A peculiar but helpful partnership has been struck between the U.S. Embassy and McDonald's in Austria, with American's being encouraged to seek out a McDonald's for lost or stolen passports. Tourists simply locate any of the 194 McDonald's restaurants across the country and ask staff to use their 24-hour hotline to the embassy.
Trevor Traina, a US ambassador, proposed the idea to McDonald's executives who were happy to oblige. The aid will not be restricted to Americans, but to all tourists in need. The McDonald's in Austria will also aide in requesting police or emergency services if needed. The restaurants will not replace embassies, but rather be an additional resource for those looking for help.
Image Credit: BBC. U.S. Embassy Vienna/@USAEmbVienna
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Fast Food-agency Partnerships
- Opportunities for fast food chains to partner with government agencies to provide unique services for customers in need.
- 24-hour Hotline Services
- Chances for businesses to offer 24-hour customer service, including hotlines and call center support.
- Alternative Support Structures
- Innovative concepts for businesses to create alternative support structures in order to serve and protect customers.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fast Food
- Fast food chains can consider partnerships with government agencies to provide additional services and support for customers.
- Hospitality
- Hotels and other tourist-focused businesses can explore similar partnerships with government agencies to ensure customer safety and support.
- Emergency Services
- Emergency service businesses can look at providing alternative support structures, such as call centers or hotline services, to better assist those in need.
