabet commented: “We’re thrilled to be offering our passengers the ability to make OpenTable reservations at HMSHost airport restaurants amid the busy summer travel season.
“This exciting new feature can save passengers time at the airport, as well as give them certainty and peace of mind. Travellers will enjoy the same great dining experiences at the airport with increased convenience and certainty.”
OpenTable VP of Global Sales and Services Robin Chiang added: “We’re excited to deepen our partnership with HMSHost, one of the most innovative companies in food and beverage, to power restaurant reservations at Canadian airports.
“Our partnership will help travellers plan in advance and make the airport experience more seamless.”
The launch extends the partnership between HMSHost and OpenTable. Last year, HMSHost introduced on-site digital waitlists to offer travellers flexibility and control during their airport experience. HMSHost and OpenTable waitlist functionality is available in over 26 restaurants across North America, serving an average of 120,000 guests each month.
HMSHost is a Platinum Sponsor of The Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards, which will take place on 12-13 September in Bangkok. Please click on the image above for more details.
For all partnership, speaker, content and other enquiries please contact Jeannie Wong, The Moodie Davitt Report Asia Bureau Chief and Head of Marketing & Events at Jeannie@MoodieDavittReport.com. 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining. Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.
