Automatic

🖥️ Jul 1, 2026, major hotel chains, including Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Accor, launched AI tools aimed at direct bookings on their platforms. Hilton's AI Planner launched in March 2026, while Marriott introduced Ask Bonvoy to 283 million members. Despite these investments, brands acknowledge that travelers start on platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI Mode. Hilton's CIO highlighted the need to engage with AI platforms as the discovery landscape evolves, while Choice Hotels emphasizes infrastructure for AI-driven searches.

💻 In the hospitality sector, the average hotel operates with over 15 different systems that often don't communicate, leading to data silos. The core issue is not AI, but data management. At Hapi, the focus is on moving the right data to the right place, at the right time, making it accessible across the organization. This enables automations, better decision-making, and more guest-focused service. Conversations on this topic were recently held at HITEC with The Modern Hotelier.

💻 Jun 30, 2026: Google uses Gemini to find hotels, linking users to Google Hotels or direct booking pages instead of completing transactions. The GDS system, running for 40 years, uses "pull" technology for real-time bookings, unlike "push" methods like DirectBooker. Structured data from GDS includes a payment settlement layer standardized by HEDNA, HTNG, and OpenTravel. Google's advertising model conflicts with building a neutral booking system, leaving space for others to develop AI-native distribution systems.

📅 June 30, 2026, Japan: Trip.com's AI data shows that two-thirds of pre-booking queries are about conditions like baggage or cancellation, not price. Over three years, real-time use for issues like menu translation and local navigation has surged. The AI's job is moving from discovery to decision-making, shortening hotel browsing sessions significantly. Clear, accessible policies win bookings, highlighting the importance of transparency over vague terms for hotels.

🏨 David Millili, Jon Bumhoffer, and Steve Carran conducted interviews at HITEC this week. Ryan King from Shiji Group emphasized technology aiding hotel staff. Tim Major, CEO of Operto, discussed challenges in maintaining direct bookings. Will Gilbert from Bodhi highlighted the need for practical AI solutions. Anthony Vita from Revenue Analytics stressed advanced demand forecasting. Jeff Bzdawka from Hapi elaborated on system integration for cleaner hotel operations data. Modern Hotelier Media transforms event content for extended engagement.

📹 David, Jon, and Steve hosted Philip von Ditfurth and Florian Montag from Apaleo in a recent HITEC episode to discuss hotel tech flexibility. Apaleo supports hoteliers with adaptable tech ecosystems, enhancing operations and guest experiences. CitizenM hotels exemplify tech-driven experiences by prioritizing guest needs over technology for its own sake. The episode highlights the importance of purposeful technology in improving staff efficiency and guest satisfaction. Contact The Modern Hotelier at [email protected] for collaboration. #TheModernHotelier #Podcast #Media