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Grand Hyatt Singapore Digitizes In-Room Dining with Shiji

📱 Grand Hyatt Singapore's in-room dining underwent a major digital transformation with Stellaris Digital Dine, improving efficiency by routing 90%+ of orders digitally. This shift has saved approximately $3,600 in monthly labor costs and nearly eliminated errors, reducing mistakes from 5-10% to near zero. Menu updates now take 2-3 hours instead of three weeks, with 58% of dining revenue (July 2024–June 2025) from digital orders. The initiative supports sustainability by eliminating printed menus.
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Marriott ends partnership with Sonder after default

💸 Nov 10, 2025: Marriott International ended its licensing with Sonder Holdings due to a default, impacting bookings and future plans. Sonder properties are now removed from Marriott Bonvoy, affecting points and benefits. Marriott is assisting guests with existing bookings, while those who booked through third-party platforms need to contact them directly. This termination raises questions about Marriott’s future in the apartment-style hospitality market.
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The business case for AI in group and event sales

💸 Nov 10, 2025: Group and corporate events generated $190 billion in hotel revenue in 2024. However, sales teams often delay responses, taking an average of 47 hours to respond to leads. AI systems improve this by responding within minutes, increasing conversion rates substantially. AI delivers $3 to $10 ROI per dollar invested. Improving conversion from 15% to 18% can result in $75,000 extra revenue per 100 leads, or $450,000 annually for 2,000 inquiries.
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The new map of travel demand

📰 Nov 10, 2025, travel executives anticipate a shift in 2026, driven by luxury growth and experiential trends. Affluent travelers boost demand despite a K-shaped economy, while middle-income groups cut back. Luxury redefined prioritizes uncrowded, sustainable destinations like Greenland and Bhutan. Cruise bookings surge for 2026, appealing to younger, first-time cruisers. Emerging destinations include Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, Malta, and Tenerife. Travelers crave "sportscations" and slow travel, seeking cultural immersion and experience over material status.
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European business travel shows strong growth ahead

🗺 European business travel is forecasted to hit €441.6 billion by 2028, showcasing resilience amid economic challenges. In 2026, spending will grow 8.2% to €389.9 billion. Western Europe, led by Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, will dominate with 88% of spending. Business trips average €850.7, with the UK at €1,305. Rail travel is chosen by 38% of travelers. Also, 83% see travel as essential for objectives, yet remain cautious about AI in bookings.
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Expedia’s travel agency business surges past $3 billion in 2025

🛫 Nov 10, 2025: Expedia Group's B2B segment saw a 26% annual increase in Q3 travel agency bookings. Total annual volumes exceeded $3 billion, driven by the Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP). Q3 gross bookings rose 12%, with revenue up 9% to $4.41 billion and operating income increasing 36%. Hotel bookings grew 15%, bolstered by global demand. Expedia enhances TAAP with new tools and loyalty programs, supporting travel agents in a competitive market.
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Airbnb adds a “what” box to search

💻 Nov 7, 2025, Airbnb tests a new “What” search box using natural language input, marking phase one of CEO Brian Chesky's AI vision for travel planning. Phase two will add conversational features, while phase three will unify search, customer service, and messaging. The AI aims for personalized, conversational search results rather than fixed filters. Airbnb is also piloting Experiences and Services city by city for efficient scaling, avoiding commodification by broader AI platforms.
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Amadeus adds CO₂ emission estimates to all hotel listings

📅 Nov 7, 2025: Amadeus introduces CO₂ emission estimates for hotel listings through a partnership with Greenview. Available across booking flows and reports, this helps travel agencies and corporates manage environmental impacts. Greenview ensures standardized data for credible estimates. CO₂ estimates appear on hotel detail pages, booking screens, confirmations, and systems. Accuracy hinges on hotel data, urging hotels to update details. This integration supports corporate reporting and sustainability goals.
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Airbnb lifts outlook as US demand rebounds

📊 Nov 7, 2025, Airbnb, U.S. — Airbnb projects Q4 revenue between $2.66 billion and $2.72 billion, surpassing analyst expectations, fueled by the August-launched "reserve now, pay later" feature. In Q3, revenue rose 8.8% to $4.1 billion with adjusted EBITDA at $2.1 billion. North American bookings surged, accounting for 30% of nights booked. Despite AI, lobbying, and market expansion costs impacting net income, the full-year margin target was raised to 35%. CEO Brian Chesky announced new ventures with boutique hotels and experiences.
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Airbnb expands beyond stays

💰 Nov 7, 2025, Airbnb's Q3 report shows nearly 50% of Experiences bookings lacked accommodations. In Paris, 70% of Airbnb Originals are locals. Hotel listings are tested in Los Angeles, New York, and Madrid to address rental restrictions. Q3 revenue rose 10% to $4.1 billion, with a $2 billion adjusted EBITDA. CEO Brian Chesky anticipates services becoming a major revenue source in 3-5 years, alongside AI personalization and strategic hotel integrations.
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