Guest Post

🌍 In January 2025, Benidorm launched the first digital twin of a tourist destination using Mirai Maps, integrating hotels, restaurants, and leisure services into one interactive experience. Digital twins, distinct from static virtual tours, offer dynamic, changing reflections of real environments. According to Expedia Group’s 2025 research, 71% of travelers are influenced by video content, with 88% planning leisure trips within the year. Digital twins reduce uncertainty, enhancing travel confidence and decision-making.

🏨 Across Europe, ageing hotels are being converted into tech-enabled serviced apartments due to rising construction costs, operational inefficiencies, and evolving guest expectations. These conversions, driven by companies like Bob W, offer self-service flexibility, reducing labour and operational costs. Serviced apartments yield better returns than traditional hotels, especially in Germany and the Nordics. Conversions are quicker and cheaper than new builds, offering both financial and environmental benefits, and align well with today’s digital-savvy travelers' preferences.

🏨 The short-term rental industry is at a crossroads. AI is automating tasks like marketing and guest messaging, impacting operator decisions. One path focuses on cost reduction and efficiency, leading to commoditization, while the other emphasizes personalized experiences, enhancing brand value. Investing in hospitality can boost repeat bookings from 5% to 18%, as shown in an analysis of 230,000 bookings. Operators achieving 28% direct repeat bookings can surpass the 9% on platforms like Airbnb, thus improving economic outcomes.