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Kate Harden-England

11 posts

Amadeus acquires SkyLink to accelerate the deployment of AI in travel

🛫 Amadeus has acquired AI-first U.S. technology firm SkyLink to enhance corporate travel solutions. SkyLink, known for its AI architecture and chat platform integration, adds value to Amadeus' strategy by supporting Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and expanding in North America. Amadeus plans to broaden AI capabilities across airlines, airports, and hospitality, leveraging its global scale and integrated business logic. Founded in 1987, Amadeus emphasizes reliability and innovation in the travel industry.
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Only 12% of airlines tie AI to revenue growth, finds Accenture

🚀 Accenture's study highlights a lag in AI adoption in aviation compared to other sectors. 58% of airlines use AI on outdated systems, and only 12% link AI to revenue growth. In contrast, 100% of Consumer Goods and Retail leaders see AI as strategic, with nearly half running over 10 initiatives. Only 44% of airlines have deployed AI, mostly as small pilots. 61% of airlines lack agentic AI projects, while 98% of Consumer Goods and Retail have 1-5 pilots.
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Casago founder Steve Schwab steps down as CEO to chair Board

📈 Casago's CEO, Steve Schwab, will step down near the end of the year. Schwab will chair the Board to focus on long-term strategy and franchise community engagement. Joe Riley, the current president, will become CEO in October, marking a strategic transition with Schwab as chairman. Schwab has led Casago for 25 years, building a significant presence in holiday rentals and property management. The transition period aims to ensure a seamless leadership change.
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RMS expands RMS Pay further

💸 Australian firm RMS launches automated invoicing and Advanced Payment Schedules for properties with high transaction volumes, like hotels and serviced apartments. This automation, integrated with GoCardless, triggers collections via saved credit cards, RMS PayByLink, or Direct Debit, reducing manual tasks and missed payments. Cameron Gough, RMS’s chief product officer, highlights enhanced cash flow control and reduced no-shows. This solution aids long-stay accommodations and corporate housing by facilitating structured payment plans and recurring billing.
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Journey integrates with TablePath to bring dining into booking flow

📅 Journey and TablePath integrate in 2023 to enhance hotel retailing by merging dining with room and spa bookings. Simon Bullingham, Journey's CEO, aims to market the full hotel experience, while Martin Poucher of TablePath highlights their platform's support for over a million bookings monthly. This collaboration seeks to streamline the guest experience across hundreds of restaurants and hotels.
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TMCs prioritise programme simplification, research reveals

🛫 42% of European travel managers struggle to access necessary data, while only 16% use it effectively. In 2026, 60% aim to simplify their programs due to clunky workflows, with 44% citing inefficient processes. 42% find opaque pricing models challenging to explain, and 36% book off-platform for lower prices. TMC bookings see a 15% decrease in traveler confidence. The study surveyed 120 managers across the UK and Europe, emphasizing a move towards transparent fee structures and automated workflows.
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Holiday rental group Awaze launches app within ChatGPT for traveller ease

📱 Awaze, Europe's largest holiday rental provider, launched an app on OpenAI’s ChatGPT for booking UK cottages, reflecting rising demand for AI travel planning. Consumers describe ideal breaks, like a dog-friendly cottage with a hot tub, to get tailored results. Awaze's £45m annual tech investment enabled rapid app development. Over the past year, Awaze built digital foundations and released eight new apps, enhancing booking experiences and supporting property owners through AI tools.
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